| Buildings news |
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July 10th, 2024 |
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NYC Heat
It's July, and we are officially in the dog days of summer here in New York City. We have already experienced several uncomfortable heat waves so far this year, with more high heat and high humidity forecasted in the days ahead. Hot weather has a major impact on the construction industry, where much of the activity takes place outside, away from air conditioning and protection from the sun. Contractors and workers who are outside should take every precaution, and follow all OSHA guidelines to prevent heat-related injuries. That includes ensuring everyone on the work site stays properly hydrated, avoids prolonged sun exposure, and are taking necessary breaks. OSHA Guidelines to Prevent Heat Illness on the Job Read About OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Campaign Find Out More Ways to Beat The Heat DOB's No-Penalty Inspection Program
DOB's annual No-Penalty Inspection Program is running through the end of July, and gives homeowners, business owners, and small property owners the opportunity to request a free DOB inspection of their buildings to check that these structures and associated building equipment are in good, hazard-free condition. If we do find any violating conditions during one of these no-penalty inspections, our inspectors will not issue violations that carry associated penalties for a limited time, instead providing guidance on how to correct the conditions, to give the owners the opportunity to make corrective repairs to get their property in good shape. Running until July 31st, 2024, DOB inspections performed through this program are perfect for the property owner who is concerned about an issue on their property, looking to make repairs, but doesn't know how to get started. Buildings Tech Lab Launched at DOB
Applications are open for the inaugural Buildings Tech Lab, a public-private initiative between the Department of Buildings and the Partnership Fund for New York City to test new technologies to help the DOB improve how it regulates construction and development throughout the five boroughs. Early- and growth-stage tech companies with a relevant solution to one of the Lab's two challenges can learn more and apply here. Interested applicants are invited to attend an information session on August 15th at 1pm ET. Applications close September 20. Read More About the Initiative in Crain's New York Business "Get Sheds Down" Updates
City Council Considering New Legislation Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo testified at the City's Council Committee on Housing and Buildings last month, to advocate for new enforcement tools to help the agency compel building owners to make needed building repairs, and get sidewalk sheds down faster. Legislative action by the Council is critical to implementing the administration's "Get Sheds Down" plan. Among the proposed legislation now being considered by the City Council are bills for graduated penalties for building owners with longstanding sheds, enforcing building repair timelines, reducing permit lengths, introducing more color options, and mandating better lighting. DOB Launches Study on Local Law 11 Regulations DOB's recently announced a comprehensive review of the city's Façade Inspection & Safety Program, also known as Local Law 11. Thornton Tomasetti, an international engineering consulting firm headquartered in New York City, has been contracted by DOB to conduct this study. This review will thoroughly examine the Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) and result in a set of recommendations for policy makers that could include changes to the current requirements. Read the Press Release on the New Local Law 11 Study "Get Summonses Corrected" in Brooklyn
DOB's Administrative Enforcement Unit (AEU) will be setting up shop in our Brooklyn Borough Office for the agency's "Get Summonses Corrected" campaign, aimed at providing property owners with the guidance they need to resolve open DOB-issued summonses associated with their buildings. Resolving these open violations is important to ensure that a property is in a safe condition. In addition, closing out these violations can help property owners avoid major headaches when applying for a mortgage, home insurance or when attempting to sell the property. Stop by our borough office on the 3rd Floor of 345 Adams Street in Downtown Brooklyn on any of the following days for free 1-on-1 assistance in resolving open DOB-issued violations.
Find Out About More Upcoming DOB Events Going on Offense to Protect New Yorkers
Last month, the New York City Council passed Intro 904, new legislation which would create a new proactive building inspection program at DOB. As part of the program, the Department would identify potentially dangerous buildings using data analysis and predictive technology, and inspect these buildings to determine whether interventions need to be taken in the interest of public safety. After the City Council Vote, Commissioner Oddo said the following –
New Login Process For DOB NOW
Last month, the DOB NOW Public Portal was integrated with NYC.ID, a move that now requires all users of DOB NOW to have an NYC.ID account in order to login. This integration is part of the MyCity initiative, which is creating a one-stop-shop for city services and features a single sign-in account through NYC.ID for all online services across city agencies. If you are an existing DOB NOW user, go to the public portal and enter the email address associated with your eFiling account. The system will automatically redirect you to the NYC.ID registration page. Construction Advisory: Foam Snow
Styrofoam and other polystyrene foams are a common material used in building construction, including for insulation and exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). When cutting and installing this lightweight material construction contractors are required to implement proper housekeeping operations to prevent "foam snow" – when debris particles are blown off the work site and litter the neighboring streets and sidewalks below. These particles can create a slipping hazard, clog storm drains and pollute waterways. Contractors should be aware that failure to properly mitigate and remove waste debris generated from the use of these foam products will result in enforcement actions from DOB. Read Our Construction Advisory Deadline For Parking Structure Reports
Reminder to parking structure owners in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Upper Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island that the deadline to submit their required initial assessment observation reports to DOB is coming up on August 1, 2024. These initial assessment observation reports are critical to helping property owners identify potential safety issues at these parking structures. Failure to submit these reports will lead to enforcement actions by the Department. Read our Service Notice About the Initial Observation Reports |
Service Updates Local Law 97 of 2019: Article 321 Workbook for Reporting Prescriptive Energy Conservation Measures Update to ST1: Street Tree Checklist
New DOB NOW Login Process Requiring NYC.ID Account Follow-up #1 - Guidelines for Mechanical Systems Work Type Filing in DOB NOW: Build CD8-TR: Identification of Special Inspections Form Updated Follow-Up #1: Initial Observations of Parking Structures in Certain Community Districts Get Help with the Get Summons Corrected (GSC) Campaign Request for Consideration of a Refund: RF1 Form Revised All Department Service Updates Hearings + Rules
1 RCNY
101-03 Fee for Registration of Lift Directors. 1 RCNY 104-09 Amendment of Rules Relating to Hoisting Machine Operators Promulgated Effective Date 07/25/24 1 RCNY 3319-01 Amendment of Rules Relating to Hoisting Machine Operators Promulgated Effective Date 07/25/24 Buildings Bulletins 2024-003: This Bulletin rescinds 2 Directives, 3 Letters, 1 APPN, 6 OPPNs, and 17 Memoranda which were issued by the Department but are no longer applicable under current Codes and Local Laws. 2024-004: This Bulletin provides clarification to the specific requirements of Section BC 602.4 regarding mass timber construction. Local Laws Small Businesses Small business owners and entrepreneurs in New York City can receive one-on-one guidance and helpful consultations for their projects by reaching out to DOB's Small Business Team (SBT). Whether opening a new place of business or renovating an existing one, SBT gives the City's small business owners and entrepreneurs the dedicated support they need. The first step for your small business is filling out a SBT support request form on our website. Upcoming Events Every week, DOB holds online and in-person events for industry professionals and members of the public. Have questions and need answers? Join us of for a live online Q&A session, or one of our in-person industry meetings. See Our Schedule for All Upcoming Events Stop Work Orders DOB will issue a Stop Work Order at a work site if it is necessary to protect public safety, so make sure to keep your work sites in safe condition to avoid any unnecessary project delays. We have a new, interactive map where the public can see all active and rescinded Stop Work Orders across the city. See the new Stop Work Order Map Top Ten Reasons For Stop Work Orders Learn More About Stop Work Orders Enforcement Bulletins DOB publishes monthly bulletins detailing the agency's efforts to sanction and deter bad actors in the construction industry. You can find this information posted on the Enforcement Action Bulletin page of our website. Additional Disciplinary Actions & Voluntary Surrenders Weather Advisories When severe weather strikes, it pays to be in the know. The Department of Buildings emails out weather advisories when NYC is expected to face high wind events and other types of severe weather. |
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Jimmy Oddo, Commissioner
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