Articles

    Articles

    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

    11/1 Development Hub Highlights Collaboration

    This month, the City and DOB announced the launch of The NYC Development Hub – a state of the art, technologically driven center designed to speed up the approval process. The Hub intends to streamline the workflow behind the process – simplifying the way that building plans are received, organized and reviewed. The Hub launches months after the Get It Done Together pilot program, which immediately exceeded expectations. In real numbers, Get It Done Together …read more

    11/1 Public Advocate's Intranet May Spell Delays

    Technology tends to make things better, yet in a rare instance, it can actually cause delays. Take the case of a recent update in the DOB’s Public Advocate’s office, which may have implications in delivering a final Certificate of Occupancy. As of October 1, 2011, the Department of Buildings Public Advocate’s office has been linked through their INTRANET to the following City agencies: 1. Fire Department 2. Department of Transportation 3. Housing Authority Not all …read more

    10/31 Specifying Energy Code Inspections

    As part of the General Notes for any Department of Buildings Application, the applicant must list all required Special & Progress Inspections. The same holds true of the new Energy Code Progress Inspections. For these new inspections, however, the Department of Buildings is expecting to see more specific information listed on the drawings. The applicant must list the section of the Energy Code relevant to the specific inspection, as well as the frequency with which …read more

    10/28 A Fundraiser to Honor a Master Mason

    New York City has always been a gateway to opportunity for people from around the world. Immigrant workers helped build this City and its infrastructure. More Italians have migrated to the United States than any other Europeans. Italian immigrants dug tunnels, laid railroad tracks, constructed bridges and roads, and erected the first skyscrapers. Many of these immigrants were stone masons. Masons have helped create numerous long-lasting, ancient monuments, artifacts, cathedrals, and cities in a wide …read more

    10/28 With the Development Hub, the People Matter

    The DOB’s newly announced Development Hub seeks to further streamline and accelerate the approvals process for construction projects throughout the City. While most of the attention has focused on the technology – the facility contains computer tablets, flat screens, smart boards, video conferencing and web cams – the real innovation may come with the people staffing the Hub. We’ve learned that the Hub team consists of the more seasoned DOB examiners, those who know the …read more

    10/21 Combined Plans Ends Duplicate FDNY Filings

    In an effort to finally stop the duplications of filings, and therefore streamline the process, the FDNY has changed a filing requirement. Under the new change, Fire Safety Plans and Emergency Action Plans must be filed together. This replaces the two separate plans currently in place (FSP & EAP). This change applies to office buildings which are either 75 feet or taller or greater than 6 stories. Requirements for Hotels have a slightly different format …read more

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