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 18, 2020
California’s grid can support all-electric buildings
Load-shifting will help reduce peak demand.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2020
European cities to revamp transportation after pandemic reopening
Road closures, new rules for public transit will be imposed.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
Washington State construction industry restart plan has three phases
In state with earliest COVID-19 cases, advisory group developing priorities based on risk.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2020
More mass timber beam and column options available in the U.S.
Freres Lumber unveils new line of structural elements suitable for high-rise buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 13, 2020
Researchers flag insufficient training for construction workers on healthcare projects
May contribute to fungal disease outbreaks that endanger patients
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2020
New NIBS report evaluates natural disaster mitigation strategies
Document examines strengthening buildings for flood, wind, wildfires, and earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2020
A few ways contractors can manage COVID-19 risks
Staggered start times, rigorous tool cleaning, virtual training among the strategies.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
NAHB loses influence in 2021 IECC building code development
Despite objections from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the development of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is nearing conclusion. NAHB objected to several more stringent energy efficiency provisions.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
2020 IECC will lead to significant carbon emissions reductions
New model building code nearly finalized.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2020
New York expands prevailing wage law
Now includes private projects with 30% or more of public subsidies.
