Articles
Articles
06/24/10 New Technical Bulletin Modifies Concrete Testing Process
The DOB has issued a Buildings Bulletin which finalizes the changes to concrete testing procedure. In the past, the same testing lab could sign off on the testing of both the concrete mix and cylinders. Now, this is no longer the case – as different labs must now test the concrete mix and the cylinders. The DOB seeks to bring greater accountability to the overall concrete testing process, and requiring separate testing labs for each
06/17/10 Update: DOB Blackout Days in Manhattan
Citing a severe backlog in application review, the DOB has implemented an appointment ‘blackout’ on Tuesdays and Fridays. During these days, there is no access to the plan examination staff, and no appointments are being scheduled. This blackout applies to Manhattan only, and not the outer boroughs. Surprisingly, the balance of days are not completely open for applicants either. The DOB continues to schedule trainings, meetings and other department activities during these limited appointment days
06/17/10 WTC Excavation Progressing
Much media attention on the WTC site has focused on delays, yet there appears to be new progress regarding the excavation. According to recent reports, the Port Authority is making significant progress in the World Trade Center south bathtub/Vehicular Security Center. Construction crews have excavated 32,000 tons of soil or more than half of the total to be removed before work can begin on the bedrock. The site is the future entry and security point
06/17/10 Violations, By the Numbers
With the size and scope of construction in the City, it’s easy to imagine that the number of violations may be quite large. Even so, the actual numbers are surprising. According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, the DOB currently has 177,518 open and unresolved violations. There are over 45,000 violations pending before the Environmental Control Board, of which a full third are classified as hazardous. If this sounds like a backlog
06/10/10 Tenant Protection Plan Updates
The DOB requires Tenant Protection Plans for buildings, new or existing, that will be occupied during construction or major alterations. Tenant Protection Plans serve to safeguard the safety and health of the occupants, by providing details on Egress, Fire Safety, Health Requirements and Structural Integrity. Newer requirements for Tenant Protection Plans include three statements of compliance. A plan must include a statement of compliance relating to lead and asbestos, a statement of noise compliance and
06/10/10 New DEP Asbestos Rules In Effect
On June 6, 2010 the new DEP asbestos rules and regulations went into effect. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires asbestos abatement activities to be completed at a job site before the Department of Buildings (DOB) can issue a permit for any related construction work. Specifically, applicants must submit the Asbestos Project Completion Form (ACP21) or an Asbestos Project Conditional Completion Form (ACP20) to DOB. The changes in the asbestos rules and regulations are
06/10/10 SOHO Historic Distric Expansion
Many of SOHO’s cast iron buildings were built in the post Civil War era, as store and loft buildings for the wholesale dry goods merchants and the manufacturing businesses that created a thriving commercial zone in the mid and late nineteenth century. The City’s new expansion brings an additional 135 buildings into the SOHO Cast Iron Historic District – which was designated in 1973 and includes 500 buildings between West Houston and Canal streets and
06/10/10 NYC Energy Code Getting Stricter
Starting July 1, 2010, the New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) becomes effective. This Code reflects progress in the Mayor’s initiative to further ‘greenify’ the City – in line with the PlaNYC goal of reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. The NYCECC is more stringent than the state energy code and applies to all new building and alteration projects filed on or after July 1, 201
05/31/10 Progress in Stalled Sites
A constant reminder of the economic downturn has been the number of stalled construction sites around the City. As recent as two months ago, the DOB listed 576 stalled sites across all five boroughs. This was up from 515 stalled sites just five months before. Now, the trend seems to be shifting. Recent data from the DOB indicates that 364 building sites have restarted work. Of those, nearly 100 have been completed. The DOB recently
05/27/10 Same Day Authorization for LAA Plumbing
Starting this week, the DOB will offer same day work authorization for certain Limited Alteration Application plumbing work. In order to obtain this same day authorization, a Licensed Master Plumber must file a completed LAA1E form, and submit the form before 11 am. The submission must include asbestos forms, when applicable. Plumbing work eligible for same day authorization is limited to new installation, replacement or repair of the following: bathtubs, bidets, dish washers, drinking fountains
News
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urbancanvas Design Competition Launches
06/24/10 -
New Technical Bulletin Modifies Concrete Testing Process
06/24/10 -
Update: DOB Blackout Days in Manhattan
06/17/10 -
WTC Excavation Progressing
06/17/10 -
Violations, By the Numbers
06/17/10 -
Tenant Protection Plan Updates
06/10/10 -
New DEP Asbestos Rules In Effect
06/10/10 -
SOHO Historic Distric Expansion
06/10/10 -
NYC Energy Code Getting Stricter
06/10/10