When do the new NYC Construction Codes go into effect?

Q: When do the new NYC Construction Codes go into effect?

A: The new NYC Construction Codes are scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2008. A draft of the Code is available for download at the NYC Department of Buildings Website.

I have attempted to paraphrase below (from Local Law 33 of 2007) the enactment transition details. Please refer to Local Law 33 of 2007 for the exact enactment language.

Any application submitted to the DOB prior to July 1, 2008, or for which an application is submitted to the DOB within a period of 12 months after July 1, 2008, at the option of the owner, may be performed in its entirety in accordance with new NYC Construction Codes, or in accordance with the 1968 building code, provided that the construction work is commenced within 12 months after the date permit issuance and is diligently carried on to completion.

The Commissioner may, for good cause, extend the time period for commencement of the work beyond 12 months. Where the owner elects to perform the work in compliance with the 1968 building code, certain conditions shall apply. Please refer to the Local Law for the conditions.

Optional use of the 1968 Building Code for alteration of existing buildings. At the option of the owner, a permit may be issued after July 1, 2008 authorizing work on existing buildings to be performed in accordance with the 1968 building code, subject to certain conditions. Please refer to the Local Law for the conditions.

Asbestos Investigation for New Building?

Q: How recently constructed does a New Building need to be to avoid an Asbestos Investigation requirement?

A: Buildings filed with the DOB after April 1, 1987 do not require an Asbestos Investigation (ACP-5). In lieu of the ACP-5, an ASB-4 'Asbestos Exemption Form' must be filed. This form must be signed & sealed by the Architect or Engineer of Record.

Local Laws

Q: Where can I obtain a copy of a Local Law that DOB has referenced, but that is not available at the DOB or online at the DOB's Web Site?

A: Copies of Local Laws may be requested at the Municipal Reference Library located at 31 Chambers Street, New York, NY

What is a Seismic Joint?

Q: What is a Seismic Joint?

A: Pursuant to Local Law 17/1995, a Building Separation (seismic joint) is required for all new construction adjoining existing construction. One inch (1") of separation is required for every fifty feet (50') of building height. This separation does not create a non-compliant side yard.

When proposed work consists of enlargement of an existing structure, compliance is required when new foundations are constructed, or when existing foundations are reinforced for the new enlargement, or when the cost of alterations exceeds 60% of the building value.

It's the Law: Women need more toilets than men!

Q: What are the requirements for Women's Toilet Rooms in Places of Assembly? How many additional fixtures are required for Women?

A: See Local Law 57/2005 for full details. The Plumbing Fixture Count has been amended so that the requirement for the number of Womens's Toilets serving most Places of Assembly is generally twice that of Men.

The amended count is a change to Plumbing Fixture Table RS 16-5 (Minimum number of required Plumbing Fixtures).

Unisex Toilet Rooms may be used to satisfy the total number of required Plumbing Fixtures for Women.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Affidavits

Q: I am processing Certificate of Occupancy issuance for a building, and have been asked to provide a Carbon Monoxide Detector Affidavit by DOB. When is this required by Code? What is the Law for Carbon Monoxide Detectors? Where can I find more information?

A: Carbon Monoxide Detectors are now required in certain Occupancy Groups per Local Law 7/2004. They are required in J-3 (Single- and Two-Family Residences), J-2 (Multiple Dwellings), J-1 (Hotels), G (Educational/School), and H-2 (Hospitals) Occupancies.

For Residential buildings, a CO Detector is required within 15' of the entrance to Sleeping Rooms, and also in the vicinity of Fossil-Fuel Burning Equipment (such as in a Boiler Room, Parking Garage, Laundry Room with Gas Dryers).

For G and H-2, at least one CO Detector shall be installed in the vicinity of Fossil-Fuel Burning Equipment.

An Affidavit for the installation of CO Detectors will be requested by the Construction Division at the time of TCO/CO issuance or TCO Renewal (unless already on file).

Full Local Law 7/2004