Mark The Date folks! October 1, 2014 marks the next chapter of New York City Construction Code, when a new code will be implemented. The New York City Construction Codes have been implemented to regulate the design of new buildings and alterations to existing buildings in order to foster safe construction, not only during construction but even after when the building is already in use.

The new code enhances fire safety design requisites especially for high rise buildings and also updated the requirements for structural design for wind and seismic design of buildings. The code was patterned after the ICC codes and in the wake of 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy and in anticipation for other calamities that may occur, the new code aimed to update the code to national standard and incorporate the latest technologies and allow new materials and construction schemes to be used and adapted into the system. It also aims to maintain consistency with other jurisdictions.

The New Code was approved by the council and signed by the Mayor on December 2013 and majority of the provisions will take effect on October 1, 2014, with the time in between designated as the implementation and training period.

Here are some data to keep in mind

For New Buildings, construction documents (architectural, structural, foundation drawings) submitted before October 1, 2014 will follow the 2008 Construction code, even if subsequent filings fall past October 1, 2014.For construction documents submitted on or after October 1,2014, will follow the new 2014 code

For Alterations to existing buildings, construction documents submitted before October 1, 2014 will follow 2008 code, while those that will be submitted on or after October 1, 2014, will follow the 2014 code.

Now, for Chapter 33 work, non-site safety jobs for new buildings, alterations and partial demolitions, construction documents submitted before October 1, 2014 will follow BC33 of the 2008 code and construction documents submitted on or after will follow the 2014 code.

Site safety jobs for new buildings, alterations and partial demolitions on the other hand will follow approval date and not submission date, so if the site safety plan is approved before October 1, 2014, it will follow BC 33 of the 2008 code while site safety plan approved on or after October 1, 2014, will follow the 2014 code.

Full demolition work for both non-site safety and safety site jobs will depend on demolition permit issuance, if the permit was issued before October 1, 2014, follow 2008 code and if the permit was issued on or after October 1, 2014, the code to follow is the new 2014 code.

Although as with any rule there are a few exceptions and here is no different.

• Changes to Elevator inspections are effective immediately (28-304.6.4 to 28-304.6.6)
• Additional Stair or Occupant Evacuation Elevator for non residential buildings greater than 420 feet will take effect on June 30, 1015 or upon zoning change whichever is later.