Under what circumstance is a sidewalk shed not required?

A sidewalk shed is typically not required when the distance from the walkway to the building is more than half the height of the building. This guideline is based on safety standards that aim to protect pedestrians from any potential hazards posed by a construction site. If the distance is sufficiently great, the risk of falling debris or construction materials reaching the sidewalk is significantly reduced, thus negating the need for a protective structure like a sidewalk shed.

In many construction regulations and safety codes, the requirement for such protective measures is often connected to the height of the building and the proximity of public walkways. Hence, when the walkway is more than half the height of the building, the construction site is viewed as being at a lower risk for pedestrian safety hazards, which justifies the absence of a sidewalk shed under those circumstances.