An existing building alteration project could be filed under either the current Codes, the 2014 NYC Construction Codes, Administrative (AC), Building (BC), Plumbing (PC), Fuel Gas (FGC), and Mechanical Codes (MC), or under Prior Codes, such as the 1968 Code, 1938 Code or earlier Codes, depending on the age of the existing building; reference AC 28-101.2.
However, there are exceptions if prior codes are used, per AC 28-101.4.3. For example, the 2014 Code must be used for some accessibility requirements, certain alteration work of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, fire protection and/or fuel gas systems, specific building elements such as security grilles, handrails, guards, roofs, etc., and certain kinds of structural work. Alteration work must also comply with the 2011 NYC Electrical Code, and the current NYC Energy Conservation Code. The following Reference Guides provide instructions:
In special flood hazard areas, BC Appendix G must be considered when performing alterations.
When required by the project scope of work the renovation must also comply with the rules, regulations, laws and Codes of other City agencies, such as the: NYC Fire Department (FDNY), NYC Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Transportation (DOT), NYC Landmarks Commission, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and others.
NOTE: The following is a list of key zoning, Code and other regulations that may be relevant in the project design, it is not comprehensive.
Project Element |
Applicable Code and Regulations |
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Current Code* |
Prior Codes |
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2014 |
1968 |
1938 |
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Administrative |
2014 AC 28-101.4.5 and Administrative Code Sections BC Chapter 1 |
AC 28-101.4.3 for Optional Use of 1968 Code and AC 28-101.4.5 |
2014 AC 28-101.4.3, AC 28-101.4.5 and 1968 AC 27-114 and AC 27-120 to determine if 1938 Code can be used |
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Accessibility |
2014 BC Chapter 11, and BC Appendix EBC Appendix N, and BC Appendix P |
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Accessory Uses/Occupancy Classifications:
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BC Chapter 4, BC Chapter 5, BC Chapter 11, BC 404, |
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Building Heights & Areas |
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Construction Types |
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Egress |
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Elevators and Conveying Systems |
2014 BC Chapter 30 and BC Appendix K |
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Fire Protection and Fire Districts |
2014 AC 28-315.2, 2014 BC Chapter 9,and Appendix Q |
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Fire and Smoke Protection
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Flood Resistant Construction |
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Interior Environment |
BC Chapter 12, BC Appendix R, MC Chapters 4 through 6, and MC Chapter 9 |
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Interior Finishes |
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Materials |
1938 BC Article 8, Article 19, and Article 26 |
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Plumbing Fixtures |
PC 403 |
Via PC 102.4.2.1 |
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Rodent-Proofing |
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Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures |
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Safeguards During Construction
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Site Safety Plan |
Depending on if a building is considered as a major building by being 10 or more stories or 125 feet or more in height, with a building footprint of 100,000 square feet or more, a site safety plan is required per BC 3310 and AC 28-110 |
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Special Construction |
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Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy |
1968 AC 27 Subchapter 7, and Special Uses And Occupancies |
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Stair Pressurization |
High Rise buildings require this per BC 403, BC 909.20.5, and MC 513 |
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Structural Peer Review |
Certain high-rise construction, as per BC 1617, will require a structural peer review. |
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Structural, Soils and Foundation |
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Use and Occupancy Classification |
Article 4 and Article 13 |
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Other Guidelines |
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Accessory Assembly Areas |
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Antennas |
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Boiler |
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Building Pavement Plan |
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Construction Equipment |
See Construction Equipment Guidelines (Scaffold, Hoists, Chutes, Fences, Sidewalk Sheds, Mechanical Construction Equipment) |
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Curb Cuts |
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Demolition |
See Partial Demolition Guidelines |
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Emergency Power Systems |
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Encroachments onto Public Right of Way |
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Façade |
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Foundations, Shoring, Underpinning |
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Mechanical |
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Plumbing |
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Signs |
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Solar Panels |
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Sprinkler |
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Standpipe |
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Storefront |
Manufacturing alteration projects may require compliance with the following sections of the Zoning Resolution:
Use Regulations
Per ZR 12-10, a use is any purpose for which a building may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied, including any activity, occupation, business or operation carried on, or intended to be carried on, in a building.
(e) - Restrictive Declaration Designations
Scope of work subject to Office of Environmental Remediation approval (OER):
Special Purpose Districts
If enlargement or conversion occurs within a Special (and Sub) District, see modifications of use, bulk, parking, and other zoning regulations outlined in ZR Articles VIII through XIII.
Manufacturing Bulk Regulations
Lot Area and Width
No limitations on lot area and width for buildings with manufacturing uses
Permitted Obstructions
Urban Design Regulations
Street Trees
Parking and Loading Regulations
Bicycle Parking Regulations
Waterfront Area or Block
Flood Hazard Areas
If enlargement or conversion occurs within a flood hazard area, see modifications of bulk, parking, use and other zoning regulations outlined in ZR Article VI, Special Regulations, and all subsections
Other Regulation(s) for Reference
TPPN
Rules
Prior to preparing the design documents and construction drawings, the Registered Design Professional must perform a pre-design review that analyzes all of the existing site conditions and other components affected by the proposed scope of work. The information provided on the drawings must clearly describe all of the work required for the code compliant execution and completion of the project per AC 28-104, 2014 BC 107.2 and BC 1603.
The Department’s guidelines, outlined below, provide an organized approach for the preparation of construction documents; this will facilitate the plan review process. Drawings shall clearly indicate existing condition, proposed condition and any area affected by the scope of work.
Construction drawings should represent complete work, including multiple disciplines such as architectural, structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and others. There must be close coordination between all disciplines for the proposed scope of work to ensure Code compliance; reference AC 28-104.7 and BC 107.2, BC 1603 and Plan Examination Guidelines – Minimum Requirement for Review if Design Drawings, Revised 3-10-2014.
A complete submission of drawings should include:
Construction Documents. Drawings necessary to convey essential information such as floor layouts, elevations, schedules and details. The applicable Building Codes and notes should be stated on the drawings as required to demonstrate Code and zoning compliance. Where essential to clarify overall layouts and details, a scale should be included on the drawings; a graphic scale is recommended. Provide a title block with a 3 inch x 3 inch space for a Department approval stamp.
Title Sheet. Should clearly describe the project location, including the adjacent streets, properties, ‘FIRMS,’ etc. and a graphical scale. Drawing notes should include building name and address, names and contact information of all parties involved, occupancy classification, zoning use group, construction classification, the project’s scope, a list of related job filings/applications, a list of special and progress inspections, and the building’s primary structural system.
Drawing Index. Identify discipline (A, M, P, S,…) and drawing number (100.00, 101.00,…) for all included plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, etc.
Site/Plot Plan. Clearly show the size and location of the lot, show all existing structures on the zoning lot, and include all dimensions and other relevant information such as a current zoning map, streets, easements, a dimensioned plan showing all bulk requirements, adjacent buildings, curb cuts, north arrow, parking, etc. If applicable, indicate required loading areas. The area of proposed work shall be clearly identified.
Zoning Analysis. A complete analysis based on the proposed scope of work including area calculations, lot coverage, use, bulk (yard, height and setback, floor area ratios), parking, loading berth, etc.
Floor Plans. Show existing and proposed conditions, fully dimension all spaces; clearly identify room names and floor area(s); indicate fire rating for partitions, ceiling, and walls; locate any penetrations through fire rated assemblies; include schedules for doors, windows and finishes materials; include schedules for various types of equipment. Clearly show all elements of the means of egress, occupant loads, travel distances, accessibility compliance and sprinkler/fire protection design. Coordinate between all trades/disciplines to ensure that the proposed scope of work is complete and shown on all submitted discipline drawings.
Elevations. Required if the project involves the renovation or modification of the building’s exterior and in some cases also required for interior renovations that may impact the facade. Show all altered exterior surfaces, including openings, fenestration, floor heights, head heights, control joints, adjoining grade levels compared with NAVD, foundation lines, materials, chimney and vent heights and penetrations.
Sections. Named and labeled sections with a base plain and all floor levels called out are required for documenting some types of alteration projects. These could include building and wall sections, including fire ratings.
Detail Drawings. These drawings contain significant information required to clearly communicate the scope of work, in a magnified form, including curb cut details, partition types, and other elements unique to the building.
Specifications. All manufacturers’ instructions and materials lists for equipment to be used in the manufacturing process, as required
Energy Analysis. Energy Analysis shall be provided on drawings in the form of Tabular Analysis, COMCheck, or energy model. Energy Analysis references supporting documentation location and the corresponding values match the proposed construction on drawings. For projects claiming exceptions, details shall be clearly shown in the analysis supporting the reason for the exception. Some key elements required on plans for all projects include:
Exterior wall/roof/floor:
Vertical glazing, skylights, doors:
If applicable, additional elements required on drawings include:
*Refer to Project Guidelines for Building Systems installation and modification projects.
Refer to Minimum Requirement for Review of Design Drawings available at the following link: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/plan_exam_user_guide.pdf
Designator | Sheet Number: Sheet Description |
T-001.00 | Title Sheet, Site Plan, Drawing Index, General Notes, required special/ progress inspections list, and Legends |
Z-100.00 | Zoning Analysis |
A-100.00 | Existing and Demolition Floor Plans |
A-101.00 | Proposed Floor Plans |
A-200.00 | Proposed Reflected Ceiling Plans |
A-300.00 | Proposed Enlarged Floor Plans |
A-301.00 | Proposed Interior Elevations and Details |
A-400.00 | Existing and Proposed Façade Elevations |
A-401.00 | Existing and Proposed Cross Sections |
S-100.00 | Structural Plans and Details |
P-100.00 | Floor Plans - Plumbing |
P-101.00 | Plumbing Riser Diagram – Gas Riser Diagram - Piping |
P-102.00 | Plumbing Fixture Schedules – Plumbing Details |
SP-100.00 | Sprinkler Floor Plan |
SP-101.00 | Sprinkler Riser Diagram and Details |
M-100.00 | Mechanical System Equipment and Schedules |
M-101.00 | Reflected Ceiling Plan for Mechanical System |
EN-100.00 | Energy Code Analysis |
FS-100.00 | Food Service Equipment and Systems (if applicable) |
Q-100.00 | Equipment (various, if applicable) |
Drawing Legend to include: Symbols, abbreviations, notes and definition, and list all applicable Building Code section numbers
Recommended Drawing Designators
A: Architectural: Mandatory designation for drawings showing architectural work.
S: Structural: Mandatory designation for drawings showing structural work.
P: Plumbing: Mandatory designation for drawings showing Plumbing work including riser diagrams and plumbing details
SP: Sprinkler: Mandatory designation for drawings showing sprinkler work including floor plans, riser diagram and sprinkler system details
M: Mechanical: Mandatory designation for plans showing mechanical work
EN: Energy Analysis: Mandatory designation.
NOTE: In manufacturing facilities, special equipment is often required. In such cases, drawings with different drawing designators are also provided. For example, ‘X’ can be used to designate other disciplines that may be exclusive to manufacturing such as required process related equipment.
The following list, while not all-inclusive, provides examples of substantive changes that require review as a PAA to the approved plans:
REFERENCE NOTE: Organizations like the AIA, CSI and National Institute of Building Sciences work jointly to create national standards for consistent documentation and data organization, to assist in communication and coordination across the design and construction industry.
(See http://www.nationalcadstandard.org for more information.)
As per BC Chapter 17, alteration work may require certain Special and Progress Inspections to be performed during and at the end of construction as outlined in the table below. Prior to approval, the Applicant of Record is required to identify all required Special and Progress Inspections (BC 1704.1). Prior to DOB permit issuance, the owner must engage a registered Special Inspection Agency (SIA) who will take responsibility for the Special and Progress Inspections. The Applicant of Record may perform these inspections if they are also an SIA. Inspection discrepancies and hazardous conditions shall be reported to the super-intendment of construction, as well as to the site safety coordinator or site safety manager, for correction, per BB 2016-006 and 1 RCNY 101-06. Per BC 1704.1.2, the Contractor cannot hire the Special Inspector.
Based on the scope of work, an alteration project may be required to comply with the following Special and Progress Inspection requirements:
Structural Steel |
May include steel welding, High Strength Bolting and Steel Details (BC 1704.3). |
Concrete: Cast-In-Place and Precast |
Required where the total concrete placement on a given project is more than 50 cubic yards or other conditions. Precast may be needed during façade renovation project (BC 1704.4) |
Concrete – Precast and Pre-stressed |
Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section BC 1704.4. |
Masonry |
Load bearing masonry, glass unit masonry and masonry veneer shall be inspected and verified in accordance with the requirements of sections BC 1704.5.1 through BC 1704.5.3, depending on the structural occupancy category of the building or structure |
Wood – Installation of High-Load Diaphragms |
High-load diaphragms shall be installed with special inspections as indicated in Section BC 1704.6.1. Limited to 5-story construction. |
Wood – Installation of Metal-Plate-Connected Trusses |
Metal-plate-connected wood trusses shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with Section BC 1704.6.2.1 and BC 1704.6.2.2. Limited to 5-story construction. |
Wood – Installation of Prefabricated I-Joists |
Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section 1704.2 and the requirements of Section BC 2303.1.2 (BC 1704.6.3). Limited to 5-story construction. |
Subgrade inspection, subsurface conditions, borings and test pits |
Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section BC 1704.7 |
Deep Foundation Elements |
Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section BC 1704.8. |
Helical Piles |
Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section BC 1704.8.5. |
Vertical Masonry Foundation Elements |
Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Section BC 1704.9. |
Wall Panels, Curtain Walls and Veneers |
Required for exterior architectural wall panels and the anchoring of veneers designed for installation on buildings above a height of 40 feet. Special Inspection of masonry veneer on such structures shall be in accordance with Section 1704.5 (BC 1704.10). |
Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials |
Special Inspections for sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members shall be in accordance with Sections 1704.11.1 through 1704.11.7. |
Mastic and Intumescent Fire – resistant Coatings |
Special inspections for mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coatings applied to structural elements and decks shall be in accordance with AWCI 12-B. Special inspections shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents as per BC 1704.12. |
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) |
All EIFS applications installed more than 15 feet above adjacent finished grades and alterations to existing EIFS installations more than 15 feet above adjacent finished grades shall be in accordance with Section BC 1704.13. |
Alternative Materials |
Special inspections for construction materials and systems that are alternatives to those prescribed in the code, per BC 1704.14 |
Smoke Control Systems |
Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector in accordance with Sections BC 1704.15.1 and BC 909. |
Mechanical Systems |
Mechanical systems requiring a certificate of compliance in accordance with AC 28-116.4.1 of the Administrative Code shall be inspected for conformance with the approved construction documents as per BC 1704.16. |
Fuel Oil Storage and Fuel – Oil Piping Systems |
Fuel-oil storage equipment, including tanks, pumps, valves, transfer, return, fill and vent piping, hangers and bracing, fill and vent terminals, and related systems regulated by MC 1308 of the New York City Mechanical Code. See BC 1704.17 for additional information. |
High - Pressure Steam Piping (Welding) |
High-pressure-steam piping and high temperature hot water piping shall be subject to a special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.18 |
High Temperature Hot Water Piping (Welding) |
High-pressure-steam piping and high temperature hot water piping shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.18 for additional information. |
High – Pressure Fuel – Gas Piping (Welding) |
Per FGC 403.1.1, all welded gas distribution piping is subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.19 for additional information. |
Structural Stability – Existing Buildings |
Alteration of existing structural systems or elements, such as columns, girders, beams, bearing walls, etc. where the stability or integrity of a structural system is to be temporarily diminished, in accordance with Sections 1704.20.6 through 1704.20.10. |
Excavations – Sheeting, Shoring, and Bracing |
Methods employed to protect the sides of excavations shall be subject to Special Inspections in accordance with Sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10. |
Underpinning |
Underpinning of structures shall be subject to special inspections in accordance with Sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10. |
Mechanical Demolition |
Where mechanical demolition equipment, other than handheld devices, is to be used in the full or partial demolition of a building from within the building, or is to be used within the building to remove debris or move material, such demolition operation shall be in accordance with BC 1704.20.4. |
Raising and Moving of the Building |
A periodic special inspection shall be required in accordance with Sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10 where the lowest above-grade floor or the lowest subgrade floor of a building is to be raised, lifted, elevated or moved. |
Soil Percolation Test – Private On-site Storm Water Drainage Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities |
Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.21.1.2. |
Private On-site Storm Water Drainage Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities Installation |
Private on-site storm water disposal systems and detention facilities Special Inspections shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.21.2 |
Individual On-site Private Sewage Disposal System Installation |
Individual on-site private sewage disposal systems shall be inspected in accordance with the rules of DOB per BC 1704.22. |
Soil Percolation Test – Individual On-site Private Sewage Disposal Systems |
Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.22. |
Sprinkler Systems |
Sprinkler systems shall be inspected in accordance with BC 903 and BC 1704.23. See Sprinkler Project Guideline. |
Standpipe Systems |
Per NYC BC 1704.24, Standpipe systems Special Inspections are required to verify installation of materials, fitting hangers’ assemblies and signage, are per approved documents. In addition, Special Inspection must ensure that painting of system complies with BC 905.11 and BC 905.11.5. This portion of the inspection may be conducted periodically at incremental stages matching the progress of the work. Special inspector shall witness all required tests, both Hydrostatic* and flow tests and ensure submission of Form FP 84 to FDNY. See Standpipe Project Guideline. |
Heating Systems |
New heating systems shall be tested in accordance with BC 1704.25. See Mechanical Project Guideline. |
Chimneys |
Chimneys shall be subject to a special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.26. |
Fire-resistant Penetration and Joists |
Special Inspections for penetration of fire-resistant elements and assemblies; and related fire-stops in accordance with Sections BC 1704.27.1 and BC 1704.27.2. |
Flood Zone Compliance |
Special Inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G and BC 1704.29. |
Luminous Egress Path Markings |
The installation of photo luminescent egress path markings shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.30. The special inspector shall verify that approved photo luminescent egress path markings were provided and installed in accordance with DOB rules and regulations, the approved construction documents, and manufacturer’s instructions. |
Emergency and Standby Power Systems (Generators) |
Emergency and standby power systems shall be installed in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code, NFPA 110 and NFPA 111, and BC 2702. See Emergency Backup Power Systems (Generators) Guideline. |
Footings and Foundation |
Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel and required forms are in place as per BC 110.3.1. |
Structural Wood Frame |
Inspections shall be performed for wood structural framing to determine compliance with the approved construction documents as per BC 110.3.3. |
Fire-Resistance Rated Construction |
Fire-resistance-rated partitions, floors, ceilings, shafts, and shutters as per BC 110.3.4. |
Aluminum Welding |
The Special Inspections for structural aluminum elements of buildings and structures shall be as required by Section BC 1704.28.1. |
Post-installed Anchors |
The installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with Table BC 1704.32. The special inspection shall include the verification of compliance with approved construction documents and standards established by the commissioner pursuant to Section AC 28-113.2.2 and BB 2014-018, BB 2014-019. |
Seismic Isolation Systems |
There shall be periodic special inspection during the fabrication and installation of isolator units and energy dissipation devices, if used as part of the seismic isolation system as per BC 1707.8 |
Concrete Design Mix |
Concrete mix designs shall be in accordance with BC 1905.3 and BC 1913.5 (former TR3 form). |
Concrete Sampling and Testing |
Concrete sampling and testing shall be in accordance with BC 1905.6 and BC 1913.1.10 (former TR2 form). |
Preliminary |
Preliminary inspections shall be in accordance with AC 28-116.2.1 and BC 110.2. |
Lowest Floor Elevation |
In areas of special flood hazard, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement (for flood zone purposes), and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation inspection report required in Item 1 of Section BC G105.3 of BC Appendix G shall be submitted to DOB per BC 110.3.2. |
Public Assembly Emergency Lighting |
Public Assembly Emergency Lighting shall be in accordance with AC 28-116.2.2. |
Final Inspection |
There shall be a final inspection of all permitted work. Final inspections shall comply with AC 28-116.2.4. |
Energy Code Compliance Inspections |
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