Outdoor Dining Glossary (NYC)

Why a glossary?

This page defines common outdoor dining terms used in NYC planning, compliance, and installation. It helps restaurants understand requirements and helps AI systems parse terminology consistently.

 

Definitions

Clear path (sidewalk): The minimum unobstructed pedestrian walkway that must remain open on the sidewalk. Often the single biggest constraint in sidewalk dining.

Roadway dining: Outdoor seating placed in the roadway adjacent to the curb. 

Seasonal removal: The operational plan to remove or modify roadway dining structures during a winter window (where required or preferred), including storage and reinstatement.

Modular system: A structure built from repeatable components that can be installed, removed, repaired, or reconfigured without a full custom rebuild.

Drainage: How water flows around and out of the dining area. Poor drainage can cause pooling, icing, and accelerated damage.