Legislation Details

File #: Int 0894-2026    Version: Name: Vertical winterization coverings for sidewalk cafes.
Type: Introduction Status: Laid Over in Committee
Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
On agenda: 5/14/2026
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to vertical winterization coverings for sidewalk cafes
Sponsors: Gale A. Brewer, Farah N. Louis, Phil Wong , Justin E. Sanchez, Crystal Hudson
Council Member Sponsors: 5
Summary: This bill would allow sidewalk cafe operators to enclose their year-round sidewalk cafes annually from November 30 through March 31. The bill also permits weather protection materials that may be used at other times during the year, which DOT shall prescribe by rule.
Indexes: Agency Rule-making Required
Attachments: 1. Summary of Int. No. 894-A, 2. Summary of Int. No. 894, 3. Int. No. 894, 4. Memorandum in Support, 5. May 14, 2026 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 6. Fiscal Impact Statement - City Council, 7. Committee Report 6/25/26, 8. Hearing Testimony 6/25/26, 9. Proposed Int. No. 894-A - 8/6/26, 10. Proposed Int. No. 894-A Fiscal Impact Statement - City Council

Proposed Int. No. 894-A

 

By Council Members Brewer, Louis, Wong, J. Sanchez and Hudson

 

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to vertical winterization coverings for sidewalk cafes

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. Paragraph 2 of subdivision b of section 19-160 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as amended by a local law for the year 2026 amending the administrative code of the city of New York, relating to expanding access to roadway cafes, as proposed in introduction number 655-A, is amended to read as follows:

2. A sidewalk cafe, other than an enclosed sidewalk cafe, shall be open-air and [shall] contain only readily removable tables, chairs, and other removable decorative items as [set forth in such] described in rules promulgated by the department, except that: (i) from November 30 to March 31 inclusive, the operator of a sidewalk cafe may, in accordance with such rules, equip such a cafe with a readily removable vertical winterization covering that may be attached to an overhead covering, or to an awning, either of which may be affixed to a building, provided that such overhead covering or awning complies with the requirements for an awning in the New York city construction codes and any requirement of the landmarks preservation commission, as applicable; and (ii) the department may promulgate rules to allow the use of readily removable vertical protective coverings and overhead coverings in other circumstances that the department determines warrants the temporary use of such vertical protective coverings and overhead coverings.

§ 2. This local law takes effect on the same date that a local law for the year 2026 amending the administrative code of the city of New York, relating to expanding access to roadway cafes, as proposed in introduction number 655-A, takes effect. 

 

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LS #21857

8/5/26 8:30PM