E 23rd Street, Manhattan
New York City’s streets host a wide variety of elements, from bike racks to bus shelters, designed to enhance pedestrian comfort, provide information and services, and encourage walking, biking, and transit use. Street furniture must be durable, well-designed, and should visually complement the surrounding streetscape. Additionally, these elements should be carefully placed to avoid clutter, as DOT generally discourages the installation of street furniture and other permanent objects where they may restrict pedestrian circulation or detract from the visual quality of the street.
Light poles, WalkNYC wayfinding signs, seating, and other fixed elements play a vital, supporting role in the City's streetscape. Consistency in the design of these varied elements is crucial, ensuring they not only serve their function but also integrate seamlessly into the urban environment. Street furniture should also be designed to accommodate a wide range of potential users, taking into account factors such as interface height, the force needed to operate features, color contrast with surrounding materials, and the need for a clear path for pedestrians.
When installing street furniture, it’s important to be mindful of property lines. Property boundaries must be determined by consulting existing surveys or by retaining licensed surveyors, as buildings or other outdoor structures may not always align with private property boundaries.
This chapter describes the design and siting guidelines for street furniture. Advertising is not allowed on furnishings installed within the right-of-way, unless specifically noted (i.e. Newsstands, Bus Shelters, LinkNYC, etc.).
To learn more about siting furnishings on our streets that are not maintained by DOT or other city agencies, review External Projects (Initiated Outside DOT).