The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) announced on the 19th that the number of sidewalk sheds in the city has fallen by about 1,200, or more than 15%, since January. Two new designs with transparent roofs have been installed outside DOB headquarters, and the city plans to finalize rules before the end of the year so they can be used citywide.
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) said on the 19th that the number of sidewalk sheds across the five boroughs has fallen by about 1,200 since January, a decline of more than 15% in 10 months. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg and DOB Commissioner Ahmed Tigani made the announcement together.
Two new sidewalk shed designs by architecture firm PAU have been installed on the sidewalk outside DOB headquarters in Lower Manhattan. The Baseline Shed, which comes in heavy-duty and lightweight versions, features a transparent polycarbonate roof and a sloped roof that let in sunlight and keep ground-floor shops visible. The Speed Shed, designed for lightweight use, has a falling-debris netting roof and detachable wheels so it can be moved easily. The designs are owned by New York City and can be freely copied and used by anyone.
Two designs by architecture and engineering firm Arup were unveiled earlier this summer, and Arup's designs were named to TIME's "Best Inventions of 2026." DOB plans to finalize rules allowing the new designs to be used citywide before the end of this year.
Under Local Laws 48 and 51 of 2025, the city has shortened permit renewal cycles and strengthened penalties for sheds left standing with no construction under way. It has also created new rules to reduce the area covered by sheds on large sites, such as New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments and college campuses, where structures can cover open space far from buildings. DOB said the display outside its Lower Manhattan headquarters will continue for the next few weeks so the public can see the new designs in person.