212.233.6344 Request a Proposal Client Payment Portal

Recent News

Get the latest code, zoning and compliance news and insights from Metropolis Group.

Code & Zoning

The Art of the Determination

By Brian Redlein With summer behind us and the end-of-year rush ahead of us it’s important to take a pause to look at one of the least understood parts of the filing process:  the Determination request. Determinations, also known as recons ...

Read More

Code & Zoning / Fire Code

Fire Alarm Filing Clarification

By Andrew J. Pisani The DOB has issued a new Bulletin – BB 2015-025 –  which clarifies the types of work subject to the 2014 Building Code for buildings whose existing fire alarm system was approved under the 2008 Code or ...

Read More

Code & Zoning

OER Exemptions for Little E Projects

By Bruno Caligara Sites designated as Little E have some sort of environmental issue, whether it pertains to potentially hazardous materials in the ground, noise or air quality restrictions. Little E sites typically will require a filing with the Office ...

Read More

Code & Zoning / Energy Code

The Fenestration Game

By Brian Redlein Your humble Filing Rep has been spending much time coordinating with the DOB Energy Code team as of late and the single biggest Energy Code comment the Department likes to harp on has to do with the ...

Read More

Code & Zoning

New Retroactive Requirement for Multiple Dwellings

By Austin Regan Local Law 39 0f 2015 was enacted in the spring of 2015 and is set to go into effect in September. The law  mandates that the owners of Multiple Dwellings must install protective covers over all outlets ...

Read More

Code & Zoning

New Protocol Coming for Cooling Towers

By Frank Fortino The recent outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease has prompted swift action by the City Council. On August 13th, a new law was passed, requiring building owners to register cooling towers with the DOB. As of now, the requirements ...

Read More

Code & Zoning / Inspections

After Hour Inspections – Phase 1

By Johan Soltani DOB Commissioner Chandler is fulfilling his promise of streamlining the DOB permits and inspection process under his initiative Building One City. The DOB launched the first phase of its after-hours inspection program for High Rise Buildings on ...

Read More

Code & Zoning / Safety

Code Question: When are CO Detectors Required in Commercial Spaces?

By Brian Lafferty Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors are required for certain residential, education and institutional uses.  Additionally, commercial and residential buildings with a Fire Alarm system and a place of assembly must have CO detectors.  The CO detector must have ...

Read More

Code & Zoning

AC Condenser Units Installation Mistakes

By Bruno Caligara When planning an installation, many building owners propose placing air conditioning equipment in the rear yard of a building.  There’s a catch to this approach, however. Most rear yards in the five boroughs are only as large ...

Read More

Code & Zoning / Department of Buildings / Fire Code / Industry News

Proposed Rule – Repeal and Amendment of Certain Fire Protection Requirements

By Renee Sosnowski The DOB is proposing to repeal four rules that modify national standards for automatic sprinkler, standpipe, and fire alarm systems. The specific rules to be repealed set forth National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) amendments relating to elevator ...

Read More

Code & Zoning

Don’t Cut the Curb There!

By Austin Regan Architects working on projects in the outer Boroughs or in parts of Manhattan where parking is required are normally quite pleased with themselves when they figure out how to fit all the spaces that zoning requires into ...

Read More

Code & Zoning

Details For Lot Line Windows

By Frank Fortino A long anticipated clarification has been issued regarding lot line windows and their protection requirements. On June 30th of this year, Technical Affairs issued Buildings Bulletin 2015-017. The stated purpose of the memo was “To clarify Code ...

Read More