One of the bills also requires the DOB to recommend less ugly sidewalk shed designs by Sept. 30. Sheds can also now be metallic gray, white or “a color matching the façade, trim, cornice ...

Another calls for proposals for new sidewalk shed designs, improved lighting, new color options beyond the traditional hunter green, and raising the height of the scaffolds from eight to twelve feet.

The City Council on Wednesday passed a series of bills reforming sidewalk shed rules to shorten how long the barriers can remain up and allow for new, more appealing designs. The city currently ...