Stay informed of upcoming deadlines and recent code changes that could impact your construction projects.

New York | Texas | Illinois | California

NEW YORK

NOVEMBER 2024

• The 2024 NYC Holiday Construction Embargo will take place from 11/15/24 through 1/2/25, from 6 AM to 11:59 PM and construction work in designated areas will require special waivers.
  
  
• In accordance with the NYC DOB’s new parapet rule, building owners must have their parapets inspected annually, and have their reports prepared by 12/31/24.
  
  
• The DOB has launched a new interactive map that shows all parking structures in NYC that have not submitted their required observation report. For help navigating LL126 compliance, check out our Local Law 126 Education Page.

OCTOBER 2024

• The NYC DOB will issue violations for failure to file an affirmation of correction for defects reported on high-pressure and low-pressure boiler inspection reports for 2023 in October 2024. For more information, click here.
  
  

SEPTEMBER 2024

• The NYC DOB launched a 90-day pilot Next Day Review Program (NDR). This program will be in effect for up to 40 eligible alteration projects per business day. Click here to learn more about the eligibility requirements for the program. 

AUGUST 2024

• NYC restaurants have until 8/3/24 to apply to the DOT's new permanent outdoor dining program, Dining Out NYC, in order to keep their outdoor dining setups in operation and avoid violations. Learn more.
  
  
• The DOB recently announced all parking garages must have a one-time initial observation performed by a QPSI and filed to the DOB by 8/1/24. Leverage ⁠HLZAE's LL126 services to avoid penalties.
  
  
• As of 12:01 AM on July 25 to 8:00 PM on August 17, 2024, the NYC DOT will enforce a construction embargo which suspends all active permits and new approvals in the impacted areas unless a waiver is granted in Manhattan. Learn more about the NYC 2024 Summer Streets Construction Embargo here.                                                                                         
• In August 2024, the Department of Buildings will issue violations for failing to file 2023 Category 1 elevator test and inspection reports. Violations will also be issued for missing the April 14, 2024, deadline to submit an affirmation of correction for defects under 1 RCNY §103-02.                                                                                                                                                                         
• Effective December 11, 2024, the definition of a 'major building' in Section 202 of Chapter 2 of the NYC Building Code will change from a building 10 or more stories or 125 feet or more in height to one 7 or more stories or 75 feet or more in height. Refer to this service notice for more information. 

JULY 2024

• There has been an increase in penalties issued to buildings that have not filed their Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification. Learn more on Local Law 152.
  
  
• Beginning 7/1/24, applicants are required to enter the new Use Groups and subcategories (A), (B), or (C) where applicable in all NB and Alt-CO applications. Refer to this service notice for more information.
  
  
• Reminder: all existing and new users of DOB NOW require an NYC⁠.ID account to log into DOB NOW: Build, Safety, BIS Options and Licensing. Visit nyc.gov/dobnowtips to create your account.
  
  
• The Department of Transportation (DOT) will host their annual Summer Streets Construction Embargo from July 25 through August 17, 2024. During these embargoes, various city blocks spanning multiple neighborhoods in Manhattan are closed to pedestrian access, only emergency construction work is permitted. View a map of the 2024 Embargo locations and learn more on NYC DOT.
  
  

MAY 2024

• According to Local Law 157, as of May 1^st, 2025, property owners of buildings with gas piping and gas service will be required to have gas detectors installed within each unit. Owners now have a year to install gas detectors in order to meet compliance.
  
  
• The Landmarks Preservation Commission has launched Portico, their new web-based permit portal. Building owners of landmarked buildings and their applicant teams must create a login in the new system to be able to sign applications. Click here to create an account.
  
  
•  In January, the DOB announced a new schedule for reinstatement fees for abandoned applications, expired permits and amended plans. A May 2nd Service Notice clarified that the DOB may allow a filing that substantially changes the scope of an abandoned application or an expired permit to continue with the same job number as long as all fees are paid as if a new application were filed for the work.

APRIL 2024

• The DOT is now accepting permit applications for Dining Out NYC, the new permanent outdoor dining program. Restaurants have until August 3, 2024 to apply to the new program to keep their outdoor dining setups in operation. To request our assistance with meeting DOT compliance, click here.
  
  
• The Landmarks Preservation Commission has launched Portico, their new web-based permit portal. Building owners of landmarked buildings and their applicant teams must create a login in the new system to be able to sign applications. Click here to create an account.

MARCH 2024

• In accordance with Local Law 157 , natural gas alarms must be installed in private dwellings before May 1st, 2025. This does not apply to buildings that do not have gas service.

• In accordance with Local Law 126, the first round of $1,000 fines for late parking structure safety reports have already been issued at the beginning of January. If you missed the deadline, this same fine will be issued at the start of each month until you are in compliance.

FEBRUARY 2024

• Reminder: All NYC garages must file a one-time initial observation report to the DOB by August 1, 2024. This new required observation report will be in addition to the previously required engineering reports that are still due in 2025 and 2027. For more information on LL126 requirements, please click here.
  
  
• Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) reports for buildings over six stories tall in Cycle 9 Window C for block numbers 1, 2, and 3 are due to the DOB by February 21, 2024. If you have not filed your FISP report yet, you are still required to submit a report even if it is going to be late. If interested in utilizing our strategic partner HLZAE to perform your building’s FISP inspection, please note that they cannot guarantee completion prior to the 2/21/24 deadline.

JANUARY 2024

• As of January 2, 2024, in accordance with LL149, the DOB will not issue a permit if the Construction Superintendent designated on the permit application is already assigned on 3 or more active permits. This is a change from the previous limitation of 5 jobs.
  
  
• New Building Carbon Emission limits went into effect on January 1, 2024, in accordance with LL97. Please click here to learn more.
  
  
• New Fossil Fuel Limitations on New Buildings went into effect January 1st, 2024, in accordance with LL154. The law aims to phase out fossil fuels used in new buildings to help lower emissions. The first phase of LL154 applies to Group R-3 (1- and 2-family homes) and all occupancies less than 7 stories tall (excluding Service HW).
  
  
• Effective January 1, 2024, owners of buildings with parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height, are required to have an annual observation of the building’s parapet performed.
  

DECEMBER 2023 

• LL152 Enforcement: Please be aware the DOB will now be enforcing fines for buildings that have not filed their Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification. Owners have until December 31, 2023, to have a certification submitted or face a civil penalty of $5,000. Please check out HLZAE’s blog article on Local Law 152 for more information.
  
  
• As of Dec. 4th: The NYC DOB has instituted fee changes for Letter of No Objection (LNO)/Letter of Verification, the OP 128: Ordinary Plumbing Work Report, and Temporary Use Letter Renewals.

• Reminder: New Special Inspections Requirements introduced in the 2022 NYC Construction Codes went into effect November 8. For an overview of the new special inspections requirements in NYC, please download our 2022 Code Guide: Special Inspections.
  

ILLINOIS

NOVEMBER 2024

• Deadline: The Chicago Construction Moratoriums will go into effect from November 22^nd, 2024 to January 2^nd, 2025 at 9:30am. This moratorium will make it so no street openings or traffic obstructions will be allowed within moratorium boundaries and that all existing permits within these boundaries will be automatically revoked.

JANUARY 2024

• Reminder (Chicago): The next Chicago Self-Cert Program will be held January 30 - February 1, 2024. Sign-up for new and renewing Self-Certification Professionals is now open. Currently registered Self-Certification Professionals with registrations expiring December 31, 2023, will have their registrations extended through January 2024 if they register for the class before their expiration date. These classes are held only once every two years so sign up now before it is too late!

• As of January 1, 2024: the City of West Chicago adopted the following new building codes:
  • Building Code Requirements: 2021 International Building Code
  • Existing Building Code Requirements: 2021 International Existing Building Code
  • Residential Code Requirements: 2021 International Residential Code
  • Electrical Code Requirements: 2020 National Electrical Code
  • Mechanical Code Requirements: 2021 International Mechanical Code
  • Fuel Gas Code Requirements: 2021 International Fuel Gas Code
  • Plumbing Code Requirements: 2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code and 2021 International Plumbing Code
  • Fire Protection Requirements: 2021 International Fire Prevention Code
  • Property Maintenance Code Requirements: 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
  • Energy Code Requirements: 2018 Energy Conservation Code
  • Life Safety Code: 2021 NFPA 101
  • Accessibility Requirements: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code

TEXAS

May 2024

• As of May 1, 2024: Permit fees are increasing at the City of Dallas, effective May 1, aimed at streamlining permitting processes and aligning with industry standards. The Dallas City Council approved an ordinance amending Chapters 49, 51A, and 52 on March 27, to implement the new fee schedule. Visit the City's website for more information.

October 2024

• The City of Dallas has introduced their Self-Certification Program to help speed up the plan review process for certain projects. As a certified plan reviewer, Masterplan, a Milrose Company, can now fast-track approvals for eligible residential and commercial developments. View Masterplan's Rapid Permit Approval process to learn more. 
• With the adoption of Forward Dallas 2.0, all new zoning cases submitted after September 25, 2024 in the City of Dallas will be evaluated under the new guidelines.

CALIFORNIA

NOVEMBER 2024

• Deadline: The Los Angeles Holiday Moratorium will be running through November and December. This will limit construction activity, permit issuances, and will include street closures. The dates for 2024 include Nov 27-30, Dec 1, Dec 6-8, and Dec 13-29. For more info, click here.

APRIL 2024

• On February 1^st, 2024, LADOT transitioned their L.A. Al Fresco program from temporary to permanent and began accepting applications for On-Street Dining Revocable Permits. All temporary outdoor setups will be valid until July 31, 2024. For assistance obtaining a revocable permit, please reach out.

MARCH 2024

• Reminder: On July 1st 2024, CALGreen will go into effect for all California projects submitting permits. The main changes are related to EV Charging requirements in parking spaces and Life Cycle Cost Assessments being required on projects over 100,000 square feet.