Sidewalk shed permit in NYC: when you actually need one
A sidewalk shed is required for facade work above 40 ft over a sidewalk, and for any scaffold over the sidewalk regardless of height. The rule, the code cite, and who files it.
When does NYC require a sidewalk shed?
Facade work above 40 ft over a sidewalk requires a shed. So does any scaffold erected over the sidewalk, at any height, because the scaffold itself puts work over the public way. If the shed is provided by the Owner, the contractor still has to confirm the existing permit is current before starting.
What matters on a real job
The 40 ft line
Facade work above 40 ft over a sidewalk needs a shed. Below 40 ft with no scaffold over the sidewalk, it generally does not.
A scaffold forces it
If a supported or suspended scaffold goes over the sidewalk, the shed follows — the height of the building stops being the deciding factor.
Height unknown is not "no"
When the drawings do not state the building height, the safe reading is that a shed is required until the height is confirmed.
Shed by Owner is not a free pass
If the Owner supplies the shed, confirm its permit is current and in whose name. An expired shed permit stops your job, not theirs.