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How close can storefront displays be to residential entr

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How close can storefront displays be to residential entr

Postby hirschma » Tue Dec 17, 2002 1:19 pm

The entrance to my building is flanked on both sides by storefronts. The retailers in each storefront are putting up outdoor displays (merchandise stands) literally up to the edge of the doorway.

The overall effect is like walking out of chute. Moreover, when the street gets crowded, it becomes very difficult to get in or out of the building, especially when smokers use it as a wind-break.

Are there any legal/code limits to how close they can come to the entranceway? If so, as my landlord owns one of the storefronts, does he have any responsibility to ensure that his retail tenant isn't breaking any regs?

Thanks.

jonathan
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Re: How close can storefront displays be to residential entr

Postby joliett » Sun Jan 19, 2003 2:53 am

I would say that the storefronts extending beyond the building streetline are probably illegal.

Complain about the stores to the Building Department.

See 27-307
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/pdf/bc27s4.pdf
Joel Teicher, P.E.
www.TenantEngineer.com
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Re: How close can storefront displays be to residential entr

Postby sylviekell » Sun Aug 10, 2003 11:05 pm

It is illegal in New York City for stores to have displays on the street. The law is being broken right there.

I would complain to the building department about it.
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Re: How close can storefront displays be to residential entr

Postby joliett » Sun Aug 17, 2003 3:12 am

You can file the complaint to the NYC Department of Buildings at:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/complaint.html
Joel Teicher, P.E.
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Re: How close can storefront displays be to residential entr

Postby TenantNet » Sun Aug 17, 2003 8:48 am

It would probably be better to contact Dept. of Transportation, which handles sidewalks (but try DOB as well). There is a provision in the NYC Admin Code where stores my put outside displays on the sidewalk up to three feet (depends on the width of the sidewalk and other obstructions) if the merchandise is directly related to that which is sold inside, i.e., newspaper racks, etc. On the other hand we've seen some stores with large displays, suitcases, etc. which have been deemed illegal. The OP complained of a chute effect. That would probably be illegal as it impedes egress. Joel, what would the fire code say on that.
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