Rule and Law Updates to Building Code

By Liliana Ovalles

The Construction Code evolves over time. With the roll out of every formal update, there are always some revisions based on practicality of new Rules, and how they are actually implemented.

Since the 2014 NYC Construction Codes became effective on December 31, 2014, there have been several rules and laws that have made changes to the Codes. To view the Law, please click the corresponding link.

1 RCNY 3616-04 (effective 12/31/14), adopting an amended version of National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) Standard 72, relating to the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

1 RCNY 3610-03 (effective 08/24/15), adding a new rule regarding elevator emergency operation and signaling devices, including provisions related to occupant evacuation.

1 RCNY 3616-04 (effective 10/08/15), amending the rule setting forth the NFPA amendment relating to the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code to add language relating to occupant evacuation elevators.

1 RCNY 3610-04 (effective 10/26/15), requiring additional safety enhancements for multicompartment elevators during fire emergency operations.

Local Law 38 of 2015 (effective 05/06/16), the New York city air pollution code.

Local Law 45 of 2015 (effective 11/13/15), relating to notice requirements for hotel development plans.

Local Law 47 of 2015 (effective 09/30/15), amending the obligations of owners to provide notice to their tenants for service interruptions.

Local Law 77 of 2015 (effective 08/18/15), regulating cooling towers.

Local Law 78 of 2015 (effective 12/31/15), requiring the installation of automatic fire sprinklers by December 31, 2016 in animal hospitals, kennels, pounds, veterinary clinics and pet shops where animals are sheltered on a 24-hour basis.

Chapter 520 of NYS Laws of 2015 (effective 1/10/16), requiring the Department to determine that scaffolding at NYCHA projects are being used as part of “ongoing construction” before renewing those permits.

Local Law 10 of 2016 (effective 05/8/16), requiring the department to notify council members and community boards of applications filed and rejected.

Local Law 56 of 2016 (effective 06/09/16), creating equitable filing fees for construction permits..

1 RCNY 105-02 (effective 06/16/16), regarding property tax abatement applications for the installation of solar electric generating systems.