Print

Registrant Project Requirements:
Sidewalk Cafés Work & Inspections

Special Inspections

As per Chapter 17 of the Building Code, renovation 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 before issuance of a DOB permit. Applicants of Record may perform these inspections if they are also registered as an SIA.

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

Sprayed fire-resistant materials

Special Inspections for sprayed fire-resistant materials applied to floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members shall be in accordance with Sections 1704.11.1 through 1704.11.7.

Structural Stability – Existing Buildings

Alteration of existing structural systems or elements, such as columns, girders, beams, bearing walls, etc. where the stability or integrity of a structural system is to be temporarily diminished, in accordance with Sections 1704.20.6 through 1704.20.10.

Fire-resistant Penetration and Joints

Special Inspections for penetration of fire-resistant elements and assemblies; and related firestops in accordance with Sections 1704.27.1 and 1704.27.2. 

Flood Zone Compliance

Special Inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G and BC 1704.29.

Mechanical Systems

BC 1704.16

Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction

Fire-resistance-rated partitions, floors, ceilings, shafts, and shutters as per BC 110.3.4

Energy Code Compliance Inspections
  • Penetrations through thermal envelope must be sealed to minimize air leakage per NYCECC R402.4.1 and C402.5.1.1
  • Dampers integral to building envelope: outdoor air dampers must close when system is off
  • HVAC & Service Water heating equipment: meets sizing and efficiency requirements as per 2016 NYCECC Tables C403.2.3(1)through C403.2.3(7)and Table C404.2
  • HVAC & Service Water heating system controls: applicable part-load, reset, temperature controls as per NYCECC C403.2.4 and C404.6
  • Piping insulation: minimum thickness of 1” to 4.5”, required on piping carrying fluids >105F as per NYCECC Table C403.2.10 and C404.4
  • Interior lighting power: Installed lighting shall be verified for compliance with lighting power allowance per NYCECC C405.4 and C406.3
  • Exterior Lighting Power: Installed lighting shall be verified for compliance with source efficacy and/or the lighting power allowance as per NYCECC C405.5
  • Lighting controls: Each type of required lighting controls shall be verified and tested for functionality and proper operation as per NYCECC C405.2
  • Maintenance Information - shall be furnished for installation of new equipment as per NYCECC R303.3 and C303.3
  • Permanent Certificate - shall list type and efficiency of heating, cooling, and/or service water heating systems as per NYCECC R401.3

Final Inspection

A final inspection is required prior to the issuance of a letter of completion, per AC 28-116.2.4.2 and BC 110.5, Directive 14 of 1975 (D14), and 1 RCNY §101-10

Required Inspections

During the renovation work, DOB inspections are required at various stages of completion, as well as for final completion. Based on the scope of work, the following inspections from different DOB Inspection Units may be required:

  • Plumbing Inspection – plumbing, glass, and sprinkler work

  • Electrical Inspection

  • Construction Inspection – Final Inspection: Work Completion and Mechanical

Contractors and property Owners should make sure to schedule and complete all of the required DOB inspections. Prior to scheduling an inspection, Contractors must:

  • Confirm that all construction work completed matches the approved drawings

  • Periodically check that no safety hazards exist on the active construction project

  • Confirm that work complies with Code and other requirements

  • Confirm that all Energy Code requirements are met.

Self-Certification of Inspections

Contractors have the option to either require a DOB Inspection or submit a self-certification of the completed work, if applicable. Contractors opting to self-certify must submit a Notice of Intent to Self-certify, with the dates of these self-certified inspections to the Department, and follow-up with the submission of results for self-certified inspections.

DOB inspection unit conducts a random audit of all self-certified notices to ensure compliance of inspected work with Code and regulations.

Other Regulations

  • Submission of Special Inspections can be done online by Special Inspection Agency.

  • DOB inspections may be required during various project stages. Such inspection requests may be made online, and any objections raised may be resolved online.

  • If the applicant elected to self-certify the required DOB inspections, an online notice of intent to self-certify must have been submitted at the project start. Such self-certified inspections may be audited; audit results will be provided to applicant and must be resolved prior to final sign-off.

  • Depending on the above, the Department or the applicant shall complete the final sign-off inspection to close the project.

  • If the completed project has changes that are not significant or substantive, an As Built submission shall be allowed. The applicant must submit revised As Built drawings prior to project sign-off

Inspection Requests

An online tool for scheduling appointments for required DOB inspections must be used. DOB NOW provides robust online accounts, making it easier to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of an application or inspection, pull permits, and make renewals.

Additional Requirements for Registrant

Helpful Links