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Skilled Trades Project Requirements:
Solar Energy Work & Site Requirements
Solar installations require multiple permits. For solar PV systems, an electrical permit and a construction work permit are required. The electrical permit is issued to a NYC-Licensed Master Electrician (LME). A construction work permit is issued to NYC General Contractor. The general construction permit is issued to a NYC licensed General Contractor.
Only the above licensees — or the employees they supervise — may work on these systems. The Department of Buildings issues licenses to Skilled Tradespeople who are qualified to perform work related to their trade. LMEs must have a place of business in New York City — not a home office. See the NYC Administrative Codes §28-408 and §28-410.
In addition, General Contractors (GC) and NYC-Registered Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) will need a license for all alteration work in 1-, 2-, 3- , 4-family homes or individual apartments in condos/co-ops. HIC licenses are issued by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.
Solar Work Permit
All Skilled Trades and 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 professional for the issuance of a solar installation permit. Prior to issuing a permit for the approved project, the following are required:
- Payment of any unpaid project application fees
- Identification of responsible Special Inspection Agencies
- Request for waiver of penalties, stop work orders or violations (former L2 Form).
- Licensee must have his/her license and insurance active and current
Work Site Safety Requirements
The Administrative Code of the City of New York §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
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Smoking on construction sites is illegal. NYC BC §3303.7.3 and NYC Fire Code §1404.1.
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Tobacco, lighters and matches are prohibited on asbestos abatement sites. Local Law 35/09.
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Open fires are illegal on construction sites. NYC Fire Code §1404.3.
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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.
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Temporary heating equipment used at construction sites. NYC Fire Code §1403.
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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.
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Store materials away from flames. NYC Fire Code §308.2.
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Follow Tenant/Occupant Protection Plans. NYC BC 3303.10.
Constructing Safe Shanties
Build shanties or contractor sheds with fire-retardant or non-combustible materials in safe areas (NYC Building Code §3303.1.3).
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Provide proper fire protection devices (NYC Building Code §3303.7.2 and NYC Fire Code §1408.4).
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Comply with NYC Electrical Codes and NYC Fire Codes; use hardwired electric heaters or portable electric heaters with auto shut-off where possible.
Tenant/Occupant Protection Plan
Construction documents for renovation in an occupied building during construction shall include a Tenant Protection Plan. Such plan shall contain a statement that the building contains dwelling units, offices, or similar, that will be occupied during construction. It shall also include the specific units 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 protectives, or dust containment procedures. The elements of the Tenant Protection Plan shall have detailed and specific provisions for egress, fire safety, structural safety, health requirements, and demonstrate compliance with housing standards and noise restrictions (AC §28-104.8.4).
In an occupied building, protective means (barricades, signs, drop cloths, etc.) shall be installed and maintained as necessary to provide protection for the occupants against construction hazards and nuisances. Such protective means shall be indicated on the tenant protection plan per NYC BC §3303.10.