Changes affecting how construction projects in New York City are permitted will have significant impacts for contractors.
On Dec. 11, the definition of a major building in the city’s code will change from 10 stories to seven, or 75 feet. The change will affect thousands more projects.
It will require a site safety coordinator and an approved site safety plan for any major new build, full demolition, or interior demolition with mechanical equipment that is seven stories or higher. Contractors working on these major projects should hire professionals to assist them with navigating through the entire application, permit, certificate of occupancy, approval, and sign-off processes, advises a former New York Department of Buildings assistant commissioner. Contractors who have previously built only low-rise buildings should also hire a safety consultant to provide full-time safety professionals and obtain approvals for site safety plans and tenant protection plans, he says.
The code change includes a provision for construction superintendents to only be designated on three permits at one time. In January 2026, this number will be reduced to one permit. As a result, contractors should send their staff to obtain superintendent licenses and Supervisory SST training cards.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2019
Persistent flooding having economic impact on coastal cities
Atlantic City, Annapolis among communities affected.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
$1 billion Boston hospital project to include extensive disaster resiliency features
Mass. General expansion will be designed for four days of shelter in place.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
U.S. cities have become more dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians
Reduced speed limits, traffic calming, better education seen as keys to improvement.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2019
High-income renters now the fastest-growing housing market segment
Growth is fastest in mid-sized cities with strong economies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2019
Katerra launches software platform for ‘entire lifecycle of the building process’
Firm is accepting industry applicants to test the product.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2019
AAMA updates two specifications for test methods related to seismic drift
For evaluating window wall, curtain wall and storefront systems.
