Analytics Unit Releases New Interactive Reports
As part of of our ongoing efforts to modernize the Department and better serve the public, DOB's Analytics Unit is hard at work marshaling the agency's data to provide insights into NYC's built environment and to improve agency operations. Earlier this month, the unit released two new offerings: the 2017 Elevator Report and an interactive, real-time map of active sidewalk shed permits.
This comprehensive report includes data-driven maps and animated graphics showing the history, current status, and vital statistics of the city's 84,000+ elevator devices. These devices include passenger elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts, freight elevators, and more.
Highlights include:
- A history of the elevator in NYC;
- Stats on elevator use in the city;
- A 3-D map illustrating NYC's elevators in motion;
- Details on how DOB regulates the city's elevator stock; and
- An introduction to DOB NOW, the agency's new online information portal.
Interactive Real-Time Sidewalk Shed Map
This map is the first public-facing report released by DOB that will update automatically in real time. As new permits for sidewalk sheds are issued and existing permits expire, the map will reflect these changes as they occur. Members of the public can search sidewalk sheds by age, borough, community board, and permit applicant, allowing them to find out exactly what is going on in their neighborhood.
Prior projects and additional information on DOB's use of public data can be found on the Data & Reporting section of our website.
Construction Safety Week 2018: Build Safe│Live Safe Conference Seminars and Credit Details
It's that time of year again - Construction Safety Week (May 7-11) is almost here. Department staff will visit construction sites to promote awareness about new construction safety training requirements for Local Law 196, and to perform outreach for our annual multi-lingual Experience is Not Enough campaign.
The highlight of the week is the 2018 Build Safe│Live Safe Conference (Thursday, May 10, 2018), a daylong series of seminars, where Department experts discuss industry trends and highlight safe construction operations. Tickets to the event are sold out, but those who have reserved their seats can now view the official schedule and credit details on our website. This year’s seminar topics will include:
- Construction Safety: Year in Review and Recent & Upcoming Changes
- Site Safety Plan Requirements of the NYC Building Code and Local Law 81 of 2017
- Structural Stability in the NYC Building Code
- Gas Work: Safety & Legislation
- Excavation, Interior Demolition & Scaffold Safety - Code Requirements & Construction Implementation
- Classifying NYC's Housing Stock - Clarifying a Difficult Issue
- Cranes, Hoists and Elevators- Digital Compliance
- Safety Considerations for Renewable Energy Systems
- Learning from Damage Assessment Post Hurricane Maria
New Permit Restrictions Related to Construction Superintendent Rule
DOB is enforcing compliance with the Construction Superintendent Rule, which requires that construction superintendents (CS) be restricted to a maximum of 10 active jobs. As of April 30th, 2018 the Department will no longer issue or renew permits for projects where the designated CS is already assigned to the maximum of 10 jobs.
For more information, see the Service Update posted on our website to ensure compliance and for instructions on changing, withdrawing, or releasing a CS from a permitted job. If you have questions or comments, please contact CSuper@buildings.nyc.gov.
DOB Technical Affairs Staff Participates in ICC Code Development Conference
Members of DOB's Technical Affairs unit recently traveled to Columbus Ohio to participate in the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) Committee Action Hearings for the 2021 International Code. Team members participated in committees reviewing proposed changes to the International Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Building, and Fire Safety Codes. Once finalized, the ICC codes will serve as the model for the rest of the country, and internationally - including the NYC Construction Codes, which are required to be updated based on the latest version of the International Codes.
DOB Partners with the Plumbing Foundation City of New York for Licensing Renewal Seminar
Plumbing Development Inspections Chief Henry Snyder and Assistant Chief Elias Katsihtis joined Director of LAA/Permit Renewal and the HUB Authentication Unit Gathfeny Sanders and Chief Information Officer Leena Panchwagh at the Plumbing Foundation City of New York's license renewal course held April 25th. The team discussed issues regarding code and safety regulations, and the expansion of the DOB NOW: Inspections platform. In addition, a presentation was given which included the Department's self-service permitting and inspection-request system DOB NOW, highlighting the upcoming LAA filing changes.
Call for Energy Conservation Code Committee Applications
If you're a member of the construction, real estate, labor, architectural, and engineering community, or an interested stakeholder, you can apply to serve on the NYC Energy Conservation Code Advisory Committees that will help develop and review amendments to the New York City Energy Conservation Code as part of the mandated three-year Code revision cycle. The application and more information is available on our website; submissions will be accepted through May 29, 2018.
Sign up for Weather Advisories
Service Updates
2018 Benchmarking Compliance Deadline Extended
Reminder: Local Law 196 of 2017: Construction Safety Training
2014 Construction Code Updates
Update pages are printable inserts to keep your hard copy Construction Codes up to date.
All update pages for the 2014 NYC Construction Codes.
Hearings + Rules
1 RCNY 101-02 Amendment of Rules Regarding Elevator Work (Waiver of Certain Construction
Documents Required to be Submitted by Registered Design Professionals
for Certain Work Amendment)
Promulgated Effective Date 05/20/18
1 RCNY 101-07 Amendment of Rules Regarding Elevator Work (Approved Agencies Amendment)
Promulgated Effective Date 05/20/18
1 RCNY 104-09 Amendment of Licensing Requirements for Hoisting Machine Operators
Promulgated Effective Date 05/04/18
1 RCNY 3301-01 Amendment of Rules Relating to Construction Superintendents (Construction Site
Signs Amendment)
Promulgated Effective Date 05/19/18
1 RCNY 3610-05 Requirements Regarding Elevator Capacity and Loading
Public hearing: 05/21/18 @ 10:00 AM - 280 Broadway, 3rd Floor Conference Room
Buildings Bulletins
Website Updates
Updated Code Revision Committee Rosters
Updated 2018 Covered Building List
March Construction-Related Accident Report Summery
Disciplinary Cases
$47,400 in penalties issued to SC Union LLC for the illegal conversion of 42-08 Union Street, Queens, from a three-family home into a sixteen-unit single room occupancy dwelling known as the Flushing Hotel.
$49,000 in penalties issued to building owner Shahana Islam for illegally altering the property at 35-47 72nd Street, Queens, from a three-family home to a seven-family home, with illegal SROs in the basement and the attic.
$48,700 in penalties issued to Branic International Realty Company, for the illegal transient use of two residential units at 2686 Broadway, Manhattan.
A combined total of $700,000 in penalties imposed on S M Enterprises LLC, Barton Mark Perlbinder, and Perlbinder Holdings LLC for the continued display of an illegal advertising sign at 247 - 249 East 36th Street, also known as 665 2nd Avenue, over the course of 8 years.
DOB is now publishing monthly Enforcement Bulletins detailing the agency's efforts to sanction and deter bad actors in the construction industry. You can find these bulletins posted in the Press Releases section of our website.
Additional Disciplinary Actions & Voluntary Surrenders
Industry Code of Conduct for Construction Professionals
Correction
In the feature "DOB Celebrates Woman's History Month," included in the March 2018 edition of Buildings News, Elizabeth Skowronek was incorrectly identified as the Manager for Hub Self Service. Her correct title is Borough Commissioner for Hub Full and Self Service.
Did You Know
DOB has teamed up with the FDNY, Con Edison, NYSERDA, and CUNY to collaborate to develop the first comprehensive set of guidelines for installing lithium-ion energy storage systems, and blueprint for battery permitting for NYC buildings. The guide is designed to provide building owners and project developers with an understanding of the permitting, interconnection, and approval processes for outdoor Li-on ESS in NYC. For more information, see the press release.
Rick D. Chandler, P.E., Commissioner
