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 Mario Aurioso In case you haven’t heard, the Limited Alteration Application (LAA) Division of the Department of Buildings has been cracking down on eFiled LAAs. Specifically, we’re seeing a spike in audits because certain scopes of work cannot be eFiled—and yet they are. (Click here for a full list of… View more
By Penny Laughlin Last month, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) released a new Consultation Request Form. The updated form collects additional information to determine eligibility of New Building and Alteration Type 1 projects for Development Hub filing. Form Changes Specifically, the revised Consultation Request Form acknowledges that some… View more
By Penny Laughlin The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) held its first industry meeting of 2017 on February 7. DOB NOW. The public portal is now available for Plumbing, Sprinkler, and Standpipe filings. While filing representatives can only enter limited information at this time, the commissioner advised that additional… View more
By Robert Proffitt, R.A. The Construction Safety Act introduced by the New York City Council last January offers additional examples of the growing disconnect between government institutions and the people they serve. While the concepts behind the 21-bill package are great, specific recommendations often don’t jibe with industry reality. Call for… 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