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 flood plains, BC Appendix G must be considered when performing alterations. Where required by the project’s scope of work the alteration 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), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYC Landmarks Commission, and others.
*Note: While 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 Code Sections BC Chapter 1 |
2014 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 E, BC Appendix N, and BC Appendix P |
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Accessory Use Groups/Occupancy Classifications |
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Building Heights & Areas |
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Building Construction Classification/Construction Class Type |
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Egress |
2014 BC Chapter 10, BC Appendix S, 2014 BC Chapter 4 and BC Chapter 10 |
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Elevators High-Rise: Fire Service Access Elevator |
2014 BC Chapter 30 and BC Appendix K, BC Chapter 4 and BC Chapter 30 |
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Fire Protection High-Rise Emergency Systems |
2014 BC Chapter 9 and BC Appendix Q, 2014 BC Chapters 4 and BC Chapter 9 |
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Flood Resistant Construction |
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Interior Environment |
2014 BC Chapter 12, BC Appendix R, and 2014 MC Chapters 4 through 6 |
1938 BC Article 6, 1938 Article 12 and 1938 Article 15, Articles 15, HMC Subchapter 3 - Articles 1, 4, and 5 |
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Interior Finishes |
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Materials |
Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC and 1968 AC 27-600 through AC 27-651 |
Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC, and 1938 BC Article 8 and Article 19 |
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Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures |
Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC and 1968 BC 27-338 |
Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC and 1938 AC 26 Article 11 |
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Safeguards During Construction |
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Special Detailed Requirements (High –Rise) |
1968 AC 27-232 (definition), 382, 262, 989, 996 (freight elevators) |
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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, Soils and Foundation: Seismic Requirements |
BC Chapter 16 and 18 |
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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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Structural Peer Review |
Certain high-rise construction, as per BC 1617, will require a structural peer review |
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Use and Occupancy Classification |
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Other Guidelines |
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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 Cut |
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Deck/Porch/Swimming Pool |
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Emergency Power Systems |
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Educational/Institutional |
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Electrical |
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Facade Work |
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Foundations |
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Greenhouse |
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Hotels |
See Hotels Guidelines |
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Loft Law |
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Mechanical |
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Parking |
See Parking Lots/Parking Garages Guidelines |
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Place of Assembly |
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Plumbing |
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Public Right-of-Way Encroachments |
See Renovations: Public Right-of-way Encroachment Guidelines (Architectural & Entrance Details, Ramps, Marquees, Canopies, Underground Vaults, Awnings, Balconies, etc.) |
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Shoring/Underpinning of Foundation/Retaining Wall/Flag Pole/Sign Ground Structures |
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Signs |
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Sidewalk Cafés |
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Solar Panels |
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Sprinklers |
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Standpipes |
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Subdivisions |
See Subdivision of Property Guidelines |
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Swimming Pools |
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Temporary Structures |
See Tents and Temporary Structures Guidelines |
Residential Community Facilities may require compliance with the following Zoning Resolution:
Use Regulations
Bulk Regulations
Bulk Regulations for Residential Community Facilities
Bulk - Lot Area and Width
Special Purpose Districts
(E) Designations
Scope of work subject to Office of Environmental Remediation approval (OER):
Parking and Loading Regulations
Bicycle Parking Regulations
Driveways
Street Trees
Urban Design Regulations
Waterfront Area or Block
Other Regulation(s) for Reference
Policies and Procedures Notices
Department Memoranda
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 building elements, systems 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 DOB 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 the 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. A list that clearly identifies all drawings involved in the project; include drawing sheet numbers and drawing titles.
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 streets, zoning map(s), a dimensioned plan showing all bulk requirements, existing public utilities and features, adjacent buildings, curb cuts, north arrow, etc. Clearly identify the area of proposed work.
Floor Plans. Show existing and proposed conditions, including layout of walls; dimensions; plumbing fixtures; gas appliances; stairs; elevators; lifts; footings and foundations; excavations; lighting plan; encroachments into the public right-of-way; roof plan; clearly identify rooms’ names and use them consistently between the different discipline drawings. Coordinate between all trades/disciplines (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and standpipe) to ensure that the proposed scope of work is complete and shown on all submitted discipline drawings. Architectural drawings must indicate fire rating for partitions, ceiling, walls; location of penetrations through fire-rated assemblies; and doors, windows and other finishes.
Exterior Elevations. Required if the project involves the alteration or modification of the building’s exterior and in some cases also required for interior alterations that may impact the façade. Show any altered exterior surfaces, including openings, fenestration, floor heights, head heights, control joints, adjoining grade levels compared with NAVD, foundation lines, materials, zoning analysis cross references, chimney and vent heights and penetrations. Interior elevations may be required to demonstrate compliance with Code.
Building Sections. Might be required for documenting some types of alteration projects. Building cross sections, indicating adjoining grade levels, curb levels, base plane elevations, floor, ceiling and roof levels, base flood elevation, foundation footings and required fire ratings (see also Shoring and Underpinning Guidelines).
Detail Drawings. These drawings contain significant information required to communicate the scope of work, in a magnified form, including curb cut details, partition types, building’s thermal envelope, interior partitions, roofs, millwork details and other elements unique to the building.
Schedules. Door, window and saddle schedules, mechanical schedules, finish materials and hardware schedules to indicate full scope of work.
Riser Diagrams. The project involves installation of all new piping, ventilation ducts, etc. Riser diagram must show all details, including elevations across floors. See relevant Building Systems Guidelines (Mechanical, Plumbing, Sprinkler, and/or Standpipe) for more information.
Building System Schedules. Schedule of equipment showing Make, Model, capacity, fuel type, heat input/output, efficiency, maximum pressure, GPM, RPM and electrical characteristic. See relevant Building Systems Guidelines (Mechanical, Plumbing, Sprinkler, and/or Standpipe) for more information..
Energy Analysis. If the project scope includes one of the following, than energy analysis is required on the plans, and can be provided on drawings in the form of Tabular Analysis, ComCheck/ResCheck, or by using a Code compliant energy modelling program.
*Refer to Project Guidelines for Building Systems projects.
**Refer to Project Guidelines for Builders Paving Plan.
If applicable, additional elements required on drawings include:
Designator | Sheet Number: Sheet Description |
T-001.00 | Title Sheet, Site Plan, Drawing Index, General Notes, required special/progress inspections list, and Legends, Zoning Analysis |
A-100.00 | Existing and Demolition Floor Plans |
A-200.00 | Proposed Floor Plans |
A-300.00 | Proposed Reflected Ceiling Plans |
A-400.00 | Proposed Enlarged Floor Plans |
A-500.00 | Proposed Interior Elevations and Details |
A-600.00 | Proposed Exterior Elevations and Details |
A-700.00 | Proposed Cross Sections |
SOE-100.00 | Proposed Excavations |
SOE-200.00 | Proposed Sections and Details |
S-100.00 | Structural Foundation Plans and Details |
S-200.00 | Structural Floor Plans and Details |
P-100.00 | Floor Plans - Plumbing |
P-200.00 | Plumbing Riser Diagram – Gas Riser Diagram - Piping |
P-300.00 | Plumbing Fixture Schedules – Plumbing Details |
SP-100.00 | Sprinkler Floor Plan |
SP-200.00 | Sprinkler Riser Diagram and Details |
SD-100.00 | Standpipe Floor Plan |
SD-200.00 | Standpipe Riser Diagram and Details |
M-100.00 | Mechanical System Equipment and Schedules |
M-200.00 | 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.
Substantive changes that meet the following criteria should be submitted for review to amend the approved plans:
*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, Cold Formed Steel and Steel Details (BC 1704.3) |
Concrete: Cast-In-Place |
Required where the total concrete placement on a given project is more than 50 cubic yards or other conditions (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 BC 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 BC 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 BC 1704.11.1 through BC 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 |
Alternative materials shall be in accordance with 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 Section 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 section 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 BC 1704.20.6 through BC 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 1704.20.9 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 Drainage Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities 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 the department 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 to See Sprinkler project guideline. |
Standpipe Systems |
Per 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 department 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 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 |
Energy Code Compliance Inspections |
Inspections shall be performed to determine compliance with the approved construction documents and 1 RCNY 5000-01. |
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 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 |
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 Appendix G shall be submitted to the department 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 |