The New NYC Construction Codes are an important achievement for the Buildings Department and New York City. They mark the first comprehensive overhaul of the City’s Building Code in nearly 40 years. These Codes respond to many of our 21st century safety, construction and environmental concerns, and are more user-friendly for the professionals building our City’s very foundation. Certain administrative provisions, enforcement provisions and construction safeguards under the New NYC Construction Codes will go into effect on July 1, 2008.

Old Code or New Code?

Effective July 1, 2008, applicants have a choice of using either the Old Building Code (1968) or the NYC Construction Codes. Use the following guide to determine which code to use for all your DOB applications.

New Apartment Voice Communication System:
The new code will require residential buildings, 125 feet or more in height, to install an emergency voice communication system for use by the Fire Department to speak directly to each unit in the building and to each of the exit stairwells.

Impact Resistance Walls:
All new high-rise buildings will be required to install an impact resistant wall around all egress stairs and elevators. Formerly only required in office buildings, these impact resistant walls are designed to withstand high-impact and weather resistance stability.

License Application within 1 Year of Examination:
All applicants for a license issued by the Department of Buildings must begin the license application process within one year of passing the required licensing exams. Additionally, all required licensing documents must be submitted within one year of the first document filed. Failure to complete the process in the required timeframe will result in an incomplete application and may result in the denial of the license.

New Material Acceptable for Masonry Equivalent Standards:
A new rule is being written to permit materials that were not technologically available when the previous version of the code was published. In participation of new materials, the rule also provides performance requirements based upon nationally recognized standards.

Amusement Rides:
A new rule is being promulgated for Amusement Rides that will maintain the current standards in a more accurate and easier format. These new rules will enhance amusement rides safety through new provisions and codifies the current practice.

New Photoluminescent Requirements:
To continue our efforts to enhance public safety, the Department of Buildings requires all high rise and office buildings to take extra measures to protect their occupants during an emergency evacuation. Effective July 1, 2008 these requirements will be expanded to include new buildings, including but not limited to hospitals, mercantile, hotels and dormitories. These markings and signs are in addition to, and not in place of, existing requirements relating to exit signs.

Street Tree Zoning Amendment: New Required Items
The Buildings Department has created two new required items that automatically apply to New Building, Alteration 1 and Alteration 2 applications.

1. Street Tree Checklist (ST-1) - Prior to Approval
Applicants must submit an ST-1, indicating:

• Number street trees required as determined by street frontage, per the Zoning Resolution;
• Number of trees to be removed, number of existing trees, number of trees to be planted on-site, number of trees to be planted off-site and/or number of trees in which a tree fund payment will be made; or
• If the work or use group is exempt per the Zoning Resolution.

2. Street Tree Sign-off – Prior to Sign-off
To ensure compliance with the street tree zoning requirements, the following will be required from the Dept of Parks and Recreation

• Signed-off tree planting permit; and/or
• Tree fund payment receipt; and/or
• Waiver letter.