The Department issues licenses to Contractors qualified to perform construction work. Permits for renovation work are only issued to a Licensed General Contractor(GC). The GC must have a place of business in New York City as per AC §28-401.18. All licensees shall include their license number and business information on trucks, business cards and advertisements. See the NYC Administrative Code §28-418.
AC Chapter 4, defines the various licensing and registration requirements, and qualifications of individuals employed on any project regulated by the Department of Buildings. AC 28-418 requires General Contractors (GC) to register with the Department. AC 28-401.18 requires licensed Contractors to have a place of business in New York City. AC 28-418 requires all registrants to include their license number and business information on trucks, business cards and advertisements.
Any new development of a 1, 2, 3, or 4-family dwelling shall also require a Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs in addition to a General Contractor (GC) license. This includes, but is not limited to, the construction, replacement, or improvement of cellars, basements, driveways, fences, garages, landscaping, patios, porches, sidewalks, swimming pools, terraces, and other improvements to structures or upon land that is next to a home or apartment building.
Registered general contractors must also have safety endorsements from DOB for construction, concrete and demolition work if performing such work on buildings that are four stories or more. Based on the scope of a project, additional requirements may be applicable
Non-registered contractors may perform limited work that is assigned a tracking number, but must pre-file with the department and provide proof of Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance.
Welders are required to obtain a license from the Commissioner, per AC 28-407.
Licensed Contractors must register first to use the Department’s online permit processing ePermit system. A permit application must be completed online by the licensed/registered Contractor for the issuance of a renovation permit. Prior to issuing a permit for the approved project, the following are required:
The Administrative Code of the City of New York AC 28-301.1 requires owners to maintain their properties in a safe condition. All parties engaged in construction shall act in a reasonable and responsible manner to maintain a safe construction site per NYC Building Code 3301.1.1. Any party engaged in construction work that results in damage to an adjacent property or if an accident occurs shall immediately notify the DOB.
AC 28-104.8.4 states construction documents for renovation in an occupied building during construction shall include a tenant protection plan. Such plan shall contain a statement that the building contains dwelling units, offices, or similar, that will be occupied during construction. It shall also include the specific units that are occupied during construction and the means and methods to be employed to safeguard the safety and health of the occupants with details such as temporary fire-rated assemblies, opening protective, or dust containment procedures. The elements of the tenant protection plan shall have detailed and specific provisions for egress, fire safety, structural safety, health requirements, and demonstrate compliance with housing standards and noise restrictions.
In an occupied building, protective means (barricades, signs, drop cloths, etc.), shall be installed and maintained as necessary to provide protection for the occupants against construction hazards and nuisances. Such protective means shall be indicated on the tenant protection plan per Section BC 3303.10.1.
Renovation projects such as excavation, demolition and façade repair require the installation of temporary construction equipment such as sidewalk sheds, fences, scaffolds, material chutes, hoist, etc., required to safely move materials associated with the project, and required for the protection of workers and the public, per Section AC 28-105.8 and Sections BC 3304, BC 3307, BC 3308, BC 3314, etc. Also refer to Construction Project Guidelines for “Temporary Construction Equipment.” Special attention should go to restrictions on signage attached to temporary construction equipment. Typically, advertising signage may not be placed upon temporary construction equipment, while the placement of lawful accessory signage is limited per BC 3301.10.
For balance of site safety requirements, see NYC Building Code BC Chapter 33.