1. Go to this site, and login to your dobnow build account https://a810-dobnow.nyc.gov/publish/Index.html#!/ 2. This link identifies the items NYS lists as essential services https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026 3.Once logged in to the DOB NOW site click on the link for essential construction, and Click on + essential construction request. 4. Once you click on that link, this […]
On December 31, 2014 the 2014 New York City Building Codes became effective and the rules governing the way one applies the Building Code to an existing building have changed. The 2014 NYCBC (28-101.4.3) still allows the optional use of “Prior codes” This generally refers to the 1938 and 1968 NYC Building Codes. To understand […]
Today it s relatively easy and routine to add an additional bedroom to apartments that contain “L” shaped living rooms which are commonly know as “convertible or Jr” one or two bedroom apartments. Historically this type of alteration was difficult for two basic reasons. One, the NYC Zoning Resolution had a term called “zoning rooms” […]
With increasing energy restrictions and emerging technologies such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps, lighting has become more complicated in the past couple of decades. Once, the options were limited to incandescent lamps for home use, fluorescent tubes for retail applications and sodium chloride for civil engineering application. Where lighting was once an afterthought, today […]
As of December 2017, The Department of Buildings has created a Real Time Enforcement Unit to enforce construction codes in occupied multiple dwellings. Two 2017 local laws have taken effect resulting in building ownership responsibility to notify the NYC Building Department prior to commencing construction. The construction sites will be subject to DOB inspections by […]
The 2014 Building Code defines Partial Demolition as “The dismantling, razing, or removal of structural members, floors, interior bearing walls, and/or exterior walls or portions thereof, including all operations incidental thereto.” Minor proposed work such as through wall openings and enlargements for air conditioning units that affect the structural, exterior wall of a building, are […]
Many NYC apartment owners take advantage of the opportunity to install clothes washers and dryers if these appliances are approved by their building management In addition to property management approvals, there are also several sections of building code to consider and satisfy. New washing machines should be listed on the Schedule B as well as […]
Recent Legislation has resulted in the need to notify tenants and the Building Department in an Occupied Housing Building (any building containing dwelling units that remain occupied during construction within a building ) whenever a permit is pulled from the Building Department: Tenant Protection Plans as modified by Local Law 154 of 2017, now require […]
When installing and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) that requires a permit to install or requires an Equipment Use Card (EUP) the following filing and approval process is required: Plans are prepared by a Licensed Design Professional. This can be a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer that is licensed in the State of New York Plans […]
In 2017 several pieces of legislation regarding construction have been passed by the New York City Council. The result of these bills is more restrictive rules and penalties that will affect all construction professionals and property owners involved at all levels of construction and renovation work in the city. Intro 1448-2017 is an amendment to […]
The 2014 NYC Building Code (sec. 3302.1) defines “Partial Demolition” as: “The dismantling, razing, or removal of structural members, floors, interior bearing walls, and/or exterior walls or portions thereof, including all operations incidental thereto.” The 2014 NYC Building Code requires a Site Safety Plan for construction or demolition for “Major Buildings” that are also more […]
The New York City Department of Building enforces the 2016 NYC Energy Code for any work type where energy usage applies. Exceptions are life safety items like Sprinklers and Fire Alarm, as well as buildings in Land-marked Districts. If the building in question is in a designated historic district, the exception for 2016 NYCECC compliance […]
We often get asked by clients, “Do I really need a permit to do the work I am proposing?”. Although the answer is not always clear, the answer is most often “yes”. The following presents, the relevant sections from the 2014 New York City Building Code regarding permits. It also discusses and links to RCNY […]
Over the years, many Doctors Offices were built in New York City. Although a Doctors Office is a Commercial Use, the New York City Zoning Resolution classified it as a Use Group 4 Community Facility. This designation allows this commercial use in a Residential District where regular commercial uses are not allowed. At times, the […]
There are two options for complying with Type B+NYC Unit Toilet & Bathing room requirements under the 2014 NYC Building Code: OPTION 1: All toilet rooms are constructed in accordance with 2014 Code Appendix P “Type B+NYC Unit Toilet and Bathing Rooms Requirements”. OPTION 2: If at least one toilet and bathing room is constructed […]
As Complicated as the New York City Zoning Resolution seems, it is based upon a few basic concepts. The Zoning resolution’s primary purpose is to regulate “Use” and “Bulk”. In addition to “Use” and “Bulk” it regulates parking, loading, signs, etc, but “Use” and “Bulk” are the primary concerns. The Zoning Resolution and the Zoning […]
When a Building or Space is changed from one “Occupancy” group to another or one “Zoning Use Group” to another, a Type 1 Alteration application must be submitted to request a change in a C of O.(BC 28118.3.1). A “major” change to exists also requires a change to the C of O. (BC 28-118.3.3) Title […]
As of Dec 31st, all Mechanical work must comply with the 2014 New york City Mechanical Code There are some exceptions for Mechanical work in Existing Buildings that is worth noting Essentially new work must comply, but the existing systems do not need to comply. 28-101.4.3 – Optional use of 1968 (1938) Codes: Exception 1: […]
On December 31, 2014 the 2014 New York City Building Codes became effective and the rules governing the way one applies the Building Code to an existing building have changed. It should be noted that there are over 975,000 existing buildings in New York City. It is therefore important to understand how to apply the […]
One of the most frequent question we receive is regarding the legality of installing air conditioning condensers in residential open space. People see various types of HVAC condensers installed in court yards and rear yards and ask why they are not permitted to do the same. The installation is governed by the NYC Building Codes, […]
Let’s start off by agreeing that the English language is ambiguous. That being said, there are some words and definitions that are clear, but are constantly used incorrectly. The best example of this is the misuse of the words “cellar” and “basement”. In the world or Architecture there is a major difference between a “cellar” […]
As architects we design apartment renovations and also review renovations by other architects on behalf of the Building Management. The following are the guidelines we recommend to other design professionals to make the review process as painless as possible: Guidelines for Submission of Plans for Apartment Renovations New York State licensed architect or engineer must […]
The construction of New Buildings and Alterations of existing buildings is currently governed by the 2008 New York City Building Code. BC 28-101.4.3 allows the optional use of the 1968 Buildings Code for alteration of existing buildings , except alterations must comply with the following conditions of 2008 NYC Building Codes: 1. Administration, including: Fees, […]
1. To legalize an apartment combination you must file a new application at the Building Department. Since 1997 we have been able to file Type 2 applications that do not affect a Certificate of Occupancy, but rather results in a Letter for Completion. 2. The apartments that are being combined must not be on more […]