N.Y.C. Charter § 86: Section 86. Opening and closing streets.

Except in the case of an emergency, no person, agency, business, association, or corporation shall remove the pavement, disturb the surface or otherwise open or close a street, road or highway until a written notice is filed at least ten days in advance of the intended action with the construction coordinator and consulting engineer for the borough in the office of the borough president and the office of district manager for the community district in which the street, road or highway is located. In the event of an emergency, such notice may be made in person or by telephone before the action is instituted and in writing immediately after the action is instituted. If this is not feasible, notice shall be made in person or by telephone and in writing immediately after the action is instituted.