New York City is rolling out a major redesign of sidewalk sheds in an effort to clean up streetscapes, cut visual clutter and speed up building repairs across the five boroughs.
Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo on Tuesday introduced six new shed models that can replace the long-criticized green scaffolding that has dominated city sidewalks for decades. The updated designs prioritize safety, sunlight and aesthetics, officials said.
“For too long, scaffolding and outdated and cumbersome sidewalk sheds have blocked sunlight, hurt small businesses, and cluttered our neighborhoods, but today marks a major step forward in our mission to reimagine New York City’s streetscape,” said Adams.
Alongside the new designs, the city also released recommendations from the first engineering study to ever analyze the Façade Inspection & Safety Program.
The study proposes updates that could reduce reliance on sheds without compromising safety, potentially eliminating the need for mandatory scaffolding when risks are low. New enforcement measures tied to these reforms will take effect in early 2026.
Adams said the redesigned sheds aim to reclaim streets and sidewalks that have been overshadowed by bulky structures for years, proving “safety and good design can go hand in hand.”
City officials emphasized that the upgrades will improve walkability, support small businesses and bring more light back to street level.
Going forward, DOB will be working with Arup and Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), two design firms, to make all six of these designs available for public use through the agency rulemaking process. Registered design professionals will be able to easily obtain permits for these designs through DOB’s Professional Certification program, much in the same way that they currently obtain permits for the old hunter green pipe-and-plywood sheds.
The city expects to see these new designs on city sidewalks as early as 2026.
