Sidewalks, Plazas, & Vaults Assessment & Design
Street-level infrastructure is New York’s hidden foundation
Sidewalks, plazas, and vaults are where a building meets the city. While much of our work at CANY focuses on the facades and roofs that define the New York City skyline, we also address the structural elements at street level and below, where overlooked conditions can quickly become safety hazards or legal liabilities.
Vaults, the subsurface spaces beneath sidewalks or plazas that extend into the public right of way, must be code-compliant and structurally sound. Uneven pavement, non-compliant repairs, standing water, or improper slopes can trigger Department of Transportation (DOT) violations, fines, or emergency repairs that come with added costs.
Upgrades to commercial spaces often require ADA-compliant access, placing new demands on aging sidewalk and vault structures.
CANY brings the same technical rigor to these elements as we do to building enclosures—protecting people, property, and infrastructure from the ground up.
From historic vaults to modern plazas, CANY brings clarity and control to the spaces where buildings meet the public. Contact us if you are concerned about the safety and stability of your sidewalk, plaza or vaults.
Why Sidewalks, Plazas, & Vaults Assessment & Design Matters
Sidewalks and plazas do more than carry foot traffic. They cover utility infrastructure, storage spaces, and even mechanical rooms. When neglected, these areas can cause:
DOT violations, fines, and liens
Safety risks from slip, trip, and fall hazards
Structural instability due to corroded supports or water damage
Delays to property sales or construction approvals
Damage or disruption from heavy loads like cranes or emergency vehicles
Many of these issues stem from failed waterproofing, poor drainage, leaking utilities, and aging materials. In older vaults, terracotta or brick arches may no longer support today’s street loads.
With nearly 30 years of experience in structural assessments and building performance, CANY identifies the warning signs early, before they become costly failures.
CANY’s Involvement
Our process emphasizes coordination, technical precision, and a strong grasp of New York City’s regulatory landscape. We support clients through required approvals for work in historic districts, involving non-standard materials, near subway infrastructure, electric utility vaults, underground systems, or sidewalks with street trees. This often means coordinating multiple utilities and agencies to plan and execute work safely and efficiently, including the Department of Transportation (DOT), Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), Public Design Commission (PDC), New York City Transit (NYCT), Con Edison, and NYC Parks.
Step 1: Onsite condition assessment with field documentation
Step 2: Structural analysis of sidewalk vaults
Step 3: Architectural review of sidewalk waterproofing and drainage
Step 4: Land Survey review of sidewalk slopes
Step 5: Design of repair or replacement design documents, including drawings and technical specifications
Step 6: Assistance with agency approvals (DOT, LPC, PDC, NYCT, ConED, and NYC Parks)
Step 7: Coordination with contractors and utility providers throughout construction
Step 8: Construction monitoring to confirm design intent and regulatory compliance
Key Benefits
CANY understands how buildings must safely interact with the public, and what can compromise that relationship.
Nearly 30 years of experience with NYC infrastructure
Expertise in both modern and historic vault systems
Familiarity with DOT, ADA compliancy, LPC, and PDC requirements
Proven track record coordinating with utilities and city agencies,
Full-spectrum approach to building performance, above and below ground
FAQ
Who is responsible for sidewalk and vault maintenance in NYC?
Building owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks and any vaults extending into public space.
What triggers DOT violations?
Common triggers include broken or uneven pavement, water ponding, improper slopes, and vault covers that are unstable or unsafe.
How do vault issues affect building renovations?
Upgrades to commercial spaces often require the entire public access area to be brought up to current code, including Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility compliance.
Can I do vault work without DOT approval?
No. Any repair or structural work affecting vaults or sidewalks requires DOT and DOB review and approval. It may also involve other agencies.
