A New Look for NYC: What Local Law 47 of 2025 Means for Sidewalk Sheds

New York City’s iconic sidewalk sheds have long been a source of frustration for residents and business owners. While essential for protecting pedestrians during building repairs and facade inspections, their prolonged presence often creates dark, claustrophobic walkways and can negatively impact street-level businesses.

However, a new chapter is beginning for these ubiquitous structures. Local Law 47 of 2025, part of a larger legislative package passed by the City Council, is designed to usher in a new era of more aesthetically pleasing and temporary sidewalk sheds. Here’s a breakdown of what this law means for the city’s streetscape:

Local Law 47 directly addresses the “tunnel effect” of traditional sheds by requiring the Department of Buildings (DOB) to study and recommend new, improved designs by September 30, 2025. The goal is to find designs that are less obtrusive and more visually appealing without compromising safety.

The law also introduces immediate changes to how sheds look and feel:

• Expanded Color Palette: Goodbye, hunter green! While still an option, building owners can now choose from a broader range of colors, including metallic gray and white, or a color that matches the building’s facade. Construction fences on the same project must also match the shed’s color.
• Taller Passageways: The minimum clear height for a shed’s passageway has been raised from 8 feet to 12 feet. This creates a more open and airy experience for pedestrians and allows more natural light to reach the sidewalk.
• Enhanced Lighting: Local Law 47, along with Local Law 50 of 2025, mandates brighter, more efficient LED lighting under sheds. The required illumination level has been increased, and the law includes provisions to prevent light from shining directly into adjacent residential windows.

Local Law 47 is a key part of the city’s “Get Sheds Down” initiative. By focusing on design and aesthetics, the law encourages building owners to invest in structures that are less of an eyesore. It also directs the DOB to publicize rules for alternatives to traditional sheds, such as containment netting, where appropriate.

This legislation, combined with other new laws that shorten permit durations and introduce escalating penalties for prolonged sheds, sends a clear message: the days of indefinite scaffolding are coming to an end. This new approach aims to balance public safety with the quality of life for New Yorkers, promising a “new look” for the city’s sidewalks.

At Ethos PM Group, we stay ahead of these evolving regulations to ensure your projects are managed efficiently and in full compliance. We work with building owners to implement the latest requirements for your sidewalk shed, facade, and other capital improvements, minimizing project timelines and ensuring your property remains a valuable asset to the community. Contact us to learn how we can help you navigate these changes and complete your project seamlessly.