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Street Works & Franchises

Street and Construction Permits

Street Works Manual

DOT publishes the Street Works Manual, a resource for everyone that performs work in New York City streets, from utilities and contractors installing, replacing and repairing underground infrastructure to developers replacing roadways and sidewalks adjacent to building sites and homeowners performing their own sidewalk repairs. The manual covers advance planning of construction projects, all construction-related DOT permits, and how and when to obtain these permits
Visit the Street Works Manual

DOT issues over 150 different types of sidewalk and roadway construction permits to utilities, contractors, government agencies and homeowners. Permits cover activities such as street openings, sidewalk construction and installing canopies over sidewalks.
Apply for a street or sidewalk construction permit
Request a confirmation number for a protected street permit
Check the status of active street construction permits
Download a brochure on Excavation Safety Alerts (pdf)
Learn about reducing emissions (Local Law 77)

Plans and Guidelines for Sidewalks, Curbs, and Roadways

Owners developing property are required to have a sidewalk, curb and paved roadway along the public right-of-way abutting the property. The Instructions for Filing Plans and Guidelines for the Design of Sidewalks, Curbs, Roadways and Other Infrastructure Components (pdf) describe the documentation that must be submitted to the satisfaction of DOT.

Commercial Refuse Container Permits

DOT requires carting companies to obtain a permit for each commercial refuse container placed on a city street. The commercial refuse container permit allows DOT to track placement of containers, preventing conflicts with scheduled construction work or special events. This permit requirement does not apply to containers used for construction activity for which a separate DOT or Department of Buildings permit is required.
Login to apply for a permit
Learn more by reading the Frequently Asked Questions

Construction Embargoes & Protected Streets

If DOT declares a construction embargo, only emergency work may be performed in the affected area during the embargo.
List of embargoes

Streets that have been resurfaced or reconstructed in the last five years are protected from street openings, except for emergency work. DOT publishes future protected streets to assist in planning work.
Current list of protected streets

Permit Enforcement

DOT enforces the laws and rules that govern the way utilities, plumbers, contractors, other governmental agencies, and property owners perform work on the City's sidewalks, roadways and highways. DOT's inspectors also review work sites for compliance with permit stipulations, and issue violations when they find non-compliance with the laws and rules.
Learn more

Overdimensional Permits

DOT issues permits that allow overdimensional vehicles to travel on New York City streets.
Learn more about truck restrictions and permits

Banner Permits

Apply to install a banner promoting a public event or a cultural exhibit on any DOT property, including street lights.
Learn more

Adopt-A-Highway

The Adopt-A-Highway program is a tax-deductible way for you to market your business or organization to thousands of people a day while giving back to your community.
Learn More

Franchises, Concessions & Consents

DOT issues concessions and revocable consents to occupy or use space on, over or under the City streets and sidewalks. Example uses include steam pipes, accessibility ramps and bus shelters.
Learn more about Franchises, Concessions & Consents

NYC Business Owners Bill of Rights

The City of New York provides certain rights to business owners regarding customer service, permits and inspections.
Learn more


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