By Austin Regan Once the exclusive domain of air conditioning equipment and pigeon coops, building rooftops are now prized amenities. Developers market their buildings based on the views from outdoor spaces and the amenities those spaces hold. While a usable roof can increase the value of a development and offer greater… View more
By Alex Rippere While previous articles have covered 2016 New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) changes regarding building envelope and HVAC performance, one key area not addressed is lighting. The energy code has always set requirements for lighting controls and maximum allowed lighting wattage-per-square-foot (i.e., Lighting Power Density or LPD)…. View more
By Alex Rippere With all the changes in the latest New York City Energy Conservation Code (2016 NYCECC), it can be helpful to review some of the fundamental compliance issues faced by architects, engineers, and owners. For instance, understanding your project’s type—alteration, addition, a combination of the two, or new construction—is… View more
By Austin Regan Every professional understands that obtaining DOB approval of their application requires resolution of plan examiner objections. In addition, every application must adhere to certain standards: required forms, plan naming standards, asbestos reports, etc. To help examiners track these requirements, the DOB computer system auto-generates a “Required Items List,”… View more
By Austin Regan Starting April 1, 2017, DEP will no longer review Site Connection Proposals when the development lot is tentative. This change will have a major impact on the planning and timing of certain new building approvals. DOB New Building Approval requires an approved Site Connection Proposal (SD1 & 2),… View more
By Alex Rippere Each month Alex Rippere will continue highlighting best practices for complying with the New York City Energy Conservation Code 2016. Last year we wrote extensively on the 2016 update to the New York City Energy Conservation Code (2016 NYCECC) and its impact on new projects. The code has… View more
By Austin Regan All of the easy sites have been built on already. Today’s developments are occurring on problematic properties. They may have soil hazmat issues or are located too close to transit tunnels or too far from utilities. We are starting to see examples of land-locked sites being developed. Building Code… View more