Studying sidewalk shed designs and improving the aesthetics of existing sidewalk sheds.

This bill would require the Department of Buildings (“DOB”) to complete a study and recommend to the Council the use of new sidewalk shed designs by September 30, 2025. Additionally, this bill would require DOB to promulgate rules for the use of containment netting as a sidewalk shed alternative. This bill would also expand the allowable color palette of sidewalk sheds beyond hunter green, to include metallic gray, white, or a color matching the façade, trim, cornice, or roof of the building; corresponding construction fences would be required to match the color of the sidewalk shed. Finally, this bill would increase the size of lighting installed beneath sidewalk sheds, particularly for sheds covering subway entrances, bus shelters, or other transit facilities, and increase the minimum height of sidewalk sheds to 12 feet, with a lower height allowed in areas where egress, light, or ventilation would be obstructed.