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Learn about starting or operating your business in New York City

Business Checklist Resources

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Create a Business Plan

Develop your business idea. ​​Every business starts as an idea. Take advantage of free courses to ​​​turn​ your idea into a business plan. Register for business planning courses.

Seek out business advice. Get feedback on your business idea and plan. Small Business Services (SBS) offers hands-on, intensive, cohort-based instruction for your business plan. Sign up for classes.

Write your business plan. A business plan is a living document that serves as a roadmap for your business. Access an online guide to create your business plan.

Register Your Business

Choose your legal structure. The business's legal structure determines who owns and is legally responsible for your business and affects how you file your taxes.​ Get free advice on legal structures.

Register your business. Corporations, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships register with New York State. General partnerships and sole proprietorships register with the appropriate county clerk. Get free legal advice.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An Employer Identification Number (EIN) — also known as a federal Tax ID number — is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS that businesses use for tax filing and reporting purposes. In some instances, if you are a sole proprietor, you may be able to use your Social Security Number for tax filing and reporting purposes instead. Learn more about EIN.

Register as a sales tax vendor. Register as a sales tax vendor with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance in order to sell products and services. Apply early to avoid delays in obtaining additional permits. Learn more about the Sales Tax Vendor Certificate.

Research required insurance. Research the necessary insurance types for your business, including workers' compensation, liability, and disability insurance. These are not only essential for securing permits and licenses but also safeguard your business against losses, fines, and legal actions.

Finance Your Business

Determine your financing needs. To start your business, you will need money or capital to purchase equipment and run your operations. Increase your chances of getting financing for your business.

Identify incentive programs. Your business can benefit from programs that allow you to lower your cost of doing business. Small Business Services (SBS) can help you identify and access energy cost savings, tax credits, and other incentives. Learn more about incentives.

​​Understand your insurance needs. ​​Understand your insurance needs such as workers' compensation, liability, and disability insurance. Some are needed for permits and licenses and protect you from loss, fines, and lawsuits. Managing risk is an essential part of your business. Learn more about insurance.

Find, Plan, and Build Out Your Space

Find a location zoned for your business. Find a location zoned for your business, and at the legally required distance from a school or place of worship if you plan to serve alcohol. Your business location​,​ and the opinion of the local Community Board​,​ will be reviewed for your liquor license application. Learn more about zoning requirements.

Learn more about zoning in your neighborhood. Learn more about zoning in your neighborhood with the Department of City Planning's ZoLa map. Use the ZoLa Map.

Learn about facilities and program sites in your prospective neighborhood. Learn about facilities and program sites in your prospective neighborhood that might impact your business on the Department of City Planning's Facilities Explorer.

Get help understanding and signing your lease. Before signing, talk to a lawyer to make sure the timing is right, the terms are legal, and the agreement is good for you. Get free commercial lease assistance through SBS.

Review your building plans for major and minor construction within your space. Review your building plans for major and minor construction within your space. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) offers free plan examinations, and experienced client managers can help you navigate the process. Get help with plan examinations.

Plan your food establishment design. Select and engage architect(s), general contractor(s), and/or interior and kitchen designers to plan any changes and ensure that your space complies with building and fire codes. Make sure your architect and/or contractor is licensed.

Changes to a landmarked property. Changes to a landmarked property or building in a historic district must be approved by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission before work can begin. ​​Allow time to receive approval. Learn more about work on landmark properties.

If your location will host events where 75 people or more will gather. If your location will host events where 75 people or more will gather, you will need a Place of Assembly Permit. Learn more about the Place of Assembly Permit.

Plan to limit noise. Plan to limit noise from your establishment to avoid fines, and do not play music in front of your business to attract customers. Learn more about the Noise Code.

Limit construction noise. You must create and post a noise mitigation plan to keep noises from bothering neighbors. Failure to do so can result in fines. Learn more about construction noise regulations.

Prepare to Open

​​Avoid common violations and fines.​ SBS offers free compliance consultations that can save you time and money. Get help with licenses and permits​.​

The Federal, State, and City requirements. ​​Learn about the Federal, State, and City requirements, as well as​​​ the permits your business will need by using the Step-by-Step Tool​.​

A Food Protection Certificate Holder Must Supervise Food and Drink Preparation on Site During All Hours of Operation. Make sure you or one of your employees takes the required class to get a certificate.  Start early, as this is required for a Food Service Establishment Permit. Learn more about the Food Protection Certificate. 

A Food Service Establishment Permit is required even if you are only serving drinks. Learn more about the Food Service Establishment Permit. 

Liquor Licenses Cannot Be Taken Over by a New Owner. Liquor licenses cannot be taken over by a new owner. You must apply for a new license from the State Liquor Authority. 

Maximize recycling and avoid violations. Set​​​-​up your space to maximize recycling and avoid violations. Attend a DSNY training and download or order educational materials. ​​Attend a training​.​

Light fuel. Light fuel, such as charcoal and wood, must be stored carefully and in small amounts. Ingredients and equipment, such as alcohol and open flames, will affect which permits and licenses you need. 

Business signs. Business signs, if nailed or screwed into the building or if illuminated, must be approved by NYC Department of Buildings. Learn more about signs. 

​​Many Permit and Non-Permit Environmental Compliance Requirements. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has many permit and non-permit environmental compliance requirements. ​Learn more about DEP requirements.

Review DEP's Noise Control Guide. If you are opening or currently operating a bar, restaurant, hotel or entertainment venue, please review DEP’s noise control guide for nightclubs, restaurants, bars, and cafes. View the noise control guide.

Post applicable worker protection posters. Follow Federal as well as New York State requirements. ​Download posters​.

Post prices, refund policy, and other required signs. Post prices, refund policy, and other required signs from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.​ Learn more about posting and signage requirements​.​

Hire a Team

Get help with hiring. Talented workers can help your business succeed. Let ​Small Business Services (SBS)​​ ​help you find the right employees. ​​Get help with hiring.

Laws for employers. Employing New Yorkers means following rules about how much to pay, what benefits to provide and more. Learn more about local laws employers must follow.

Minimum wages. The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) oversees wage regulations in New York State. Businesses employing people in New York State should consult NYSDOL resources to be aware of wage requirements and regulations. Learn more about minimum wage.

Train your employees. Train your employees, so that your team has the skills your business needs. We can help cover training costs. Learn more about employee training.

Unemployment insurance. I​t's important to ​understand your business’ unemployment insurance requirements​.​​​ Contact the New York State Department of Labor for more information. Learn about unemployment insurance.

Workers' compensation. ​​It's important to​​​ understand your workers' compensation insurance requirements for your business​. Contact the New York State Department of Labor for more information. Learn about workers' compensation insurance.

Open and Operate

Display licenses and required posters. Use the NYC Checklist for Required Signs for Restaurants and Bars. Read the Checklist (PDF)

Give customers clear receipts. Show prices and print your business name and address on your invoices and receipts.

Prepare and pay your taxes. Learn about taxes in NYC.

​​Develop a safe atmosphere. Read Best Practices for Nightlife Establishments, a guide developed by the NYC Police Department and the NYC Hospitality Alliance. Read the guide.​​​

Give customers clear invoices. Show prices and print your business name and address.

Get permits and limit air pollution. If you release fumes into the air, you may be subject to the New York City Air Pollution Control Code (Air Code).

Hazardous materials above threshold amounts. Hazardous materials above threshold amounts must be registered under NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s Right-to-Know program. Many common materials such as paint, solvents, inks, pool chemicals, and cleaning products can have hazardous characteristics. Learn more about Right-To-Know.

All vehicles may only idle as permitted or face fines. As a general rule of thumb, no person should allow the engine of a motor vehicle to idle for longer than three minutes while parking, unless it is an authorized emergency motor vehicle, or a vehicle using an engine to operate a loading device. The legal idling time is reduced to one minute if the vehicle is parked adjacent to a school facility. Learn more about idling regulations.

Watch for asbestos. A licensed asbestos investigator must determine if asbestos is present, and if so then a licensed abatement contractor must contain it and give notice to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection before you can demolish or renovate the structure. Learn more about asbestos rules and regulations.

Train your employees on sexual harassment prevention. You must do so under state law. Learn more about sexual harassment training.

Compliance Tools

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Department of Buildings

Occupancy Contrary to That Allowed by the Certificate of Occupancy or Department of Buildings ​Records
Penalty: $400 - $25,000 fine

How to Avoid a Violation:
  • Ensure the space (building or lot) you own or rent has a current Certificate of Occupancy on file with the Department of Buildings (DOB).
  • If you own or rent a space constructed before 1938, make sure your space has a Letter of No Objection from the Department of Buildings (DOB).
  • If you plan to change the use, egress, or occupancy of your space, make sure the property owner has filed for an amended Certificate of Occupancy.
  • Verify that your type of business is consistent with the use authorized by the Certificate of Occupancy.
  • Do not own or operate any business in a space where it is not authorized, or in a zoning district where it is not allowed.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Construction Code  §28-118

Department of Consumer and Worker Protection

Engaging in Unfair Trade Practices
Penalty: $525 - $3,500 fine

Violation Type:

Consumer Protection

How to Avoid​ a​​ ​Violation:
  • ​​Ensure​​​ your sales ads and practices are not false or misleading. 
  • ​​Clearly display the pre-sale price f​​or any item ​you ​list​ed​ as “on sale”​.​
  • ​​Maintain​​ ​reasonable quantities of the item available before advertising the sale.
Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §20-700

 

Failure to Give a Receipt or Giving an Incomplete Receipt
Penalty: $150 - $350 fine

Violation Type: Receipts and Refunds

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:

  • Give receipts to customers for purchases over $20​,​ and upon request for purchases between $5 and $20.
  • For food or drink that is meant to be consumed at your business, ​provide receipts upon request if the purchase is more than $5.
  • Make sure receipts are complete and correct. Receipts must show:
    • Your business name and address​.​ ​ ​​​​
    • Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (​DCWP​)​ license number​ for your business.​​
    • Amount of money paid for each item.
    • Total amount the customer paid, including a separate line for tax.
    • Date of the purchase
    • Make and model of audio, photographic​,​ or video equipment that costs more than $100.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

Rules of the City of New York: Title 6 §5-32

Rules of the City of New York: Title 6 §1-05

Failure to Clearly Mark Prices for Products
Penalty: $50 - $250 fine for each group of identical terms

Violation Type: Pricing

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:

  • ​​Label a​​​ll sale ​items ​with a​ clearly visible price.
  • ​​​P​​rice​ tags ​​​must be attached to the item​,​ or on a sign where the item is displayed.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §20-708

Failure to Post an Age Restriction Sign About Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales
Penalty: $500 fine

Violation Type: Tobacco or Electronic Cigarettes

How to Avoid ​a​​ ​Violation:

  • P​ost a 21-or-older age restriction sign​ if you sell tobacco or electronic cigarettes.​​.​
  • ​​Download and print the age restriction sign​ for your business​ from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §17-706(c)

Selling Flavored Tobacco
Penalty: $1,000 - $5,000 fine per count, plus possible business sealing and license suspension​

Violation Type: Tobacco

How to Avoid ​a​​ ​Violation:

  • ​​Follow​​ the rules for tobacco sales.
  • ​​Do not​​​ sell tobacco products that taste or smell like fruit, chocolate, honey, vanilla, candy, cocoa, dessert, an alcoholic beverage, herb or spice. These ​tobacco products ​are illegal.
  • Menthol, mint and wintergreen tobacco are legal.  

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §17-71

Selling Tobacco Products or Electronic Cigarettes to Individuals Under 21 Years Old
Penalty: $1,000 - $2,000 fine per count, plus ​business sealing​​​ ​and license suspension/revocation

Violation Type: Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes

How to Avoid ​a​​ ​Violation:

  • ​​Follow​​ the rules for tobacco and electronic cigarette sales.
  • Do not sell tobacco products or electronic cigarettes to anyone​ under the age of 21.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §17-706

Department of Environmental Protection

Failure to ​Install or ​​M​aintain a ​G​​rease ​Interceptor
Penalty: $100 - $1,500 fine

How to Avoid​ a​​ ​Violation:
  • B​usiness​es​ that generate​​ fats, oils, and/or grease (​for example ​ restaurants, food handling operations, hospitals, day care, and senior centers) ​are ​​​required to have a properly sized grease interceptor to prevent  ​materials from entering and clogging sewer lines.
  • Businesses must also clean and maintain their grease interceptor(s) as often as ​needed ​​​to ensure that the amount of fat, oil, and/or grease does not exceed the ​25% of the total liquid depth or ​rated capacity of the grease interceptor​.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

Use of the Public Sewers §19

Noise from a ​C​​irculation ​D​​​evice (​For Exampl​​e, Air Conditioner, HVAC, etc.) in Excess of 42 Decibels
Penalty: $220​ - $600 fine

How to Avoid a Violation: 
  • To avoid unnecessary and disruptive noise, ensure ​circulation devices (​for example ​​e.g.​, air conditioners, HVACs, etc.) are well maintained​ to avoid disruptive noises​​.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

Circulation devices  §24-227

Operating an Emission Source (Boiler) with an Expired Registration
Penalty: $400 - $1,600 fine

How to Avoid ​a ​Violation:
  • Owners of boilers with a capacity of 350,000 BTUs or higher must register their equipment every three years.
  • Building owners​ or ​​​managers who meet this threshold should ​consult a with a design professional or a Licensed Master Plumber ​discuss their building heating system.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

Registrations §24-109 

Unreasonable Noise From a Sound Reproduction Device for Commercial or Business Advertising Purposes
Penalty: $440 - $1,320 fine

How to Avoid ​a​​ ​Violation:
  • It is unlawful to use any sound reproduction device​,​ such as speakers or a radio​,​ for commercial or business advertising purposes to ​draw​​ ​attention to your merchandise or for any performance.
  • Business owners ​are prohibited from ​plac​ing​​​ speakers near or outside​​ doors or windows to attract customers into the premises​.​​​​ This​ includ​es​​ playing such devices ​inside the establishment ​so t​he sound ​​can be heard outside in ​public​ areas​​​.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

Sound reproduction devices §24-244

Fire Department

Failure to Conduct Specified Fire-Safety Inspection/Test
Penalty: $1,000 - $5,000 fine

Code: VC20

Violation Type: Inspection and Testing

How to Avoid a Violation:
  • Test your fire suppression systems tested after installation.
  • Schedule appointments for periodic systems testing. 
  • Keep your records up to date.
  • Ensure records are readily available for a FDNY representative upon request.
  • Have appropriate Certificate of Fitness holders.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Fire Code §107.1

 

Failure to Obtain Specified Certificates of Fitness and Certificates of Qualification (Submit Copy of Certificate)
Penalty: $1,000 - $5,000 fine

How to Avoid a Violation:

  • ​​Maintain​ proper fire safety/prevention supervision of storage, handling, and use.
  • Keep your records up to date.
  • ​​Ensure​ records are ​readily ​available for ​a ​FDNY representative upon request.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Fire Code §113.1

 

Failure to Obtain Specified Fire Safety Permit or Submit Copy of Permit Fee Receipt
Penalty: $1,000 - $5,000 fine

Code: VC3

Violation Type: Permits

How to Avoid the Violation:
  • Make sure to obtain the proper permits.
  • Remember to renew the permits.
  • Be sure to save the receipt after paying the bill for the permit.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Fire Code §105.6

 

Failure to Provide and​​ Maintain Required Fire Protection Systems​,​ ​​or Prevent Unnecessary​​ Alarms
Penalty: $1,000 - $5,000 fine

Code: VC12

Violation Type: Fire Protection Systems

How to Avoid a Violation:
  • Repair defective Fire Protection System(s).
  • Have ​an ​appropriate Certificate of Fitness Holder​.​

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

 NYC Fire Code §901.6

Failure to Provide or Maintain Fire Safety Records
Penalty: $1,000 - $5,000 fine

Code: VC5

Violation Type: Record Keeping

How to Avoid a Violation:
  • Keep your records up to date.
  • ​​Ensure​​​ all records are ​readily ​available for ​a ​FDNY representative at inspection.
  • Have appropriate Certificate of Fitness holders​.​ 

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Fire Code §107.7

Failure to Provide or Maintain Required Signs, Postings, Notices, or Instructions
Penalty: $1,000 - $5,000 fine

Code: VC6

Violation Type: Signs, Postings, Notices, and Instructions

How to Avoid the Violation:

  • Ensure all signs, postings, notices, and instructions are visible and available for inspection.
  • Keep your signs, postings, notices, and instructions up to date.
  • Have an appropriate Certificate of Fitness holder.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Fire Code (varies with materials on premises)

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Cold ​F​​ood ​I​​tem ​H​​​eld ​A​​bove 41°F (​S​​​moked Fish and ​Reduced ​O​​​xygen ​P​​ackaged ​F​​​oods ​Above 38°F) ​E​​​xcept ​D​​​uring ​N​​​ecessary ​Preparation
Penalty $250 - $600 Fine, 7 - 28 Points

​​Code: 2G​

​​Violation Type: Food Temperature​

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:
  • Review ​and follow ​Health Department rules for Temperature-Holding Requirements.
  • ​​Ensure​​ equipment used to hold cold food is working properly.
  • Use thermometers to monitor the temperature of foods in cold storage.
  • ​​​Calibrate your thermometer for correct use and maintenance.
  • Monitor food taken from cold storage and record how long it is out.
  • Regularly evaluate your staff’s performance and ​train​​​ them on food safety practices and cleanliness. 

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Health Code §81.09

Facility Not Vermin Proof. Harborage or Conditions Conducive to Attracting Vermin to the Premises And/or Allowing Vermin to Exist
Penalty: $200 Fine, 4 - 5 Points

Code: 8A

Violation Type: Vermin and Garbage

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:

  • Seal all cracks, crevices, and holes in walls, cabinets, and doors to prevent rodents, cockroaches, and flies from entering.
  • Install rodent-proof door sweeps on outside doors.
  • Store food and garbage in pest-proof containers.
  • Clean grease, oil, and food particles from all surfaces and equipment, including the floor underneath. Mop floors and clean surfaces before opening each morning.
  • Keep range hoods clean and grease-free.
  • Contract ​​a pest control professional licensed to work in restaurants.
  • ​​Regularly evaluate​ ​staff performance and​ train​​​ them on food safety practices and cleanliness. 

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Health Code §81.23

Food Contact Surface Not Properly Washed, Rinsed, or Sanitized After Each Use and Following Any Activity When Contamination May Have Occurred
Penalty: $200 - $300 Fine, 5 - 8 Points

Code: 6D

Violation Type: Personal Hygiene and Other Food Protection

How to Avoid the Violation:

  • Clean and sanitize all food preparation surfaces after each use; remove caked-on food.
  • Repair or replace deeply-grooved cutting boards and chipped or broken surfaces so they can be properly sanitized.
  • Regularly evaluate staff performance and coach them on food safety practices and cleanliness.
  • Require staff that handle food to obtain a Food Protection Certificate.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Health Code §81.27

Evidence of Pests (For Example, Rats, Mice, Roaches, or Flies) Or Live Pests Present in Facility’s Food And/or Non-food Areas
Penalty: $500 - $1000, Fine Doubles After Second Violation

​​Code: 4K, 4L, 4M, 4N​

​​Violation Type: Food Protection

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:
  • Read Health Department guidance on How to Control Pests in Your Restaurant.
  • Seal all cracks, crevices, and holes in walls, cabinets, and doors to prevent rodents, cockroaches, and flies from entering.
  • Install rodent-proof door sweeps on outside doors.
  • Store food and garbage in pest-proof containers.
  • Clean grease, oil, and food particles from all surfaces and equipment, including the floor underneath. Mop floors and clean surfaces at opening and throughout the day.
  • Keep range hoods clean and grease-free.
  • Contract ​​a pest control professional licensed to work in restaurants.
  • ​​Regularly evaluate staff performance and ​train​​ them on food safety practices and cleanliness. 

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Health Code §81.23

Food Not Protected From Potential Source of Contamination During Storage, Preparation, Transportation, Display, or Service
Penalty: $200 - $350 Fine, 5 - 8 Points

Code: 6C

Violation Type: Personal Hygiene and Other Food Protection

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:

  • Review Health Department rules for Temperature-Holding Requirements.
  • Keep food covered until served.
  • Keep food separated by temperature and type.
  • Separate potentially hazardous foods (​such as​​ raw poultry) from ready-to-eat items (​such as​ salad mix) to avoid cross contamination. 
  • Follow guidelines for proper​ty ​storage location in cooling units​:​ ​(for example​​, ready to eat on top shelves, meat, poultry and fish on bottom​)​.  
  • Regularly evaluate your staff’s performance and​ train​​​ them on food safety practices and cleanliness. 
  • ​​Require​​​ all staff ​who​​ ​handle food​ to​ obtain a Food Protection Certificate.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Health Code §81.07

Food Protection Certificate Not Held by Supervisor or Manager of Food Operations
Penalty: $500 - $1000, Fine Doubles After Second Violation

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:

  • Ensure​​ ​you have a supervisor or manager ​on duty ​who holds a Food Protection Certificate from the NYC Health Academy, ​when​​ your restaurant is receiving or preparing food​,​ and when ​open to the public.
  • ​​Require​​​ all employees who handle food ​to​ obtain a Food Protection Certificate so more staff are trained in food safety. 
  • ​​Coach​​​ your supervisors to conduct regular self-inspections using guidance in the Guide for Food Service Operators.
  • Regularly evaluate your staff’s performance and ​train ​​​them on food safety practices and cleanliness. 

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Health Code §81.09

Hot Food Item Not Held at or Above 140°F
Penalty: $250 - $600 Fine, 7 - 28 Points

​​Code: 2B​

​​Violation Type: Food Temperature​

How to Avoid ​a​​​ Violation:

  • Review Health Department rules for Temperature-Holding Requirements.
  • ​​​Ensure​​​ equipment used to hold hot food is working properly.​​​
  • ​​​​Check water levels on hot bars.  ​​​​
  • ​​Use thermometers to monitor the temperature of foods in hot storage.​
  • ​​Calibrate your thermometer for correct use and maintenance.
  • Track food removed from hot storage and record how long it is out.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Health Code §81.09

Food Contact Surface Not Properly Washed, Rinsed, or Sanitized After Each Use and Following Any Activity When Contamination May Have Occurred
Penalty: $200 - $300 Fine, 5 - 8 Points

Code: 6D

Violation Type: Personal Hygiene and Other Food Protection

How to Avoid the Violation:

  • Clean and sanitize all food preparation surfaces after each use; remove caked-on food.
  • Repair or replace deeply-grooved cutting boards and chipped or broken surfaces so they can be properly sanitized.
  • Regularly evaluate staff performance and coach them on food safety practices and cleanliness.
  • Require staff that handle food to obtain a Food Protection Certificate.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Health Code §81.27

Plumbing Is Not Properly Installed or Maintained
Penalty: $500 - $1000, Fine Doubles After Second Violation

​​Code: 10B​

​​Violation Type: Facility Maintenance​

How to Avoid ​a​​ ​Violation:

  • Review Health Department Rules on acceptable materials and equipment you need to have and maintain.
  • Monitor all plumbing fixtures and make needed repairs immediately.
  • ​​Ensure​​ ​plumbing is fitted with approved devices (​for example​​​, valves, anti-siphonage pieces, and vacuum breakers) to prevent backflow.
  • Clean and maintain grease traps.
  • Make sure ​equipment​ and​​ ​floor​ have proper drainage.
  • ​​Maintain a properly functioning​ sewage disposal system​.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Health Code §81.21

Department of Sanitation

Dirty or Obstructed ​S​​idewalks and ​A​​djacent ​A​​reas
Penalty: $50 - $100 fine

How to Avoid a ​​Violation:

  • Keep sidewalks and adjacent areas clean. These areas include gutters (18 inches from the curb into the street), tree pits and grass strips, driveways, alleys, parking lots, front and backyards, and open storage areas. These spaces must be kept clear of anything that could obstruct pedestrian traffic, including garbage, waste receptacles, merchandise, or A-frame signs. 

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code  §16-118(2)(a)

Failure to Properly Set out Waste
Penalty: $50 - $200 fine

How to Avoid ​​a ​Violation:

  • Place receptacles or bags containing solid waste or recyclables out at the curb for collection after 8:00 PM prior to scheduled collection.
  • Materials ​in receptacles with a tight-fitting lid, and designated recyclable paper that is tied and bundled securely without a container, may be placed out for collection at the curb no earlier than one hour before closing, provided that the scheduled collection occurs before the establishment next reopens for business.
  • Any receptacle placed out for collection must be removed from the curb no later than the time the commercial establishment next reopens for business.

​​NOTE: ​Commercial establishments that receive off-street collection, including collection from inside a loading dock, are exempt from these requirements. ​ 

Legal Basis:

Rules of the City of New York Title 16 §1-02.1 (b) 
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCrules/0-0-0-132489

Failure to Separate Designated Recyclables from Garbage
Penalty: $100 - $400 fine

How to Avoid ​a​ Violation:

  • Recycle, at a minimum, all bulk metal, corrugated cardboard, office paper, magazines, catalogs, phone books, newspaper, and textiles (if over 10 percent of your waste stream).
  • Set out trash in black bags or covered bins and bundle recyclables in labeled covered bins or clear plastic bags.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

Rules of the City of New York: Title 16 §1-10

Improper ​D​​​isposal of ​G​​arbage or ​R​​​ecycling
Penalty: $100 - $400 fine

How to Avoid ​a Violation:

  • ​​Do not use trash or recycling receptacles belonging to others without their permission​.​​
  • ​​D​​o not place garbage or recycling in front of any premises other than your own.

Additional Information:

Collection and Setout Laws for Businesses

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §16-120(a)

Failure to Post a Private Carter Decal
Penalty: $5 fine

How to Avoid ​a ​​​Violation:

Post a ​clearly labeled decal that ​states the name of the private carter ​that has been hired to provide services, the type of service rendered ​(​for example, ​garbage collection, source-separated recycling, co-collection of recycling or single-stream collection of recycling)​,​ and the days and times the service(s) is provided. The NYC Department of Sanitation does not collect commercial waste. 

Additional Information: 

Failure to Remove Snow and Ice from Sidewalk
Penalty: $100 - $250 fine

How to Avoid a Violation:  

  • Clean snow and/or ice from the sidewalk after the snow has stopped falling. 
  • Do not shovel snow into the street. 
  • ​​Snow-melting material such as sand or salt may be used if the snow or ice becomes frozen and cannot be cleared from the sidewalk.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

 NYC Administrative Code §16-123 

Improper ​D​​​isposal of ​B​​​atteries
Penalty: $50 fine

How to Avoid ​a Violation:

  • Do not dispose of automotive or car batteries with trash or recycling. Improper disposal of automotive or car batteries is illegal. ​

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYS Environmental Conservation Law § 27-1701(3)

Improper ​D​​isposal of ​E​​​lectronic ​W​​​aste
Penalty: $100 - $200 fine

How to Avoid ​a​ Violation:

  • Do not dispose of any materials considered to be electronic waste with trash or recycling.​​ Improper disposal of electronic waste is illegal. ​
  • NOTE: Only certain items qualify as e-waste under the NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

Rules of the City of New York: Title 16 §1-04.2 

Improper ​D​​​isposal of ​N​​​oxious ​L​​​iquids
Penalty: $100 - $350 fine

How to Avoid ​a ​​Violation:

  • Do not allow noxious liquids to fall on any public place run into the street.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §16-118(3) 

Improper use of DSNY ​L​​itter ​B​​​asket
Penalty: $100 - $350 fine

How to Avoid​ a​​ Violation:

  • Do not dispose of commercial refuse or liquids in DSNY litter baskets. Sanitation litter baskets are designed for light waste and for use by pedestrians only. 
  • Do not use litter baskets to display merchandise or wares.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §16-120(e)

Loose Rubbish
Penalty: $100 - $200 fine

How to Avoid a Violation:

  • Securely bundle, tie, or package waste and recycling before placing out for collection to avoid it being blown away or scattered on the street.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis: 

NYC Administrative Code §16-120(3)(d)

Street Obstruction
Penalty: $100 - $150 fine

How to Avoid the Violation:

  • Do not place items like boxes, barrels, garbage containers, or movable property like ATMs on a public street. It is illegal. 
  • NOTE: Construction containers are allowed with an appropriate permit.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §16-122(b) 

Department of Transportation

Failure of a Business Using a Bicycle for Commercial Purposes to Produce or Maintain a Roster
Penalty: $100 - $250 fine

Code: DF5

Violation Type: Bicycle Delivery 

How to Avoid a Violation:

Employers must have an on-site roster that contains the following information: 

  • Name and home address of each employee operating a bicycle on behalf of such business. 
  • The date of employment and discharge (if applicable) of the bicyclist. 
  • The bicyclist's three-digit ID number. 
  • Verification that the employee has completed the required bicycle safety course.    

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §10-157 (d)

Failure to Post a Commercial Bicyclist Safety Poster
Penalty: $100 - $250 fine

How to Avoid ​a​​ ​Violation:

  • Employers must post a Commercial Bicyclist Safety poster​.​​ ​The poster must be ​in English, Spanish, and any other language spoken predominantly by any bicycle operator utilized by the business.
  • The ​signage must be posted ​​in an area ​that ​is clearly visible to bicycle operators and business patrons present at the business site.

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §10-157.1

Failure to Properly Equip a Bicycle Used for Commercial Purposes
Penalty: $100 - $250 fine

How to Avoid a Violation:

Employers must equip each commercial bicycle with the following:

  • Bell or other device capable of giving an audible signal from a distance of at least 100 feet (not siren or whistle)
  • White headlight and red taillight
  • Reflective tires or a reflex reflector mounted on the spokes of each wheel. 
  • Brakes
  • Metal or plastic sign at least 3 inches by 5 inches with the business name and a unique bicycle ID number for each bicycle (different from the bicyclist’s ID number) to the rear of each bicycle or bicycle seat, or both sides of the delivery basket.

Additional Information: 

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §10-157

Failure to Provide Equipment to a Commercial Bicyclist
Penalty: $100 - $250 fine

How to Avoid a Violation:

Employers must provide the following equipment to commercial bicyclists:

  • Protective headgear
  • Retro-reflective outermost upper apparel with the business' name and cyclists' unique three-digit ID number on the back
  • ID with bicycle operator's name, photo, and three-digit ID number

Additional Information:

Legal Basis:

NYC Administrative Code §10-157

The Rules of the City of New York §4-12(p)(4)