Review & Approval Process

Review Section 2-09 of Title 34 of the RCNY for requirements related to sidewalk, curb, and roadway work.

For more information on sidewalk, curb, or roadway permits, reviews, and approvals, including instructions for Filing Plans and Guidelines for the Design of Sidewalks, Curbs, Roadways, and Other Infrastructure Components, review DOT’s Street Works Manual.

Installation or improvement of sidewalks associated with the construction of a new building or an alteration that would result in a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy must be reviewed and approved by DOB through a Builder’s Pavement Plan. All other sidewalk, curb, and roadway work is permitted by DOT.

Parkside Houses, Bronx
Warren Street, Manhattan

Sidewalk Review Process

The review and approval process for sidewalks and curbs depends on various factors such as where the project is located, the existing and proposed materials, and the status of prior approvals. DOT has developed the following diagrams to assist in navigating the review process.

See the Sidewalk Review Process for Standard Sidewalk Materials diagram [PDF] for information on the review process when the existing sidewalk is made of a standard material.

Standard Sidewalk Materials Review Diagram

Distinctive Sidewalks

Proposals for Distinctive material must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Encompass an entire block,
  • Pertain to a streetscape project,
  • Feature a design integral to an adjacent open plaza space, or
  • Be compatible with the prevailing material on blocks adjacent to the site for which it is proposed

DOT reviews the proposal for consistency with this Manual and for compliance with the criteria listed above. If the proposal does not satisfy these requirements, DOT may require design revisions or reject the proposal.

PDC reviews the proposal for its aesthetic impact on the streetscape and conformance with the criteria listed above. PDC strongly discourages proposals for piecemeal treatments. For more information on PDC’s guidelines, visit the PDC website.

Sidewalks in Historic Districts:

Pursuant to Section 2-19 of Title 63 of the RCNY, LPC has established a list of historic districts where paving was a significant feature and where sufficient historic or tinted paving remains to convey this historic condition (“Historic District: Regulated Sidewalk Material”). LPC updates this list as new districts are designated. Sidewalk work in these areas will require approval from LPC prior to the start of construction. Historic materials are considered Standard and will require less review. Sidewalk work in all other designated historic districts (“Historic District: Non-Regulated Sidewalk Material”) does not require LPC approval. DOT generally requires pigmented concrete with saw-cut joints. Historic materials used outside of historic districts are considered Distinctive and therefore require PDC approval.

See the Sidewalk Review Process for Distinctive Sidewalk Materials diagram [PDF] for information on the review process when the existing sidewalk is made of distinctive material.

Distinctive Sidewalk Review Diagram

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