This standard is why a sidewalk closing permit is required whenever construction can't maintain that minimum width — DOT typically routes pedestrians into a protected walkway or the street rather than allowing the clear path to shrink below the threshold. Obstructions like scaffolding legs, street furniture, sandwich boards, or a poorly placed dumpster can all trigger enforcement if they cut into this required space. Property owners planning any sidewalk-adjacent construction should confirm their work zone still leaves the clear path intact, or budget for a closing permit if it can't.
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