In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, New York City enacted a requirement that all office buildings 100 feet tall or taller install sprinkler systems.
The deadline for meeting that code mandate is this July 1. Building owners must submit a final report on the sprinkler system by an engineer or architect by that date. The deadline is not for receiving approval from the city, says Daniel Colombini, principal and director of plumbing and fire protection engineering, Goldman Copeland.
“It’s important to allow time for the engineer or architect to inspect the building and for the building contractor, before that, to close out the building department application,” Colombini says. “It can take a month or more for the contractor to complete that process.”
Some spaces that were exempt under older codes, such as bathrooms and mechanical rooms, are now covered. “It’s essential to ensure that all such spaces are now sprinklered,” he adds. Extension requests are no longer being accepted by the city, and there is no process for appeal.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2021
Majority of schools took steps to improve air quality during pandemic
Districts still have unmet needs, face high costs and outdated building infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2021
Cost to keep Miami dry over next few decades is $4 billion
Rising seas demand big investment.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2021
Fire stops critical to preserving three-decker housing
Old multi-family structures continue to provide badly needed homes in urban zones.
Codes and Standards | Apr 29, 2021
Dept. of Energy publishes energy savings analysis for ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019
More than 4% savings for commercial buildings found for the updated code.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2021
Building-integrated solar power turns buildings into power plants
Multiple alternatives could replace or complement rack-mounted PV arrays.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2021
Ten real estate groups sign on to New York State’s high-rise decarbonization challenge
Each signee commits to carbon neutrality in one or more high-rise buildings it owns.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2021
Dozens of companies, organizations call for Congress to double Energy Star funding
Despite broad support, program’s budget has steadily declined in recent years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2021
Alabama fire chiefs oppose proposal to change school building code oversight
Bill would move code compliance control from state to local boards.
Codes and Standards | Apr 21, 2021
After dry winter, California ramps up wildfire prevention efforts
State to spend half a billion dollars on projects including making buildings more fire resistant.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2021
U.S. electric grid is halfway to zero carbon
Other sectors including buildings lag power industry.