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Design Professional Requirements: Boiler
Applicability of Code and Zoning
Boiler work must comply with the NYC Construction Codes: Building, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Mechanical and Administrative Codes. Per the 2014 Administrative Code, Section 28-101.4.3, additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to installed systems shall conform to what’s required for new installations without requiring the existing installation to comply with all of the requirements of this Code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing installation to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. Other Codes may apply such as:
- NYC Electrical Code
- NYC Fire Code
- NYC Energy Conservation Code
- NYS Labor Law Industrial Code Rules 4 and 14
- NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
- NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) Zoning Resolution
*Note: While the following are a list of key zoning, Code and other regulations may be relevant in the design of the project; it does not cover ALL applicable regulations.*
Applicable Codes
Mechanical work may require compliance with the following sections of Building Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, or Energy Conservation Code:
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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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Boilers |
2014 MC Chapters 4, 7, and 8, 10 and NYS 12 NYCRR Parts 4 and 14 |
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Gas Burners |
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Building Construction Classification |
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Chimneys and Vents |
2014 FGC Chapter 5, FGC 501.1.1, FGC 503.5.6 and MC 801.1.1 |
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Structural Analysis and Mounting Details |
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Fire Separation and Divisions |
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Special Flood Hazard Area |
2014 BC Appendix G and ASCE 24-05 |
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Egress |
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Riser Diagrams |
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Gas Piping and Gas Appliances |
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Ladders and Platforms |
NYS Labor Law Industrial Code Rules, Part 4-6.6 and Part 14-1.10 |
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Fuel Oil Storage |
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Fire and Fire/Smoke Dampers |
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Intake and Exhaust Vents and Direct Vents |
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Ventilation, Exhaust, Chimneys, Vents, Flues, and Connectors |
2014 MC Chapters 4, 5, 8, 10, and 2014 FGC Chapter 5 |
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Fire Protection Systems |
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Construction Materials |
Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC and 1968 BC §27-600 through §27-651 |
Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC, 1938 BC Article 8, and 9 |
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System Controls |
2014 MC 1004, ASME CSD-1 and see ‘controls’ in 2014 FGC, 2014 PC and 2014 MC |
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Special and Progress Inspections |
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NYCECC – Energy Code compliance supporting documents |
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Piping Insulation Schedule (location and thickness) |
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Schedule of Replacement Boiler (capacity and efficiency) |
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Notes – Replacement of Boiler Controls (part-load and reset) |
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Notes – Dampers penetrating thermal envelope |
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Commissioning |
2016 NYC ECC C408 and Commissioning Rule (TBD) |
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*Note: New applications for buildings erected under the 2008 Code must comply with the 2014 Code, as required by AC §28-101.4 and 102.4.3*
Zoning
Boilers, new or altered equipment or accessory structures shall comply with the Permitted Obstructions provisions in required yards, open space, height or/and sky exposure. On rooftop installations, comply with Fire Department access requirements for buildings 100 feet in height or less. (Including but not limited to ZR 23-44, ZR 23-62, ZR 24-33, ZR 33-23, ZR 33-42 and ZR 43-23 and ZR 43-42.
Guidelines for Submission of Boiler Systems Work Plans
A pre-design review should cover all existing boiler systems and components, and other building elements affected by the proposed scope of work to verify code-compliant boiler work, or modifications to the boiler systems. Based upon the complexity and scale of the project, the information provided on the boiler drawings should show a clear description of the work required for the project. (Refer to the NYC Administrative Code section §28-104.7.1.
Although DOB does not mandate the organization and style of construction documents, the guidelines outlined in this chapter should provide a consistent approach for preparation of construction documents that will facilitate the plan review process. In many cases, the project may involve the documentation of existing boiler or boiler systems and components, which should be clearly identified as new versus existing systems.
Projects may be Professionally Certified, per AC 28-104.2.1
Complete Submission of Boiler Systems Work Drawings
The construction documents represent work that is closely coordinated with many other disciplines such as architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing. In order to ensure coordination with other disciplines, details essential for a complete submission of drawings can be found in the NYC Mechanical Code section AC 28-104.7 and BC 107.2 for information on submittal of and required construction documents.
A complete submission of drawings shall include:
Construction Documents. Drawings necessary to convey essential information such as schedules, riser diagrams, floor layout, mounting details and control diagrams. The title page should clearly define the project location and vicinity by graphical means. The applicable Building Codes and notes should be stated on the drawings. A drawing index is recommended to clearly identify all the unique systems that may be involved.
- Site Plan. If the project involves exterior or underground work such as vault for location of boiler or fuel storage, an underground storage tank, fill-pipe fuel terminal, which are exterior to the building, then these should be clearly documented.
- Floor/Roof Plans. Floor plans showing existing and proposed conditions with location of all equipment, gas, oil, vent, flue piping and chimney locations must be specified on the drawings. It is important to clearly identify room use designation, equipment location, fire-rated walls and their penetrations, means of exhaust and other code regulated assemblies. Roof plans must show boiler devices, mechanical rooms, fuel storage, ventilation, and any associated components. It is recommended to follow the architectural floor/roof plan nomenclature for sheet order and numbering in order to simplify the logical sequence of coordination with all trades and disciplines
- Building Elevations. Required if the project involves location of combustion air, ventilation intakes, location of exhaust on building exterior in relation to operable windows and doors.
- Building Sections. May be required for renovation projects and may include cross sections through chimney or flues.
- Riser Diagrams. If the project involves alterations to existing or installation of new piping (oil/gas), combustion and ventilation ducts, respective riser diagram must be provided. The riser diagram must show the details of new and existing conditions, elevations across floors, dimensional characteristic of each element, and identify appliances it serves.
- Detail Drawings. These drawings contain significant information required to clearly communicate the scope of work, in a magnified form. In addition, these drawings may also comprise several elevations and sections to convey the proposed scope of work.
- Operating pressure of equipment
- Combustion/ventilation/dilution air
- Equipment mounting
- Drainage
- Break-glass
- Building System Schedules. Schedule of equipment showing make, model, capacity, fuel type, heat input/output, efficiency, maximum pressure, GPM, RPM and electrical characteristic.
- Energy Analysis. If project scope includes one of the following, an energy analysis is required on the plans: alterations to existing or installation of new piping carrying mechanically heated fluid, penetration through thermal envelope, equipment replacement, equipment controls replacement, and/or dampers. Commissioning is required when permitted equipment replacement exceeds a combined input capacity of 600kBTU/h
Some key elements required on plans for all projects include:
- Validation that existing equipment and distribution services have met the sizing requirements per ECC C403.2
- Number of boiler(s) size criteria (BTUs), including new or altered, fuel type gas/oil/dual, piping, on floor/roof plans and riser diagrams
- Indicate appliance/equipment/device approval numbers (UL, other Listings, and/or site specific – indicate if field-erected, OTCR approved), efficiency rating, and mounting detail locations
- Model number, if modular, state number of units
- Proper identification of rooms, piping, valves, alarms, equipment, controls, interlocks and devices
- Commercial or residential occupancy
- Equipment Schedules with domestic hot water distribution temperatures
- Fuel storage tank location(s), number of tanks, capacity, grade of oil
- Indicate existing flue/chimney size, material, and proposed alteration, include a statement if a special inspection is required – see below
- Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies and locations
- Where applicable, indicate special inspection requirements
- Where applicable, clearly indicate provisions for commissioning and completion requirements per ECC C408
- Where applicable, indicate equipment securement to structure
- Piping insulation rating Piping insulation location and thickness, per ECC C403.2.10
- Water temperatures and high limit alarm locations
- Penetrations through the thermal envelope - locations and sealing details, per ECC C402.5.1.1
- Seismic/expansion certification
- Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
*Note: A Chimney Special Inspection is required when new or altered chimney work is involved.*
Submission of Construction Documents
- Drawings. The boiler drawings should reflect clear scope of work and include all affected systems. Examples of this are as follows:
| Sheet Number: | Sheet Description: |
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| T-001.00 | Title Sheet, Site Plan with boiler location, Drawing Index, Required Notes, required Special/ Progress Inspections list, and Legends |
| A-100.00 | Floor Plans showing Boiler, Piping Layout Plans, and Ductwork |
| A-201.00 | Floor Plans showing Boiler and Fuel Storage Location |
| M-101.00 | Boiler and Equipment Schedules and Notes |
| M-201.00 | Riser Diagrams for Gas, Oil, and/or Ventilation, and Details |
| EN-001.00 | Energy Code Analysis and Notes (if applicable) |
Boiler Legend to include: Symbols, abbreviations, notes and definitions.
Recommended Drawing Designators
A: Architectural: Mandatory designation for architectural work.
M: Mechanical: Mandatory designation if Boiler work is filed separately from other work.
EN: Energy Analysis: Mandatory designation if an Energy Analysis is required.
- Schedule of Building Systems. A new schedule, which allows the Department to better record and track key building systems and devices, is being established to replace the current Schedule C and other schedules submitted with job filings. This will provide the Department and other City agencies, including utilities, with pertinent system or device details. For Boiler work, the two systems Boiler, Burner and Fuel Oil Storage. For these systems, applicable details may include:
- Number of Boilers
- Boiler Pressure Low/High
- Fuel Used
- Capacity Input/Output
- Boiler - Steam/Hot Water
- Burner Details
- Number of Tanks and Capacity
- Oil Grade
- Model and UL Details (field erected)
- Location Details
- Required Documents/Submissions. Based on the scope of the project the following submissions may have to accompany the drawings at intake:
- Chimney
- Inspection report of existing chimneys to be used
- Existing adjacent building chimney surveys
- Tenant/Occupant Protection Plan (as applicable)
- SRO MD Anti-Harassment checklist
- Changing from central heat to individual heat (Leg)
- MTA or other public transit requirements or restrictions
- Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
- Plan Review or Audits for Approval or Acceptance. Following submission of a complete set of construction documents, the application is assigned to a DOB Plan Examiner for review. If professionally certified, the application is subject to audit. Plan review or audit of the submission by Plan Examiner or Auditor may result in either approval/disapproval or in acceptance/fail, respectively. Following plan review disapproval or audit fail, a notice of objections is sent to the Applicant of Record and Owner. Objections must be resolved through appointments with the DOB Plan Examination or Audit staff. After successful resolution of objections, the application is approved or accepted.
- Post Approval Amendments. Any changes to approved scope of work that are significant and substantive will require submission of revised plans for a Post Approval Amendment (PAA). Approval for an amendment must be obtained before the work or equipment installation is completed. Changes that are not substantive do not require a PAA; however these changes must be shown on plans and included in the ‘As Built’ submission at the end of the project (§28.104.3). Substantive changes that meet the following criteria should be submitted for review as a PAA to amend the approved plans:
- Install additional boilers, or substitute with two or more smaller boilers.
- Design changes – new location, changes to boiler type, pressure high/low, from steam to hot water, or from oil to gas or gas to oil and converting an oil burner to a dual fuel burner.
- As Built Submission. All changes must be submitted in ‘As Built’ drawings at the end of the project.
Special Inspections
Boiler work may require, per Building Code Chapter 17, certain Special and Progress Inspections, and other construction requirements to be performed during, and at the end of construction, as per the table below. The Registered Design Professional is responsible for indicating which Special Inspections are required at application intake. The Owner must engage a Special Inspection Agency, as required by Fuel Gas Code Section 406, for such Special and Progress Inspections.
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SPECIAL/PROGRESS INSPECTION |
DESCRIPTION OF CODE REQUIREMENTS |
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High Pressure Gas Piping* |
Per FGC Section 403.1.1, all welded gas distribution piping shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.19 |
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High-Pressure-Steam |
High-pressure-steam piping and high temperature hot water piping shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.18 |
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Mechanical Systems* |
Mechanical systems shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.16.2 |
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Heating Systems |
Special inspection shall be required for new and altered boilers and heating systems. See BC 1704.25. |
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Chimneys |
Chimneys shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.26 |
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Special Inspection for Fuel Storage and Fuel-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 the New York City Mechanical Code Section 1308, See BC 1704.17 |
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Seismic Isolation System |
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. |
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Fire Resistance Rated Construction |
As per BC 110.3.4, Fire Resistance-rated construction must be inspected to determine compliance with the approved construction documents, including inspection of the following work:
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Flood Zone Compliance |
Special Inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G105.3 |
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Final Inspection |
There shall be a final inspection of all permitted work. Final inspections must comply with AC 28-116.2.4. |
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NYC Energy Code: Progress Inspections, as required by BC 109.3.5 and NYCECC |
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Other Requirements
- FDNY. Fuel storage installations / modification of tanks require FDNY notification. FDNY requires an annual permit for fuel storage tanks.
- DEP. Filing requirements.
- DEC. Fuel oil tank filing requirements