In relation to a pilot program for power washing machines to clean sidewalk surfaces in commercial corridors
NYC L.L. 2026/068
in effectL.L. 2026/068
Enactment date: 3/14/2026
Int. No. 18-A
By Council Members Abreu, Louis, Encarnación, Dinowitz, Morano and Vernikov
A Local Law in relation to a pilot program for power washing machines to clean sidewalk surfaces in commercial corridors
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1.
a. Definitions. For purposes of this local law, the following terms have the following meanings:
Block. The term “block” means that portion of the sidewalk between the property line and the curb, running the length of each side of a street, between the boundaries of the corner areas at either end.
Power washing machine. The term “power washing machine” means a machine that uses a high-pressure stream of heated water to remove dirt and debris from outdoor surfaces.
Sidewalk. The term “sidewalk” has the same meaning as set forth in section 19-101 of the administrative code of the city of New York.
b. Pilot program development. No later than April 1, 2027, the department of sanitation shall establish a pilot program for the use of power washing machines to clean and remove odors and spills from sidewalks in a commercial corridor. Such pilot program shall have a duration of no less than 6 months. The department of sanitation, in consultation with the department of environmental protection, shall select no less than 1 location per borough for the pilot program. Each such location shall consist of no less than 5 contiguous blocks of a street with access to mass transit and high levels of pedestrian traffic. Such pilot program shall comply with rules of the department of environmental protection regarding disposal of wastewater.
c. Reporting. No later than December 1, 2027, the department of sanitation shall submit to the mayor and the speaker of the council a report on the power washing pilot program. Such report shall include an evaluation of the power washing pilot program and recommendations regarding whether to expand such program.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately, and expires and is deemed repealed upon submission of the department of sanitation’s report to the mayor and the speaker of the council pursuant to subdivision c of section one of this local law.
Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-240356Fetched: 10/25/2026