Articles
Articles
03/11/10 Has This Happened to You???
Over the last year, there’s been no end to the news about the new computer systems at the DOB. Recently, one of our major clients stumbled into a bit of an anomaly which seems directly related to this upgrade. Here’s the background: This client has run two businesses for the last twenty years. They were both a commercial contractor and a 1, 2, and 3 family contractor. New regulations require separate licensing for 1,
03/01/10 Process Clarity for Temporary Space Permitting
For years the Department of Buildings has inspected buildings which housed model offices and apartments. These models are generally installed by the developer to give a sense of the what the space could look like when fully built out. The industry has never had a clear understanding on how to file plans for model spaces. Since they are by definition temporary, is there any reason to sign them off? The DOB has finally entered the
02/28/10 Little 'e'compliance in Special Districts
An ‘e’ designation on the zoning map indicates that a property has been identified as having certain environmental qualities pertaining to air and noise quality and/or hazardous material contamination(HAZMAT) in the soil. When a project qualifies to conform with environmental standards a protocol needs to be established with DEP. When the protocol has been accepted the DEP issues a “Notice to Proceed.” The DOB will not issue an approval on an affected project without the
02/28/10 Awareness Building for Illegal Conversions
DOB has embarked on a citywide campaign to raise awareness regarding illegal residential conversions and the consequences and possible dangers of living in such a dwelling. The effort, while spearheaded by the DOB, also has the assistance of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs and FDNY. The program flyers have been translated into eleven (11) different languages, and since November 2009, over 65,000 have been distributed throughout the
02/25/10 DOT Sidewalk Repair Program
The DOT recently announced a program intending to make the City’s sidewalk’s safer. Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of sidewalks which adjoin their property. Under this program, the City will send spot inspectors out to identify sidewalks in need of repair. Should the City find that property owners are not responsive in repairing the sidewalks, they intend to take it upon themselves. Specifically, the City may hire private contractors to make the necessary
02/25/10 New Standpipe and Sprinkler Regulations - Part II
The second wave of Sprinkler and Standpipe safety regulations goes into effect on March 3, 2010. As with last month’s regulations, the new laws – Local Law 58/09 and Local Low 60/09 – are designed as preventative measures that will increase site safety. Local Law 58/09 introduces Color Coding, and applies to all buildings. There are two parts to the coding – the standpipe and the valve handles. The standpipe coloring appears straightforward, in
02/25/10 C of O Updates
This month, we have two important updates for the C of O process. The first deals with the issuance of a TCO based on a site’s Fire Protection Plan. Historically, the DOB would accept a disapproved Fire Protection Filing to fulfill construction sign off necessary to obtain a TCO. Now, the DOB will no longer accept a disapproved Fire Protection Plan. In order to obtain construction sign-off, the Fire Protection Plan must now be
02/18/10 Considering Working without a Permit? Think Again
Given the economic climate, it’s no surprise that the DOB has become more vigilant regarding fines. It’s worth noting that one of the longstanding violations with the highest penalty structures is working without a DOB issued permit. The fines for these violations are based on a formula. For one and two family houses, the fine is equal to four times the filing fee, with a minimum fine of $500. For all other cases of
02/18/10 Asbestos Exemption Certificate Update
The DOB has released a new format for Asbestos Exemption. This form is an update of the prior version, and now has check-boxes for the applicant to identify the cause of exemption. The form gives three specific options for exemption. A job may be exempt if there is no physical work, if no building materials are disturbed, or if the building itself was filed at the DOB after April 1, 1987. There’s also a
02/11/10 New Process for High Rise Permits
New Buildings over 75’ have a change to the permitting process. Historically, the standpipe permit was not required until a new building reached the height of 75’. This would allow the more critical building permit to move forward and get the project started. With the new laws regarding standpipes, this changes. Now, the standpipe permit must be obtained before the new building permit can be issued. This change just went into effect, and
News
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Has This Happened to You???
03/11/10 -
Process Clarity for Temporary Space Permitting
03/01/10 -
Little 'e'compliance in Special Districts
02/28/10 -
Awareness Building for Illegal Conversions
02/28/10 -
DOT Sidewalk Repair Program
02/25/10 -
New Standpipe and Sprinkler Regulations - Part II
02/25/10 -
C of O Updates
02/25/10 -
Considering Working without a Permit? Think Again
02/18/10 -
Asbestos Exemption Certificate Update
02/18/10