A street that is temporarily closed to vehicles to allow for a range of car-free activities that support local businesses and create public space.

• Maintain a clear 15 foot emergency lane at all times for vehicle access.

• All furniture and materials and programming must be at least 15 feet from a hydrant and 8 feet from a crosswalk.

• All materials must be removed from the expanded area during off hours, no permanent structures can be built or placed in the roadway unless the business has a permit to do so (ex: Open Dining permit).

• Sidewalks, including pedestrian ramps and curb cuts, must remain accessible at all times.

• Collapsible tents/umbrellas must have a weighted base and be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions. Single tents, or tents tied together, cannot exceed 400 square feet in size.

• The Open Street will close during inclement weather, such as flooding and high wind conditions. You will receive notifications of the closure by e-mail.

Depending on availability, DOT can provide free movable furniture for your business. To make a request, email ops@les.nyc with your:

• Desired delivery date and time;

• Name and phone number;

• Delivery address;

• Quantity.

To create a safe car-free space, vehicle access on the route is limited to emergency vehicles or vehicles with a valid parking permit for people with disabilities.

If at all possible, avoid trips and deliveries during hours of operation.

The Department of Transportation requires organizations to submit an application to the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) for any planned activity, workshop, program, market, festival and celebration on an Open Street.

You can learn more about event permitting at nyc.gov/SAPO.

Restaurants operating in the roadway during Open Streets hours do not need a permit.

Restaurants that would like to install permanent sidewalk cafes and/or dining sheds must apply for a permit at diningoutnyc.info.