After walking under countless scaffolded sidewalks littered with trash, blessing others as shelter in an unexpected rainstorm, and standing on surprisingly pleasant sidewalks after scaffolding disappeared, I started investigating why there was so much scaffolding, a.k.a. Sidewalk sheds, in New York.
This Hustle piece was my starting point: Why So Many New York City Sidewalks are Covered in Scaffolding.
If you want to check out the most up-to-date map of city scaffolding–here is the city’s database for Active Sidewalk Shed Permits.
There was a mock award ceremony for the longest standing sidewalk sheds called the Sheddie Awards.
For a long time, there was only one city-approved alternative to the ugly green sidewalk sheds–Urban Umbrella. However, the city did pass a law this spring directing the DOB to study and publish new regulations by Sept. 30, 2025 on acceptable alternative scaffolding designs and colors.
A few recommended improvements to scaffolding laws include:
Extending inspection intervals for newer buildings, particularly for those with exteriors less likely to be crumbling, and for buildings that have just completed extensive facade repairs. The city has passed a law requiring the Department of Buildings (DOB) to study and extend the timeline from 5 years to an interval of 6-12 years. Predictable intervals based on building age, material, and last renovation date would be ideal.
Expanding permitted drone use in facade inspection and repair could cut costs, speed up work, and potentially facilitate earlier, targeted repairs.
