An existing building renovation project could be filed under either the current Codes, the 2014 NYC Construction Codes (Administrative, Building, Plumbing, Fuel Gas and Mechanical Codes), or under Prior Codes, such as the 1968 Code, 1938 Code or earlier Codes, depending on the age of the existing building; reference Administrative Code (AC) section 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 accessibility requirements, certain renovation 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.
Flood Plains, BC Appendix G, must be considered when performing renovations.
Renovation work must comply also with the current NYC Energy Conservation Code and applicable Local Laws, Rules and regulations as well as other project requirements.
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: 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 Building Code, MDL & HMC |
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Administrative |
2014 AC 28-101.4.5 and Administrative Code |
2014 AC 28-101.4.3 -Optional Use of 1968 Code and AC 28-101.4.5 |
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Accessibility |
2014 BC Chapter 11, and BC Appendix E, BC Appendix N, and BC Appendix P |
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Building Heights & Areas |
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Construction Types |
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Egress |
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Elevators |
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Fire Protection |
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Flood Resistant Construction |
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Interior Environment |
1938 BC Article 6, 1938 Article 12 and 1938 Article 15, Articles 15 |
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Materials |
Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC and |
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 BC Article 11 |
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Safeguards During Construction |
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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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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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Public Right-of-Way Encroachments |
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Shoring/Underpinning of Foundation/Retaining Wall/Flag Pole/Sign Ground Structures |
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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 |
Manufacturing renovation projects may require compliance with the following Zoning Resolution sections:
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, to verify a code compliant renovation of the building. Based upon the complexity and scale of the project, 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 Article 104 or 2014 BC 107.2.
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.
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.
If applicable, additional elements required on drawings include:
*Refer to Project Guidelines for Building Systems installation and modification projects.
When submitting the construction documents to the Department, the Registered Design Professional, Applicant of Record, is responsible for submission of complete set at filing: application, drawings, and coordination of required documents as summarized below.
Drawings. The renovation project drawings should reflect clear scope of work and include all affected systems. Examples of this are as follows:
Designator - Sheet Number: | Sheet Description |
T-001.00 | Title Sheet, Site Plan, Drawing Index, General Notes, required special/ progress inspections list, and Legends |
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 these cases drawings with different drawing designators are also provided. For example, 'FS' is used as a designator for fuel storage equipment drawings, while ‘Q’ could designate other types of process related equipment.*
Substantive changes that meet the following criteria should be submitted for review to amend the approved plans:
As per BC Chapter 17, renovation 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 typically 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 must be reported to the super-intendent 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, a sign 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) |
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). |
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. |
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, Bracing and Underpinning |
Methods employed to protect the sides of excavations shall be subject to Special Inspections in accordance with BC 1704.20.3, BC 1704.20.2 and BC 1814. |
Fire-resistant Penetration and Joists |
Special Inspections for penetration of fire-resistant elements and assemblies; and related firestops in accordance with Sections 1704.27.1 and 1704.27.2. |
Flood Zone Compliance |
Special Inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G and BC 1704.29. Also progress inspection for lowest floor level per BC 110.3.2. |
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. |
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 RCNY 5000-01 |