N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 19-102: § 19-102 Unlawful use or opening of street.

Except as otherwise provided by law, no person shall remove, open or otherwise disturb the pavement of, or excavate in, a public street, or use any part of a public street so as to obstruct travel therein (i) without a permit from the commissioner, and (ii) unless such removal, opening or other disturbance of the pavement or such excavation or use is carried out in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and of section 24-521 of the code, the rules of the department in relation thereto and the terms and conditions of such permit.