Get the latest code, zoning and compliance news and insights from Metropolis Group.
Department of Buildings / Industry News
By Bruno Caligara Following a series of deadly gas explosions, New York City passed Local Law 157 of 2016 (LL 157/2016), which requires the installation of natural gas detectors in residences. The DOB published a rule implementing LL 157/2016 earlier ...
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By Andrew Pisani New York City requires periodic inspection of all retaining walls at least ten feet high that front a public right-of-way. Property owners must hire a New York State-licensed professional designated as a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI) ...
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By Brian Earley More than four years after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered New York City, commercial real estate vacancy rates remain high. The continuing tension between companies and employees over return-to-office mandates is one contributing factor. Also, tenants are favoring ...
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By David Temidara When the prestigious Brearley School built a new facility one block away from the primary campus on 610 East 83rd Street, the institution engaged Metropolis Group to help manage the complex construction process. Metropolis team members worked ...
Read MoreDepartment of Buildings / Industry News / Inspections
By Jaime Pabon In keeping with the city’s ongoing public safety efforts, Local Law 126 of 2021 requires building owners to have an observation of public-facing parapets performed annually, beginning in 2024. The Rules of the City of New York ...
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By Jaime Pabon Effective June 6, 2024, New York City amended the Zoning Resolution (ZR) to update Use Group categories and numbering. The revisions support economic growth and resiliency by providing businesses with additional zoning flexibility to locate and expand. ...
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By Kristen Fortino As we’ve previously covered, the 2025 New York State Budget includes several initiatives to alleviate the ongoing housing crisis in New York City. Among these measures is a pilot program to legalize basement apartments. Specifically, the program ...
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By Jaime Pabon In the latest move to protect public safety, the New York City Building Code definition of a “major building” will change from “an existing or proposed building 10 or more stories or 125 feet or more in ...
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By Frank Fortino Office-to-residential conversions present an exciting opportunity for addressing the ongoing housing crisis here in New York City. The most recent New York State budget introduced the Affordable Housing from Commercial Conversions (AHCC) tax incentive, and the Department ...
Read MoreDepartment of Buildings / Industry News / Safety
By Gregory Fortino Last month, the New York City Council passed a bill that requires the Department of Buildings (DOB) to establish a proactive inspection program. Driven by the partial collapse of a Bronx apartment building in December 2023 and ...
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By Katherine Baerga As of Monday, May 13, 2024, all construction sign-off requests must be submitted online. The Department of Buildings (DOB) will no longer process emailed requests. DOB NOW: Construction Sign-Offs To request construction inspection sign-offs before occupancy in ...
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By Frank Fortino New York State’s FY 2025 Enacted Budget marks an important step toward addressing the ongoing housing crisis. This multi-pronged plan reflects months of hard work as state officials met with industry leaders and advocacy groups to create ...
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