By Austin Regan The DOB’s long touted upgrade of their computer filing is way behind schedule. Mandatory use of the new DOB NOW filing system for limited applications (sprinkler & plumbing only) was supposed to begin in the fall. The DOB did roll out the program but made participation voluntary, not… View more
By Andrew J. Pisani The numbers are in for housing construction permits for September, and the numbers look good. At 2,218 new units approved, we saw the highest monthly volume in all of 2016. Sound good, right? Yes and no. Year over year, the numbers are actually down from 2015. On… View more
By Brian Redlein Spring of this year brought about one of the largest revisions to the zoning text in recent memory. With Zoning for Quality and Affordability (ZQA) touching on so many aspects of the ZRs with so many revisions it was frankly inevitable that a couple of “bugs” would wind… View more
By Penny Laughlin In efforts to be more transparent and efficient, the DOB has introduced the NYC Buildings Project Guidelines. The guide intends to provide a general overview of construction industry project requirements for different audiences. There are sections for Owners, Design Professionals, Skilled Trades and Registrants. The Guide details such… View more
By Renee Sosnowski The 2014 Fire Code replaced the 2 Certificates of Fitness for Fire Safety & Emergency Action Plan Directors with a single Certificate of Fitness for a Fire and Life Safety (FLS) Director. Beginning March 1, 2020, all occupancies currently required to be staffed by a Fire Safety/EAP Director… View more
By Mario Aurioso A change has come to the Gas Test and Gas Finish process. As of November 1, 2016 all Gas test and Gas finish inspections in the Borough of Manhattan will require a physical inspection to be witnessed by the DOB. This is a change to the prior process,… View more
By Bruno Caligara Sidewalk work can be tricky, especially if the location of the sidewalk falls under MTA jurisdiction. Doing work at a sidewalk under MTA jurisdictions requires MTA approval and MTA supervision during the start and course of work. Contractors and Owners are typically unaware of the process which requires… View more