General Information on Newsstands

The approved street furniture franchise newsstand is available in multiple lengths and widths to accommodate varying site conditions. To maintain appropriate proportions, the Public Design Commission generally recommends the following dimensions:

• 4' x 8', 4' x 10';
• 5' x 10', 5' x 12' (although 8' L is acceptable when site conditions dictate);
• 6' x 12' (although 10' L is acceptable when site conditions dictate).

When selecting newsstand locations, applicants are encouraged to consider the impact of the newsstand dimensions on the visual corridor of the overall streetscape. The Commission supports the use of:

• 6' W newsstand on sidewalks ≥ 25' W;
• 5' W newsstands on sidewalks ≥ 19' W;
• 4' W newsstands on sidewalks < 19' W.

In general, the recommended dimensions above will result in a newsstand that occupies no more than 25 percent of the width of the sidewalk. However, each site is unique and therefore newsstand locations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Commission strongly discourages locations that:

• contribute to visual clutter;
• create a street wall at the curb;
• block views of artwork or landmarked structures;
• block sightlines to major parks;
• block sightlines through an arcade;
• block open views of public plazas;
• block sightlines of major thoroughfares; or
• result in three or more newsstands at an intersection.

The Commission does not generally reconsider previously rejected locations unless the applicant illustrates that the site conditions that the Commission considered in making its initial determination have changed.