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Design Professional Requirements: Scaffold

Applicability of Code and Zoning

A scaffold project must be filed for review under the current code, the 2014 NYC Construction Codes, as referenced in the Administrative Code article AC 28-101.4.

Zoning Regulations

Zoning regulations do not apply to scaffold projects.

NOTE: While the following is a list of Code and other regulations that may be relevant in the project’s design, it does not cover ALL applicable regulations.

Codes

All projects must comply with the NYC General Administrative Provisions and Building Code. For sidewalk shed projects, the NYC Building Code, and other applicable Codes and laws may be involved. Typical Code regulations that must be considered for a sidewalk shed project include:

Construction Codes

All projects must comply with the General Administrative Provisions and Building Code. For scaffold projects, the NYC Building Code, and other applicable Codes and laws may be involved:

Buildings Bulletins

Other regulations

  • Electrical Code: EC Article 590

  • BSA – Meeting minutes of BSA # 362-44-SM

New York City Fire Code

  • 2014 NYC Fire Code

  • Rooftop access and obstructions (FC 504.4)

  • Rooftop access - Scaffolding obstructing rooftop access locations shall be designed to provide secure landings at such locations in an approved manner FC 504.4.1

Other Agency Requirements

Additionally, scaffold projects must also comply with the rules, regulations, laws and Codes of other City agencies, such as the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Fire Department (FDNY), NYC Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and others.

  • DOT approval is required if the Scaffolds extend beyond sidewalk into the street, or in case of a temporary embargos occurs in the street because of special events
  • DEP and FDNY regulate location of fire hydrants
  • Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) regulates tree and sidewalk plantings (Refer to DPR Tree Planting Standards)
  • LPC regulates landmark districts
  • Utility companies regulate utility poles
  • MTA regulates sidewalk grates, subway entrances and bus stops and associated signage
  • The United States Postal Service regulates mailbox locations
  • OSHA - Part Number: 1910 - Walking-Working Surfaces: Safety requirements for Scaffolding; and 1926 - Scaffolds: General Requirements

Guidelines for Submission of Sidewalk Shed Project Plans

Prior to preparing the design drawings and construction documents, the Registered Design Professional must perform a pre-design review that analyzes all of the building elements, systems and other components affected by the proposed scope of work to verify a code-compliant installation or modification of Scaffolds.

Based upon the complexity and scale of the project, the information provided on the drawings must clearly describe all of the work required for the code compliant execution and completion of the project per Article AC 28-104, 2014 BC 107.2 and BC 1603.

The DOB guidelines outlined in the following section provide an organized approach for the preparation of construction documents; this will facilitate the plan review process. Drawings shall clearly indicate existing and proposed conditions and any area affected by the scope of work.

Complete Submission of Scaffold Drawing/Construction Documents

Construction documents should represent complete work, including applicable multiple disciplines such as architectural, structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and others. There must be close coordination between all disciplines for the proposed scope of work to ensure code compliance; reference AC 28-104.7, BC 107.2 , and Plan Examination Guidelines – Minimum Requirement for Review if Design Drawings, Revised 4-30-2014 for information on submittal of and required construction documents.

A complete submission of drawings should include:

Construction Documents.  Drawings necessary to convey essential information such as floor layouts, elevations, schedules and details. The applicable Building Codes and notes should be stated on the drawings as required to demonstrate code and zoning compliance. Where essential to clarify overall layouts and details, a scale should be included on the drawings; a graphic scale is recommended.

  • Title Sheet. Should clearly describe the project location, including the adjacent streets, properties, etc. Zoning district, site designations (special purpose districts, waterfront area or block, flood hazard area or block, fire district, landmark district, little ‘e’ DEP designated block, wetlands, 200’ within MTA infrastructure).
  • Drawing Index. Identify discipline (A, EQ and S etc.) and drawing number (100.00, 101.00) for all included plans, sections, elevations, details, etc.
  • Site/Plot Plan. Clearly show the size and location of the lot, all existing structures on the zoning lot, and include all dimensions and other relevant information such as streets, adjacent buildings, curb cuts, north arrow, etc. The area of proposed work with scaffold location(s) shall be clearly identified. Verify existing legal use of building.
  • Roof Plans. Show existing and proposed conditions; FDNY access – Roof Top Clear Path.
  • Facade Elevations. For installation of the system’s components to the building’s exterior, show facade details – for example, height of building, height of scaffold above parapet or bulkhead, as well as the height to base ratio.
  • Detail Drawings. These drawings contain significant information required to clearly communicate the scope of work, and relevant details in a magnified form.
    • Structural support, connections and attachments to the base structure, mounting details including anchorages, fastenings, tie-ins, tie-backs, and lifelines for all proposed scaffold systems;
    • Netting with specific type and manufacturer indicated, overhead protection, or any other equipment attached to the scaffold;
    • Associated hoisting equipment located on the scaffold;
    • Platform levels, support centers, and offsets, along with the maximum number of levels to be loaded simultaneously and the maximum loads to be imposed;
    • For a suspended scaffold, ropes, number of clips, and counterweights, as well as outrigger beams or other support devices;
    • For a suspended scaffold that will not be lowered to the street or deck of the sidewalk shed at the end of the shift, how the scaffold will be secured while work is not being performed;
    • For a supported scaffold, structural members, as well as the founding of the scaffold, including but not limited to sidewalk sheds, floors, roofs, or ground;
    • Design loads and capacity of scaffolding.
  • Structural Modifications. As needed for base structure. If applicable, additional elements required on drawings include.
    • Sidewalk Shed, Temporary Hoist and Chute*

    • *Refer to Construction Project Guidelines for Construction Equipment projects – Sidewalk Shed, Temporary Hoist, and Chute.

Submission of Construction Documents

  1. Drawings. Drawing index must identify discipline (A, EQ, S, etc.) and drawing number (100.00, 101.00, etc.) for all included plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, etc. The scaffold drawings should reflect clear scope of work, per BC 3314.3.3, and include all affected systems. Examples are as follows:

    2. Designator - Sheet Number Sheet Description:
    T-001.00 Plot/lot diagram shows the project location, size and height of the building; location and size of the proposed sidewalk shed; width of the sidewalk; distance between building and street line
    EQ-100.00 Existing conditions
    EQ-300.00 Proposed Scaffold Plans and Location
    EQ-400.00 Existing Façade elevations and proposed Scaffold, platform levels, support centers and offsets
    EQ-401.00 Cross Sections (if applicable), maximum levels, and loads imposed any hoisting equipment, and netting
    A-501.00 Roof Access Plan
    S-100.00 Structural Plans, structural members, including modifications to the base structure, and Details

    Drawing Legend to include: Symbols, abbreviations, notes and definition, list all applicable Building Code section numbers.

    Recommended Drawing Designators:
    A: Architectural: Mandatory designation for drawings showing architectural work
    EQP: Equipment: Mandatory designation for drawings related to temporary construction equipment such as temporary hoist, sidewalk sheds, fences, and scaffolds
    S: Structural: Mandatory designation for drawings showing structural work

  1. Other Required Documents. Based on the location of the building, designation, and the project scope of work, the following submissions may have to accompany the drawings at intake:

    • Tenant/Occupant protection plan
    • FDNY – Access compliance or a variance
    • DEP (Asbestos), or OER authorization
    • MTA - Transit Authority Approval
    • DOT Approval

  1. Post Approval Amendments.  Any changes to approved scope of work that are significant and substantive will require submission of revised documents and/or plans as a post-approval amendment (PAA). Approval of an amendment must be obtained before the work is completed. Changes that are not substantive do not require a PAA; however these changes must be shown on plans and included in the drawings revised under the sign and seal of the Registered Design Professional, which shall be available at the project site (AC 28-104.3).

    • Changes to scaffold’s approved size – horizontal and vertical; changes to approved width and depth; and any changes affecting the means of egress for the building.

    2. Some substantive changes that meet the following criteria should be submitted for review as a PAA to amend the approved plans:

Special and Progress Inspections

As per BC Chapter 17, scaffold work may require certain Special and Progress Inspections to be performed during and at the end of construction as outlined in the table below. Prior to Approval, the Applicant of Record is required to identify all required Special and Progress Inspections (BC 1704.1). Prior to DOB permit issuance, the Owner must typically engage a registered Special Inspection Agency (SIA) who will take responsibility for the Special and Progress Inspections.  The Applicant of Record may perform these inspections if they are also an SIA. Per BC 1704.1.2, the Contractor cannot hire the Special Inspector.

Based on the scope of work, a scaffold project may be required to comply with the following Special and Progress Inspection requirements:

Alternate Materials

A Special Inspection is required per BC 1704.14 when the proposed Scaffold’s materials and systems are alternatives to materials and systems prescribed by this Code; for unusual design; and/or materials and systems required to be installed in accordance with additional manufacturer’s instructions with requirements not contained in the building code or in standards referenced.  

Post Installed Anchors

Special inspection per BC 1704.32, BB 2014-018, BB 2014-019. Post-installed anchors. The installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with BC Table 1704.32. The special inspection shall include the verification of compliance with approved construction documents and standards established by the commissioner pursuant to article AC 28-113.2.2 of the Administrative Code.

Structural Stability

If restrained either horizontally or vertically, alteration of existing structural systems or elements, such as columns, beams, bearing walls, seismic isolation, etc. where the stability or integrity of a structural  system is to be temporarily diminished, in accordance with Sections BC 1704.20.6 through 1704.20.10.

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