New York bans roll-down security gates in bid to reduce graffiti

New York City Council has voted to ban security gates that completely shield commercial storefront windows and doors from view. They are too often a canvas for graffiti. Instead the council is encouraging gates which allow passers-by to see inside.

Council members said the bill, which passed 45 to 0, was intended to deter vandals from spraying graffiti on flat-surface gates, to help beautify neighborhoods and to give police officers and firefighters the ability to look inside in an emergency.

The ban applies to numerous businesses, including banks, barber shops, beauty salons, health clinics, dry cleaners, dental offices and retail stores. All businesses affected have until July 1, 2026, to install security gates that allow at least 70 percent of the area they cover to be visible. Any gates installed after July 1, 2011, must comply with the new requirements.

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