NYC building code is dense, specific, and tough to understand.  Once finalized, it’s pretty much set in stone - that is, until the next construction code appears.

While NYC has implemented a few new NYC building codes recently (2008 and 2014), clarifications and exceptions on new building codes are often needed. Therefore, the NYC  Department of Buildings (DOB) publishes Building Bulletins to help clarify and expand on the construction codes and assist customers with understanding and applying the Department’s policies to their projects.

Listed below are some of the most common Building Bulletins referenced, along with a brief translation (in layman’s terms) of each one.

SPRINKLER IN HIGH RISE OFFICE BUILDINGS: 2011-019

Translation: If your Office building is in New York City and its over 100 feet tall, full sprinkler protection needs to be installed by July 1, 2019, even if it was allowed in the past.

TEMPORARY SPRINKLER COMPARTMENTATION: 2012-009

Translation: If you are installing temporary sprinkler protection on more than five floors at one time during construction, you need special go-ahead allowances from the FDNY before doing so. Consider that in your construction timeline.

YOGA STUDIOS: 2013-010

Translation: Yoga studio (as defined by the Department of Buildings) are not considered fitness gyms and do not require a special license from the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), whereas, other fitness-oriented establishments typically require such an approval.

WHEELCHAIR LIFTS: 2016-008

Translation: It’s 2016… get with it! If you are building truly new construction or changing the dominant use of a space, a handicap lift as a work around to establish accessibility is simply not acceptable. Put in a wheelchair accessible ramp already.

MERCANTILE TO RETAIL USE: 2009-025

Translation: If you are changing the use from different retail uses on the first floor of a building, (for example, a bank to a restaurant) you may not need to file an Alt 1 for a change in use.

VACANT SPACE FINAL C OF O- 2010-013

Translation: Is your building finished, but the interior is not fully built out? Rather than renewing TCOs until tenants or residents fill everything up, there are ways to obtain Final Certificate of Occupancy.

LOT LINE OPENINGS: 2015-017

Translation: Windows on the tax lot line ), are allowable under certain circumstance for new buildings if a required distance is met on the same zoning lot, or the openings are fire-protected.

Please note: The “translations” provided above should be taken with a grain of salt as certain exceptions and nuances exist for each statement.  However, if any of the situations mentioned above are applicable to your projects, we encourage you to review the referenced Buildings Bulletins.