Curb Cuts, also known as curb ramps, are sloped transitions between sidewalks and streets that allow people with vehicles, wheelchair users, parents with strollers, and others to safely access the street. They also enable vehicles to drive to a driveway, garage, parking lot, loading dock, or drive-through with ease.
Curb Cuts are regulated by local zoning laws, which dictate where and how they can be installed. Zoning laws are designed to ensure that Curb Cuts are installed in a way that doesn't impede traffic flow or create safety hazards for pedestrians or drivers. In some areas, Curb Cuts may only be allowed on certain types of streets or in specific locations, such as at intersections or near public transit stops. Zoning laws may also require that Curb Cuts meet certain width and slope requirements to ensure they are safe and accessible. (NYC Daily, 2021)
Before beginning a Curb Cut project, the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Office of Construction Mitigation Coordination must approve the proposed plans to confirm that the design meets safety and zoning requirements and issue a work permit. Zoning can incentivize the installation of Curb Cuts by offering tax breaks or other benefits to property owners who install them. This can encourage property owners to invest in making their properties more accessible and pedestrian-friendly, which can have numerous benefits for the community as a whole. (nyc.gov, 2023)
