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 requirements for lot line openings.” As is often the case with… View more
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 their building or onto an outdoor area on the property. But… View more
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 The specific rules to be repealed set forth National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) amendments relating to elevator hoistways and machine rooms, closets and pantries, hydrostatic tests, and exemption… View more
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 as the required minimum and are considered required open space. Zoning… View more
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 the ability to transmit a signal to supervisors and must also… View more
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 June 1, 2015. Appointments can be requested for after-hours inspections of construction,… View more
By Austin Regan Over the last decade, many architectural firms that traditionally have done the majority of their work in the borough of Manhattan have found themselves with quite substantial jobs in the other boroughs, especially Brooklyn and Queens. While the scale and density of these outer borough projects are also… View more