The new Construction Codes and their implementation dominated 2015 in New York City, but plenty happened throughout the Milrose service area. In no particular order, we review the year’s most significant stories.

Connecticut

1. Anticipated Building Code Update Will Change Toilet Requirements. An anticipated update to the Connecticut Building Code will be coming soon. It will change the toilet requirements in mercantile spaces from separate male/female toilets to a single unisex restroom.
2. Changes at the Town of Greenwich Planning and Zoning Department. Katie DeLuca became the new Director of Planning and Zoning after the resignation of 20-year veteran Diane Fox.

Long Island

1. New York State Mandates CO Detectors in Restaurants. A new law in New York State requires carbon monoxide detectors in all restaurants and commercial buildings.
2. North Hempstead Requires Apprenticeships in Commercial Filings. Towns across Long Island, including North Hempstead, enacted legislation to require apprenticeship training programs for all commercial projects.
3. Going Green Gets Easier in Northport, Bayville Approves Zoning Changes. The Village of Northport approved resolutions to streamline application process for electric vehicle charging stations and small-scale solar panels. Bayville now allows four-unit apartment buildings in village business districts.
4. New Solar Panel Program for Huntington. Introduced in partnership with the town of Huntington, Sustainably CUNY, City University of New York, and the U.S. Department of Energy, the new program aims to reduce the installation costs of solar equipment.

New Jersey

1. New Jersey Adopts IBC 2015 Building Codes. In September 2015, the State of New Jersey adopted the 2015 International Building Code (IBC 2015). Compliance on all new applications is required after the grace period ends on March 21, 2016.
2. Sprinkler Protection During Demolition. Demolition projects in high-rise office buildings require sprinkler protection, according to the International Building Code of New Jersey (IBCNJ).
3. Accessibility Requirements for Private, Single-Occupant Restrooms in Office Spaces. New Jersey’s barrier-free subcode was designed to work with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure accessibility in new construction and renovations. Restrooms in office spaces have some flexibility with the permit process.
4. Jersey City Zoning Fees, Meadowlands Commission Name Change. Jersey City changed its zoning fees and renamed the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

For any questions on these topics, contact the local office of the Milrose Consultants.