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Registrant Project Requirements:
Storefront: Work & Site Requirements

The Department issues licenses to Contractors qualified to perform construction work. Permits for renovation work are only issued to a Licensed General Contractor(GC). The GC must have a place of business in New York City as per AC §28-401.18. All licensees shall include their license number and business information on trucks, business cards and advertisements.  See the NYC Administrative Code §28-418.

Work Site Requirements

Licensed Contractors and Registration

Chapter 4 of the NYC General Administrative Provisions for Construction Codes (AC), defines the various licensing and registration requirements, and qualifications of individuals employed on any project regulated by the Department of Buildings.  AC 28-418 requires General Contractors (GC) to register with the Department. AC 28-401.18 requires licensed contractors to have a place of business in New York City. AC 28-418 requires all registrants to include their license number and business information on trucks, business cards and advertisements.

Contractor Registration

Registered general contractors must also have safety endorsements from the Department for construction, concrete and demolition work if performing such work on buildings that are four stories or more. Based on the scope of a project, additional requirements may be applicable.

Safety Registration

Non-registered contractors may perform limited work that is assigned a tracking number, but must pre-file with the department and provide proof of Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance.

Insurance Tracking

Welders are required to obtain a license from the Commissioner, per AC 28-407.

Renovation Work Permit

Licensed Contractors must register first to use the Department’s online permit processing ePermit system.  A permit application must be completed online by the licensed/registered Contractor for the issuance of a renovation permit. Prior to issuing a permit for the approved project, the following are required:

  1. Payment of any unpaid project application fees

  2. Identification of responsible Special Inspection Agencies

  3. Request for waiver of penalties, stop work orders or violations (former L2 Form).

  4. Licensee must have his/her license and insurance active and current

Work Site Requirements for Construction Activity

AC 28-301.1 requires owners to maintain their properties in a safe condition. Property owners, contractors and construction site managers must minimize the risk of accidents and fire.

Site Safety Regulations

  1. For regulations related to the safety of persons employed on a construction site or during demolition operations, OSHA Standards shall apply per NYC BC 3301.1.

  2. For regulations related to building’s waterproof integrity during construction process, see NYC BC 3309.9.

  3. For regulations related to monitoring structural integrity, see NYC Building Code Sections BC 1704.20.7.1, BC 1814.3, BC 3301.7, 3309.4.4, 3309.6, 3309.16, and TPPN 10 of 1988.

  4. Smoking on construction sites is illegal. NYC BC §3303.7.3 and NYC Fire Code §1404.1.

  5. Tobacco, lighters and matches are prohibited on asbestos abatement sites. Local Law 35/09.

  6. Open fires are illegal on construction sites. NYC Fire Code §1404.3.

  7. Approved portable fire extinguishers must be available on floors where combustible materials or liquids are stored, combustible waste is being generated and at the entrance of each storage and construction shed. NYC Fire Code §1415.1.

  8. All construction equipment shall be used in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturer, where such specifications exist, in addition to the requirements of the NYC Building Code. Where there is a discrepancy, the stricter requirement shall apply per BC 3301.1.3.

  9. Temporary heating equipment used at construction sites. NYC Fire Code §1403.

  10. Construction or demolition operations shall be in conformance with the NYC Fire Code, per BC 3301.1.2.

  11. If you have a Fire Department variance to use a coal-fired heater, you must minimize the fire load on concrete construction projects. NYC BC §3303.6 and NYC Fire Code §307.2.2. To apply for a variance, contact FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention at (718) 999 – 2377.

  12. Store materials away from flames. NYC Fire Code §308.2).

  13. When work involves relocation or modification of sprinkler, standpipes, fire protection systems, etc., the Contractor must notify FDNY and obtain approval if required.  NYC Building Code 3303.7 and BC 3303.8.

  14. All shanties and contractor sheds shall be built from fire-retardant or non-combustible materials and shall be located in safe area.  NYC Building Code §3303.1.3.

Tenant/Occupant Protection Plan

Construction documents for renovation in an occupied building during construction shall include a Tenant Protection Plan as per BC 3303.10. Such plan shall contain a statement that the building contains areas that will be occupied during construction. The plan shall include the specific areas that are occupied during construction and the means and methods employed to safeguard the safety and health of the occupants with details such as temporary fire-rated assemblies, opening protective, and dust containment procedures. The elements of the tenant/occupant protection plan shall have detailed and specific provisions for egress, fire safety, structural safety, and health requirements.

In an occupied building, protective means (barricades, signs, drop cloths, etc.), shall also be installed and maintained as necessary to provide protection for the occupants against construction hazards and nuisances, and indicated in the tenant/occupant protection plan per BC 3303.10.

Temporary Construction Equipment

Renovation projects such as façade repair can require the installation of temporary construction equipment such as sidewalk sheds, fences, scaffolds, material chutes, hoist, etc., This equipment is required to safely move materials associated with the project, and protect workers and the public, per article AC Section 28-105.8 and BC Chapter 33.  Also refer to Construction Project Guidelines for Temporary Construction Equipment.

Additional Requirements for Registrant

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