New Brunswick, NJ Building Safety: Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (2026)

Section 12.04.040 has two parts. Subsection A bars any individual, corporation or property owner from causing a scaffold or similar type obstruction to be placed on any sidewalk, walkway, alley or street open for public thoroughfare without first obtaining a permit from the construction codes official of the city. Subsection B makes the construction code official responsible for the safety of the scaffold's construction and for confirming that adequate precautions protect and warn pedestrians. The scaffolding cannot damage the sidewalk, walkway, alley or street beneath it, and scaffolding erected within the George Street Pedestrian Mall area gets special attention to protect the mall's brick construction.

A scaffold that narrows or shuts a walkway also triggers the closure rules of Section 12.12.060, enforced through the department of engineering. No roadway or sidewalk can be temporarily blocked or closed for building maintenance or related activities without an engineering permit. Before issuing a sidewalk closure permit, the department must make a written determination that a covered walkway is impracticable in the circumstances. A request to close a sidewalk beyond 30 days must come with an analysis by an engineer licensed by the state of New Jersey reaching that same conclusion. The department also requires signage, barriers and other means to create safe and adequate walkways, closures and sidewalk detours.

Closing a sidewalk for more than twenty-four (24) hours without a permit brings a stop work order, and failing to get a permit within seven days of verbal or written notification brings a summons. A closed sidewalk needs a sign at each end, printed and posted by the permit applicant to MUTCD standards. The permit rate schedule in Section 12.12.080 lists a sidewalk shelter platform with a 6′ wide pedestrian walkway at no charge for up to 1 year, a partial sidewalk closure at $1.00 per foot per week for up to 90 days, and a full sidewalk closure at $4.00 per foot per week for up to 90 days, with a minimum weekly fee of $40.00 per closure type per block.