External Projects (Initiated Outside DOT)

Projects originating outside DOT may be pursued by a variety of “Outside Entities” including other agencies or governmental bodies such as Parks, EDC, or the MTA; community organizations such as a Business Improvement District, local development corporation, or neighborhood association; or private entities such as a developer or property owner. 

In each case the goals of the project may vary as well as the scope and scale of impact to the ROW. While the Outside Entity leading the project may impact aspects of project review and execution, the type of project or work being proposed generally determines the review requirements. 
 

The following sections cover typical project types and their associated review and process requirements broadly.

Capital Street Reconstruction (Streets, Public Spaces, etc.)

While not as common, when an Outside Entity pursues full street reconstruction, DOT expects the same level of design development, design review, and overall execution as if the project were a Capital Project being pursued by DOT and DDC.

DOT encourages Outside Entities to reach out to the appropriate Borough Commissioners office at the outset of project development to ensure a coordinated review. For projects being led by non-City agencies, a project-level agreement may be required to outline the scope and responsibilities of the parties. For all street reconstruction projects, DOT expects to receive submissions of project materials at certain stages. DOT will coordinate review among internal units to ensure conformance with appropriate standards and guidelines. Please note the Schematic Geometric Design, 30%, and 75% Total Design stages are generally iterative, requiring multiple submissions to address and resolve comments.

Required DOT Reviews and Submissions for Street Reconstruction

In addition to the above reviews, the Outside Entity leading the project will be responsible for coordinating reviews by other agencies (City, State, and Federal), private utilities, as well as the community board or other required community engagement. PDC or LPC review may also be required and should be coordinated with DOT as needed. If reconstruction is occurring on or near a bridge structure, additional reviews and coordination will be necessary with DOT’s Division of Bridges.

Builders Pavement Plan (BPP) or Sidewalks, Curbs, and Roadways Application (SCARA)

DOT has jurisdiction over all sidewalks and streets along public right of way. Adjacent property owners must maintain them and ensure they are built to DOT standards. All work in the ROW will require a DOT permit.

Per NYC Administrative Code 28-108.1 and 28-108.2, BPP projects are required for new building or alteration projects generating a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy. For alterations or renovations where street infrastructure is not suitable, BPP is also required per 28-108.3. DOB will primarily review and approve BPP projects if DOT standards are followed. Deviations require a waiver and DOT review.

BPP projects will generally require reconstructing adjacent sidewalks and half the roadway plus 5 feet. On protected streets, the entire roadway may need reconstruction. Work at intersections or midblock crossings will trigger pedestrian ramp and Accessible Pedestrian Signals installation requirements.

DOT encourages Outside Entities to rebuild painted spaces in permanent materials. Changes to geometry may require drainage or utility work. Signage installations should coordinate with DOT Sign Sales.

Projects pursuing waivers will have varying review requirements:

• For curb alignment changes, review Geometry: Design Process.
• For distinctive sidewalks, review Materials: Review and Approval Process.
• For encroachments, review Revocable Consent.
• For curb cuts deviating from standards, swept path analysis and review may be required.

DOT permits BPP work once approved by DOB. Deviations without waivers require Post Approval Amendments (PAA) to address DOT objections.

Where BPP is not required, a SCARA filing is typically required. Refer to the Guidelines for Design of Sidewalks, Curbs, Roadways, and Other Infrastructure Components.

Revocable Consent Process

The City grants revocable consent to use structures on, over, or under City property. The City may revoke consent at any time. PDC or LPC review may be required.

DOT advises Outside Entities to start this process early, typically taking one year. The process begins with a draft petition, followed by technical review, agency and community board review, PDC/LPC review, public hearing, and final execution.

Security structures follow a different process.

Other Streetscape Features

Outside Entities wishing to install specific streetscape elements should consult DOT early. Most furnishings and landscape elements require less intensive review. Structures permitted as Revocable Consent follow that process. Unlisted features will require PDC or LPC review and maintenance agreements.

Typical Streetscape Feature Review Processes:

• Distinctive Lighting – review Street Lighting: Review Process.
• Distinctive Sidewalks – review Materials: Review and Approval Process.
• Planters – review Permanent Planters.
• Memorials, Markers, and Signage:
  • DOT does not maintain but will permit installation.
  • Proposals must meet PDC or LPC criteria.
  • Content must be vetted by subject matter expert.
  • Community Board approval required.
  • PDC or LPC approval required.
  • Maintenance or revocable consent agreement required.

Relocating existing infrastructure is discouraged. DOT approval is required.

Zoning

Work in the right-of-way may be required due to zoning or land use applications filed with DCP. Requirements may include street trees, sidewalk widenings, or street end reconstruction. Refer to DCP’s website.

Land use actions considered by DCP are subject to CEQR. Applicants are responsible for preparing environmental analyses per CEQR Technical Manual. These projects require DOT review and coordination. CEQR documents are available via the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Coordination (MOEC).

If proposed work complies with Zoning Resolution, review BPP and SCARA guidance.

NYC DOT publishes the Street Works Manual, a resource for everyone that performs work in New York City streets, from utilities and contractors installing, replacing, and repairing underground infrastructure to developers replacing roadways and sidewalks adjacent to building sites and homeowners performing their own sidewalk repairs. The manual covers advance planning of construction projects, all construction-related NYC DOT permits, and how and when to obtain these permits.

Visit the Street Works Manual

Download a brochure on Excavation Safety Alerts (pdf)

Learn about reducing emissions (Local Law 77) on DOT's Trucks and Commercial Vehicles page

Once a project is complete, the Outside Entity will need to work with DOT to ensure all project elements conform to DOT standards or are covered via an executed maintenance agreement. Depending on the scale of the project, DOT will typically conduct a substantial completion walk-through, which will establish an agreed upon punch-list for any outstanding items to be addressed by the contractor. Once punch-list items are complete and verified and as-built drawings are submitted, DOT will accept the work, and the project can be closed out.