File #: Int 0018-2026    Version: Name: A pilot program for power washing machines to clean sidewalk surfaces in commercial corridors.
Type: Introduction Status: Enacted (Mayor's Desk for Signature)
Committee: Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management
On agenda: 1/29/2026
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law in relation to a pilot program for power washing machines to clean sidewalk surfaces in commercial corridors
Sponsors: Shaun Abreu, Farah N. Louis, Elsie Encarnación, Eric Dinowitz, Frank Morano, Inna Vernikov
Council Member Sponsors: 6
Summary: This bill would require that by April 1, 2027, the New York City Department of Sanitation (“DSNY”) implement a pilot program for the use of power washing machines to clean and remove odors and spills from sidewalk surfaces in commercial corridors. DSNY would be required to select a pilot program location in each borough, for a 5-block distance on streets with access to mass transit and high pedestrian traffic. The bill would also require DSNY to report on such pilot program by December 1, 2027.
Indexes: Report Required, Sunset Date Applies
Attachments: 1. Summary of Int. No. 18-A, 2. Summary of Int. No. 18, 3. Int. No. 18, 4. January 29, 2026 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 5. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 1-29-26, 6. Committee Report 1/30/26, 7. Hearing Testimony 1/30/26, 8. Hearing Transcript 1/30/26, 9. Fiscal Impact Statement - City Council, 10. Proposed Int. No. 18-A - 2/10/26, 11. Committee Report 2/11/26, 12. Hearing Transcript 2/11/26, 13. Committee Report - Stated Meeting, 14. Int. No. 18 (FINAL)
Date Ver.Prime SponsorAction ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsMultimedia
2/12/2026AShaun Abreu City Council Sent to Mayor by Council  Action details Meeting details Not available
2/12/2026AShaun Abreu City Council Approved by CouncilPass Action details Meeting details Not available
2/11/2026*Shaun Abreu Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Hearing Held by Committee  Action details Meeting details Not available
2/11/2026*Shaun Abreu Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Amendment Proposed by Comm  Action details Meeting details Not available
2/11/2026*Shaun Abreu Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Amended by Committee  Action details Meeting details Not available
2/11/2026AShaun Abreu Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Approved by CommitteePass Action details Meeting details Not available
1/30/2026*Shaun Abreu Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Hearing Held by Committee  Action details Meeting details Not available
1/30/2026*Shaun Abreu Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management Laid Over by Committee  Action details Meeting details Not available
1/29/2026*Shaun Abreu City Council Referred to Comm by Council  Action details Meeting details Not available
1/20/2026*Shaun Abreu City Council Introduced by Council  Action details Meeting details Not available

Int. No. 18-A

 

By Council Members Abreu, Louis, Encarnación, Dinowitz, Morano and Vernikov

 

A Local Law in relation to a pilot program for power washing machines to clean sidewalk surfaces in commercial corridors

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. a. Definitions. For purposes of this local law, the following terms have the following meanings:

Block. The term “block” means that portion of the sidewalk between the property line and the curb, running the length of each side of a street, between the boundaries of the corner areas at either end.

Power washing machine. The term “power washing machine” means a machine that uses a high-pressure stream of heated water to remove dirt and debris from outdoor surfaces.

Sidewalk. The term “sidewalk” has the same meaning as set forth in section 19-101 of the administrative code of the city of New York.

b. Pilot program development. No later than April 1, 2027, the department of sanitation shall establish a pilot program for the use of power washing machines to clean and remove odors and spills from sidewalks in a commercial corridor. Such pilot program shall have a duration of no less than 6 months. The department of sanitation, in consultation with the department of environmental protection, shall select no less than 1 location per borough for the pilot program. Each such location shall consist of no less than 5 contiguous blocks of a street with access to mass transit and high levels of pedestrian traffic. Such pilot program shall comply with rules of the department of environmental protection regarding disposal of wastewater.

c. Reporting. No later than December 1, 2027, the department of sanitation shall submit to the mayor and the speaker of the council a report on the power washing pilot program. Such report shall include an evaluation of the power washing pilot program and recommendations regarding whether to expand such program.

                     § 2. This local law takes effect immediately, and expires and is deemed repealed upon submission of the department of sanitation’s report to the mayor and the speaker of the council pursuant to subdivision c of section one of this local law.

MB

LS #14378/17415

Int. #1278-2025

02/04/2026, 5:44pm