The Real Estate Board of New York to The Department of Buildings on Sidewalk Shed Design Proposed Rules

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The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) is the City's leading real estate trade association representing commercial, residential, and institutional property owners, builders, managers, investors, brokers, salespeople, and other organizations and individuals active in New York City real estate. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments to the Department of Buildings (DOB) on the proposed rules regarding sidewalk shed designs.

REBNY supports DOB's proposal to establish standardized sidewalk shed design packages. Providing additional design options has the potential to improve sidewalk access, visibility, and the overall streetscape while maintaining appropriate safety protections. Standardized designs may also help provide greater consistency and predictability for owners, contractors, design professionals, and the Department.

However, REBNY encourages DOB to consider the potential costs associated with implementing new shed designs. While the economics of the proposed designs have yet to be fully determined, changes in materials and construction methods such as moving from traditional plywood to metal grading or translucent panels could result in higher upfront costs. These costs could present a barrier to adoption for some property owners, particularly before a particular design is produced at scale and becomes more widely available. DOB should therefore ensure that the new standards provide flexibility and do not inadvertently make sidewalk shed installation more costly or burdensome.

REBNY also encourages DOB to provide clear guidance regarding the use of the design packages, project-specific requirements, field modifications, alternative materials, and inspection procedures. A straightforward and predictable process will be important to ensuring that the new designs can be implemented efficiently, and that unforeseen site conditions can be addressed without unnecessary delays.

Finally, DOB should consider an appropriate transition period and provide sufficient implementation guidance for projects already in design or undergoing permitting. These steps will help owners, contractors, and design professionals become familiar with the new requirements and avoid disruptions to ongoing work.

REBNY appreciates the Department's efforts to improve sidewalk shed designs and enhance the pedestrian experience while preserving public safety. We encourage the department to continue engaging with stakeholders to ensure that the proposed rule achieves its intended benefits in a
practical and cost-effective manner.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to continued dialogue with the Department and to partnering with the agency on outreach and education once final rules are adopted.

CONTACTS:
Maddie DeCerbo
Senior Director of Urban Planning
Real Estate Board of New York
[email protected]