Sidewalk Shed Monitoring and Removal - Buildings

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Specialty Units


Sidewalk Shed Monitoring & Removal

Operating within the Façade & Local Law Unit, the Sidewalk Shed Monitoring and Removal (SSMR) unit, constitutes a critical component of the Structural Engineering Compliance (SEC) division within the New York City Department of Buildings Bureau of Enforcement. SSMR's primary mandate is to address buildings that have maintained a sidewalk shed on their premises for a duration exceeding 5 years or those buildings featuring long-standing shed installations. These sheds typically indicate a lapse in building maintenance or an interruption in façade alteration projects. Consequently, building owners have erected these structures to safeguard public safety.

The Mayor’s Initiative

On July 24, 2023, Mayor Adams announced an initiative aimed at the removal of long-standing sidewalk sheds within the City of New York via a live press conference and accompanying press release. The initiative, titleted Get Sheds Down plan, seeks to address the presence of unsightly sidewalk sheds, particularly those that have remained in place for extended periods. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of property owners maintaining their buildings and promptly removing long-standing sheds from their premises to enhance safety and aesthetic appeal within the City.

What does SSMR?

The SSMR team focuses on buildings that have had sidewalk sheds installed for over 5 years, indicating either a lack of maintenance by the building owner or stalled façade alteration work. These sheds serve as protective barriers for pedestrians, indicating potential hazards above. Our inspectorial staff conducts mandated, proactive inspections to assess the condition of building facades with long-standing sheds.

Safety is our top priority. Long-standing sidewalk sheds may signify underlying structural issues or neglected maintenance, posing risks to public safety. By identifying these structures and initiating legal proceedings against non-compliant building owners, we aim to ensure that necessary maintenance is completed promptly, leading to the removal of sidewalk sheds and the restoration of our cityscape.

Contact Us

280 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 393-2551
Email: ssmr@buildings.nyc.gov

Helpful Links

Map of active sidewalk sheds (by permit and age)

Buildings Bulletin 2023-006

Get Sheds Down Initiative

Get more information onSidewalk Sheds

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