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Project Categories: Alterations - Builders Pavement Plan (BPP)

A Builders Pavement Plan (BPP) project is comprised of property improvements to sidewalk, curb and paved roadway along the public right-of-way adjoining and fronting the property. Submittals must indicate curb cuts, trees, utilities and street drainage designed and built in accordance with BPP regulations mandated by the NYC’s Administrative Code (AC) relevant to the Buildings Department, the Zoning Resolution, and other relevant New York City Rules. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and specifications are for the installation of pedestrian sidewalks, roadway paving, curbs, drainage, and permanent encroachments. Reference: Instructions for filing Plans and Guidelines for the Design of Sidewalk, Curb, Roadways and other Infrastructure Components.

DOB's Role

The Department of Buildings (DOB), as the primary approval and enforcement entity, reviews BPP applications, coordinates requirements of all involved city agencies and inspects completed BPP installations for sign-off. Any waivers of DOT Rules and Regulations, such as curb alignment, grade, or improvements must be reviewed and approved by DOT. DOT issues permits for BPP work once the application has been reviewed and approved by the DOB.

Per AC 28-108.1 and 28-108.2, BPP projects are generally required for any new building or alteration projects that generate a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy.

Exceptions:

Where applicant certifies that the property has an existing sidewalk, curb, or roadway and that the proposed building project work does not cause any damage to such existing infrastructure, the applicant could apply for a waiver of improvement, from DOT and DOB.
Where application is for the erection of an accessory building to an existing one- or two-family home, such a detached garage.

Per AC 28-108.3, DOT requires a BPP project for alterations or renovations where adjoining street infrastructure is not suitable.

BPP Project Components

Roadway. In addition to a sidewalk and curb, the property being developed must have a paved roadway along its entire development frontage. The minimum width of the improvement shall be one-half of the mapped street width plus five feet.

Sidewalk. A portion of the street or public right of way, which provides pedestrians a pathway to walk, built from grey concrete with simulated saw-cut joints in a 5’x5’ scoring pattern.

Distinctive Sidewalk. A sidewalk with different material, color, scoring and/or dimensions than the standard sidewalk as prescribed by DOT. Distinctive sidewalks require Public Design Commission (PDC) Approval.

Curb. A concrete border parallel and adjacent to the roadway that forms a sidewalk edge, which may require a steel face or a row of joined stones.

Curb Cut. An angled cut to the edge of a sidewalk to permit vehicular access to a driveway, garage, parking lot, loading dock or drive-through facility.

Pedestrian Ramp. Any corner property being developed shall provide dropped curbs and sloping sidewalks that serve as pedestrian ramps from sidewalk corners leading to the roadbed, thereby providing access for people with mobility limitations and vision impairments.

Drainage. Storm water falling on the sidewalk and roadway adjoining the property frontage must be discharged into a street drainage system. Storm water falling on-site, as allowed by DEP, is discharged into an on-site drywell or similar, or discharged through a connection to the storm water system or Green Infrastructure at the street.

Utilities. Utility poles for electric power and telecommunications, street lights, traffic signs, fire hydrants, mailboxes, newsstands, phone booths, parking meters, benches, etc.

Required Street Trees. All new street tree plantings and work on existing street trees shall comply with the current DPR rules and specifications, and shall be coordinated with BPP components such as corners, curb cuts, etc.

Encroachments. Public right of way encroachments are intrusions from portions of the building onto a sidewalk and/or street, including but not limited to; vaults, steps, stoops, footings, fences, and retaining walls.

Project Notes:

A BPP application can be submitted for approval to DOB prior to or in conjunction with a new building (NB) or alteration project application. DOB may assign a separate number to the BPP application to coordinate with the DOT and DEP. Such listing number should be added to any submitted drawings for reference. A BPP application must be approved prior to the issuance of the NB permit.
Developments with multiple contiguous new buildings may submit a single BPP project application in conjunction with the development’s lead property NB application, but such BPP application must obtain authorization from the Borough Commissioner’s office and clearly list all associated NB applications.
A BPP application shall not include sidewalk, curb, and roadbed work for properties that front private roads, as defined in the Zoning Resolution, Section 12-10 as this is typically part of a NB application.