Now that that effective date of the 2014 Construction Code has been moved that doesn't mean that it wouldn't be, so let's not wait for the last minute before we realize that there is still much to learn about the code. So here is a quick run down on everything 2014 Construction Code:
The New York City Construction Codes consist of four technical volumes – the New York City Building Code (BC), Plumbing Code (PC), Mechanical Code (MC) and the Fuel Gas Code (FGC) – and one administrative volume – the Administrative Code (Title 28), which contains permitting, licensing, fees and other provisions that apply universally to the four technical volumes. The aim of the revision is to bring the Codes up to date with the 2009 ICC Codes with some variations to take into consideration the city's own unique character and to clarify as well as update the administration and enforcement of these codes as well as that from the 1968 codes.
Nine technical committees including those for Accessibility, Construction and Demolition safety, construction requirements and materials, Elevators and Conveyors, Fire Protection Systems, mechanical, HVAC and boilers, plumbing, structural, use, occupancy classification and egress were responsible for the development of each provision and/or amendments in line with their topics of specialty.
These committees were made up of participants deemed to be experts in the committees they were assigned to. An advisory committee was also established as necessary. Each proposed amendment were then reviewed and accepted by the managing committee and later on submitted to the law department for formatting into a bill for submission to the NYC council.
Most of the changes address the concerns with regards to weather resiliency and energy efficiency of New York buildings. After the avalanche of natural and man-made calamities that rocked the city, officials realized the need to ensure that buildings are kept safe and vital buildings operational with enough power and resources to ensure operation in case of power failure in the area as well as flooding or wind damages. Some of the changes also address energy efficiency to reduce green house effect.
Here's a list of some of the local laws being changed or added:
LL 12 - requiring insulation of existing concealed pipes exposed during alteration or repair
LL 13 - requires the use of mold resistant materials for moisture prone locations
LL 79 - relates to the plumbing code amendment regarding toilet and faucets working without external power supply
LL 100 - relates to the mechanical code and fire codes that requires relocation and protection of building systems in flood-prone areas.
LL 108 - provision in an I-1 to I-2 occupancy, adult homes, community residences, enriched housing, and intermediate care facility of a secondary electrical supply, heating and cooling system, more so for flood-prone areas, to ensure continuous operations in case the primary power supply fails.
LL101 - related to the mechanical code changes that seeks to protect some buildings and systems from wind damage
LL 110 - provision for a common area drinking water facility that is supplied directly from the main public pipe line.
LL 130 - relates to provision of electric vehicle charging stations in parking lots and garages.
So those are just a few of the changes and/or additions we are going to encounter when the 2014 Construction Code finally becomes effective come December 31, 2014.