New York City recently made over 600 major updates and thousands of smaller changes to its construction codes—the first such wholesale revamping since 2014.
The changes are “intended to improve safety for New Yorkers, and incorporate the latest in building technologies,” according to a statement from the city. “The new codes use the highest international standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings as a baseline, while continuing our city’s proud tradition of implementing additional enhancements to ensure we have among the strongest building regulations anywhere in the world.”
Revisions include:
· Increased material choices available to builders by expanding the use of sustainable building materials such as cross-laminated timber and structural composite lumber.
· Expansion of the applicability of flood zone requirements of the 100-year flood hazard area to all critical facilities (including fire, rescue, ambulance, police stations, and designated emergency shelters) located in the 500-year flood zone.
· Policies to support the use of alternative energy production processes including hydrogen fuel cells.
· Clear compliance criteria for elevator systems to ensure greater accessibility and usability for building occupants with physical and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
· Reduction of the required 8-foot basement clearance height for two-family homes to 7 feet to increase affordable housing opportunities.
· Permission to use netting, low barriers, and chain link fencing in lieu of solid fencing that creates blind tunnels for pedestrians.
· Creation of a new license type for advanced crane technology, such as articulating boom cranes and roto-telehandlers.
The updated code requirements will go into effect next year, with some regulations taking effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2017
Moody’s says cities may face credit downgrades if they don’t address climate risks
Credit ratings giant will ask what communities are doing to mitigate risk exposure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2017
Schools with optimal indoor environments boost student performance and energy efficiency
World Green Building Council report confirms that lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics impact learning.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2017
Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals
Pledge to push for more local authority to reduce emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2017
New report examines ongoing costs of green infrastructure options
The report compares solutions to reduce stormwater.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2017
Total cost of structural fires in U.S. reached $328.5 billion in 2014
Costs associated with losses was $55.4 billion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2017
Steel-timber composite system proposed for mid- and high-rise buildings
Structural steel columns and beams support a cross-laminated timber floor system.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2017
Many coastal states performing poorly to protect beaches, coastlines
The most vulnerable regions fare the worst in new study.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2017
2017 wildfires highlight gaps in California’s approach to fire safety in urbanized areas
Better hazard mapping and retrofit programs could help.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2017
Guide for understanding medical monitoring requirement of OSHA silica standard released
Center for Construction Research and Training gives advice on new regulation.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2017
Trump tax proposal would kill historic tax credits
Developers would lose up to 20% discounts on some redevelopment projects.