Coal hole / coal chute An older cast-iron sidewalk fixture, usually a small circular cover, once used to deliver coal directly into a building's basement or boiler room.
Most coal holes are no longer functional since buildings converted away from coal heat decades ago, but the fixtures themselves often remain embedded in the sidewalk, especially in older parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. If a coal hole cover has deteriorated, cracked, or no longer sits flush with the surrounding surface, it can be cited the same way any other in-sidewalk hardware defect would be. Repair typically means either restoring the cover to a flush, sound condition or, where the fixture has no ongoing use, replacing that section with standard concrete under a proper permit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coal hole / coal chute
What is a coal hole?
An older cast-iron sidewalk fixture, usually a small circular cover, once used to deliver coal directly into a building's basement or boiler room.
Are coal holes still in use?
Almost never. Buildings converted away from coal heat decades ago, but the fixtures often remain embedded in older Manhattan and Brooklyn sidewalks.
Can a coal hole trigger a violation?
Yes. A cover that has deteriorated, cracked or no longer sits flush can be cited as a hardware defect like any other in-sidewalk fixture.
How is one repaired?
Either by restoring the cover to a flush, sound condition, or where the fixture has no ongoing use, replacing that section with standard concrete under a permit.
Do historic districts affect the decision?
They can. In landmarked areas, original ironwork may be considered a historic feature, so check LPC requirements before removing it.