For Immediate Release: December 18, 2025
CONTACT: dobcommunications@buildings.nyc.gov, (212) 393-2126

DEPARTMENT APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO CREATE EXISTING BUILDING CODE

 New Code Replaces Antiquated Regulations, Simplifying Construction Process for Building Owners

New York, NY – Today, the New York City Council passed legislation to establish a New York City Existing Building Code (EBC), a move celebrated by Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo as a major step in updating the city’s construction regulations. This new Code was developed by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) over the course of an extensive, multi-year code revision process. Once implemented, the new Code will make significant changes to streamline regulations for construction projects at existing buildings. The EBC, enacted through the passage of Intro 1321-2025, provides an improved and simplified set of regulations for renovation and alteration work which will reduce barriers towards compliance with city regulations, and mitigate the costs and scheduling delays from job-specific variances while enhancing public safety.

“Today’s vote is the culmination of years of work by the Department’s Technical Affairs, Code Development, Code & Zoning Interpretation, and Legal & Regulatory Affairs divisions. Their labor, alongside the work of hundreds of volunteer industry experts, will directly impact thousands of construction projects across the five boroughs, helping us create a safer, more sustainable, more code-compliant city,” said Commissioner Oddo. “I would like to thank Committee Chair Pierina Sanchez and our other partners in the City Council for today’s vote which recognizes the transformative impact this new Code will have on our built environment.”

While DOB has made regular updates to the city’s Building Code, the passage of Intros 1321 and 1422 today by the City Council represents the first time the City has ever had a Code specifically address existing buildings. Based on the International Existing Building Code, which is commonly used in most other municipalities across the country, NYC’s EBC is the product of years of research, analysis, and committee work led by DOB. The result is a tailored set of regulations, replete with specific provisions for New York City’s unique building stock.

Among other major changes, the NYC EBC will:

• Officially repeal the 1968 Building Code and replace it with a modern framework tailored to existing buildings.
• Streamline regulations related to changing occupancy.
• Include clear and consistent tenant and occupant protection plan requirements.
• Replace project cost thresholds with work area size to determine applicability of certain Code provisions.
• Simplify the path for buildings to comply with the NYS Multiple Dwelling Law.
• Create a Limited Home Improvement Permit for defined scopes of work in 1- and 2-family dwellings.
• Introduce limited alteration application (LAA) permits for additional types of work, including window replacements and re-roofing.
• Improve fire safety requirements for existing egress stairways when alterations are made.
• Clarify and standardize automatic sprinkler system requirements.
• Provide for appropriate protection of openings on lot line air shafts.
• Advance accessibility upgrades in common areas of residential buildings when qualifying alterations are made.
• Introduce targeted structural condition assessments and architectural investigations of buildings planning larger alterations.
• Facilitate energy conservation upgrades when alterations are made.

The new Code will go into effect in 2027.

DOB works diligently to implement the City’s Code Revision process, ensuring that our regulations overseeing buildings and construction work are regularly updated, to keep pace with international standards, emerging technologies, and industry best practices. In November 2022, DOB fully modernized the city’s Construction Codes, which included comprehensive updates to the city’s Administrative, Plumbing, Building, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. On December 21, 2025, DOB will be fully implementing the city’s new Electrical Code. On December 31, 2025, DOB will then implement the city’s new Energy Conservation Code. Going forward, the Department is currently working on the development of a Waterfront Code to regulate coastal structures such as piers, docks, and bulkheads.