By Johan Soltani Under the previous Code, commercial or mixed use buildings with non-residential use that were greater than 420 feet high were required to have 2 egress fire stairs. This is about to change. While intended to be part of the 2014 Code rollout, a zoning issue delayed the change. … View more
By Penny Laughlin The DOB has announced a new series of initiatives, designed to further assist and streamline their processes. One New York: The Plan for a Strong and Just City plans to live up to its name by outlining direct and long term goals for the DOB that focus on… View more
By Renee Sosnowski The Department of Buildings is offering an Amnesty Program for owners who failed to file a Façade Inspection Safety Report (FISP) during Cycle 7C. Owners in NRF (no report filed) status for Cycle 7C can file an early Cycle 8 report during the amnesty period, which runs from… View more
By Brian Lafferty The DOB is launching an after hour’s inspection pilot for development projects enrolled in the High Rise Program. Pilot participants can request after hours Construction, Plumbing and Electrical inspections. Inspections will be held after hours in the evening, and in some cases on weekends. Requests for these inspections… View more
By Garvey Thelemaque Are you a registered filing representative? If so registration renewals began May 1, 2015. The request for renewal must be made 30-60 days prior to the expiration of your registration. If you miss this window, you may face a $50 fine. Renewals have always covered a single year…. View more
By Wayne Sheppard DOT Regulations for Trailer Placement In relations to policies and procedures please note DOT regulations regarding trailer placement: Lower Manhattan (below Canal Street): No trailers allowed at all. All other boroughs: Trailers allowed for Major Alterations & New Buildings. Approval is on a case by case basis and… View more
By Bruno Caligara One of the most common questions many residential homeowners have relates to the space below their first floor. Is this space a basement? Is it a cellar? More importantly, what can it be used for? The easiest way to determine the legal use of your space is to… View more