New York City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) has strict signage requirements for construction sites — and for good reason. Proper signage keeps workers safe, informs the public, and helps contractors avoid costly violations.
Whether you’re breaking ground on a new project or doing interior work in an occupied building, here are the top 5 safety signs every NYC construction site needs.
🪧 1. Work in Progress Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Tells the public what type of work is happening and displays key project info.
✅ Requirements:
-
Must be posted at all major construction sites
-
Needs to include:
-
Project description (e.g. “New Building,” “Alteration”)
-
Developer or owner name
-
Contact number
-
Rendering of the final building (if required)
-
DOB permit number
-
📏 Size:
Usually 4’ x 8’ with specific text size and layout rules.
🧱 2. Tenant Protection Plan (TPP) Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Used when construction is happening in a building where tenants are still living or working.
✅ Requirements:
-
Explains the safety measures in place for tenants
-
Must be posted in both English and Spanish
-
Should be mounted in a prominent, visible area near the entry
📌 Pro Tip:
Make sure it’s updated to reflect the latest TPP filing.
🚧 3. Sidewalk Shed Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Required when a sidewalk shed or construction fence is erected to protect pedestrians.
✅ Requirements:
-
Must include:
-
Site address
-
311 complaint contact
-
DOB permit information
-
-
Standardized format with DOB-mandated colors and font sizes
🪚 Bonus:
Add your company logo and emergency contact for added professionalism.
⚠️ 4. Demolition Notice Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Alerts the public that demolition is underway, and informs emergency responders and inspectors.
✅ Requirements:
-
Must include:
-
Contractor name and license
-
Emergency contact info
-
Work type and safety warnings
-
🔍 Tip:
Update the sign if project details change or if a stop work order is issued.
🛑 5. Safety Protocol Sign
🔹 Purpose:
Communicates essential job site rules for workers and visitors.
✅ Examples:
-
“Hard Hats Required”
-
“Authorized Personnel Only”
-
“PPE Must Be Worn Beyond This Point”
-
COVID-19 or sanitation rules (when applicable)
📍 Placement:
At all entry points and near high-risk zones like scaffolding or heavy equipment.
🚀 Stay Compliant the Easy Way
Navigating NYC DOB signage rules can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
At Kachy Signs, we offer:
-
Ready-to-print DOB-compliant sign templates
-
Fast turnaround (same-day available)
-
Custom safety banners, hard hat decals, blueprints, and more
Whether you’re working on a high-rise in Midtown or a gut renovation in Queens, we’ll make sure your signage meets code — and looks sharp.
📞 Need Help or a Quote?
Check out our full selection of construction signs at nydobsigns.com, or contact us for a free signage compliance check.
Let’s build smart. Let’s build safe. Let’s build NYC.