New York City’s ‘News rack’ installation regulations are becoming more stringent.
On the 13th of November, the New York City Council passed an ordinance (Int. 663) that strengthens the installation and maintenance regulations of newsstands. The ordinance is about giving the Department of Transportation (DOT) the authority to set standards for newsstands installed on sidewalks.
Accordingly, the city’s Department of Transportation will have the authority to establish standards for the size, shape, and materials of newsstands, and to restrict the installation of newsstands near certain sidewalk infrastructure, such as crosswalks.
In particular, newsstands cannot be installed within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant, within ten feet of a roadway, and within five feet of a bus stop or crosswalk. In addition, newsstand owners must post their address, phone number, and email address on the front or side of all newsstands. They must be able to be contacted immediately in the event of a complaint related to the newsstand, and PO boxes are not allowed.
In addition, newsstand owners must be notified of the strengthened newsstand installation regulations in English and the language of the newspaper or publication in question before the ordinance takes effect.