Requiring that sidewalk sheds are constructed using an alternative to cross-braced scaffolds to provide greater sidewalk access and safety.

A Local Law to amend the New York city building code, in relation to requiring that sidewalk sheds are constructed using an alternative to cross-braced scaffolds to provide greater sidewalk access and safety

This bill would amend the building code to require that sidewalk sheds installed after June 1, 2019 comply with new design requirements. Specifically, it would require new design elements for sidewalk sheds including (1) the use of light-transmitting plastic material to construct the sidewalk shed; (2) the elimination of braces below a height of 8 feet above the sidewalk; (3) the use of adjustable feet that pivot as part of the vertical beams supporting the sidewalk shed; and (4) the installation of LED lights to fulfill the lighting requirements of sidewalk sheds. The new criteria would not apply to sidewalk sheds that are installed before June 1, 2019 but would affect sidewalk sheds for which renewal permits are sought after such date.