Brighter Sidewalk Sheds: New NYC Lighting Standards Under Local Law 47 of 2025

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has announced an important safety upgrade for sidewalk sheds. Under Local Law 47 of 2025 (LL47), which took effect on August 15, 2025, sidewalk sheds must now meet higher lighting standards to improve pedestrian safety and visibility across the city’s streets.

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According to the new regulation, sidewalk sheds with construction documents submitted on or after August 15, 2025 must provide a minimum illumination of 1.5 foot-candles (17 lux) at the level of the walking surface. For sheds located within 10 feet of a subway entrance, bus shelter, or other transit facility, the required illumination rises significantly to 5 foot-candles (55 lux).

This marks an increase from the previous standard of 1 foot-candle (11 lux), as outlined in Section 3307.6.4.7 of the NYC Building Code. The upgrade is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian safety, reduce dark and unsafe areas beneath sheds, and create a more welcoming nighttime streetscape.

Sidewalk sheds with construction documents submitted before August 15, 2025 are not required to retrofit their lighting systems but are encouraged to voluntarily upgrade to the new standard.🀰