Articles

    Articles

    1/4 SEP Self Certification Audit Unit Comes to Manhattan - Part II

    This is Part II of a two part article on the SEP Unit. Part I appeared in our last newsletter, and you can read it by clicking here. The Professional Self Certification Program was created in the mid 90’s, with the mandate of speeding up the plan approval process. Abuses with the program led to the creation of SEP – the Special Enforcement Plan. The SEP unit launched with the task of responding to alleged …read more

    1/3 New Year, New Sidewalk Shed

    The Mayor and DOB commissioner have released a new Buildings Bulletin which describes the new sidewalk shed design. The Bulletin establishes acceptance criteria for urbanSHED, an alternative sidewalk shed design which encourages improved pedestrian experience, provides increased light and air to the sidewalk, and enables easy access to building entrances. The design for urbanSHED – formally named Urban Umbrella – originated in a contest which drew world-wide participation. The challenge was steep, with the City …read more

    1/3 The Building Inspection Process Needs an Overhaul for 2012

    On December 14, 2011, ad executive Suzanne Hart lost her life in a heartbreaking elevator accident in a Madison Avenue office building. It is currently the Department of Buildings’ responsibility to both approve and monitor building construction and maintenance. These dual roles are not always in the public’s best interest where safety is concerned. An independent office of inspections would aid in tougher enforcement of the City’s capability to inspect buildings. Many crane and elevator …read more

    1/2 Benchmarking Deadline has Passed. Now What?

    The final deadline for filing a Benchmarking report has officially passed. The Benchmarking Report requires building owners to submit energy use information for buildings which exceed 50,000 square feet. Now, the City will start issuing fines and violations for un-submitted buildings of $500. These fines will be reissued quarterly. If you have not yet submitted your Benchmarking Report, are having trouble navigating the online EPA manager, or haven’t started the process, you are best served …read more

    12/2 An Upward Trend Ahead

    Considering the uncertainty of the last few years, between the economy, bank and unemployment issues, it’s no surprise that each year ends with a bit of relief. It seems that year over year, in the face of adversity and gut wrenching change, we’re forced to collect ourselves, regroup, develop new strategies and plow ahead. While bad news continues to hit us on an almost daily basis, it’s important to take pause from time to time …read more

    11/30 Benchmarking Reports Coming Due

    Last May, Local Law 84/2009 hit the books, ushering in the era of Benchmarking Compliance. As a refresher, the new law required owners to submit energy use information for all buildings that exceed 50,000 square feet. While the DOB granted amnesty through the end of the year, the final deadline is approaching – and all Benchmarking Reports must be submitted by December 31st of this year. Failure to file will trigger a DOB violation, and …read more

    11/30 New Pilot Program Simplifies Pre-Filing

    The DOB has launched a new program designed to merge Pre-filing and Applications Processing. Designed to provide ever faster service, the program “hits two birds” by authorizing intake representatives to handle more of the paperwork at the front end of a project. There’s also good news for multiple application filers – if you have five or more applications to file you can book an appointment in advance. Simply call 212-227-4416 a day in advance to …read more

    11/30 SEP Self Certification Audit Unit Comes to Manhattan - Part I

    This is Part I of a two part article on the SEP. Part II will appear in our next newsletter. For the past couple of years, architects and engineers who Professionally Self Certified their Directive 14 applications in the outer boroughs lived to regret that decision due to an independent DOB unit located in the cellar of the Queens Building Department. The Special Enforcement Plan, initiated by former DOB Commissioner Patricia Lancaster, created a number …read more

    11/29 All Signs Go for the HUB

    While in its infancy, the initial feedback to the DOB’s Hub program seems to be generally positive, and all signs point to it starting off on the right foot. The Hub, a new initiative to speed up the approval process by bringing multiple agencies into a single, technologically wired, multimedia facility, hopes to transform the entire approval process. In the first few weeks, the team behind the Hub have met the industry with an open …read more

    11/22 Sustainable Contractor Program Widens

    The green movement continues to gather momentum among builders, architects and engineers who are embracing the benefits of sustainable building practices. The DOB’s Sustainable Contractor Program – started in response to the growing demand for green technologies and overall reduction of the City’s Carbon Footprint – is similarly growing. As of last week, this program has expanded, and is now open up to include licensed plumbers and electricians. Joining the program will require the individual …read more

    « newer older »