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” […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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” […]