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Hanging Scaffold Application Procedures

All hanging scaffolds must be in compliance with the Building Code of the City of New York. Only a Licensed Rigger (Master or Special) or Expediter may apply for a hanging scaffold permit. The applicant or designated supervisor (listed on the application) must be on the hanging scaffold during working hours. The designee must have the tear-off from the Rigger’s License and a Designated Rigging Foreman License. Only people with a Certificate of Fitness are allowed on the hanging scaffold and must be employed by the company listed on the application form. A copy of the approved drawings must be on-site during operation of a rig or hoist.

Note: The Building Code of the City of New York requires that a Special Rigger may only hoist or lower items less than 2000 pounds, Section 28-404.2(2)(2.2).

Follow the below steps to prepare an application:

  1. Download a copy of the CD5 Application
  2. Complete the CD5 Application accurately. Errors can delay data entry and approval.
    • The application must be typewritten
    • List the full name of the assigned supervisor in Section 6
    • Attach a sketch of the equipment such as pipe staging and outrigger beams
    • Owner or managing agent information must be current, accurate and complete
    • Drawings written in pencil will not be accepted
    • Licensed Rigger’s signature required
  3. Make sure licenses and insurance are current:
    • All licenses and insurance must be current with the Department’s Licensing Unit.
    • General liability, Workers’ Compensation, disability insurance and the rigger’s license expiration date must expire more than four weeks after the expected start date or the application will not be reviewed.
    • The permit will expire in 12 months, on the expiration date of any of the required insurances, or the expiration date of the rigger’s license, whichever comes first.
    • For more information, contact the Licensing Unit.
  4. Filing Representative Information (Section 2) and the Filing Representative's Last Name in the upper right-hand corner MUST be filled out. Applications will only be returned to the Filing Representative of record.
  5. Attach check with required filing fee to the application.

Note: Falsification of any statement is a misdemeanor under Section 26-124 of the Administrative Code and is punishable by a fine, imprisonment or both.

How to File a New Application

To file a new application, the Applicant or Expediter should drop off the completed application in the box marked Scaffold Permit Drop Off at the Cranes & Derricks Office at 2 Lafayette Street, 12th Floor.

Note: The application will be assigned a filing number (SRXX-XXXX) and must be reviewed by a plan examiner.

The following is a list of items to be included in the application:

    1. One copy of the completed CD5 Application.
    2. One copy (front & back) of the current rigger’s license who is assigned to the job.
    3. One copy of any required letters (if applicable).
      • Three Persons on a Scaffold: The letter from the rigger must state that there will be no more than three persons on the scaffold. When a third person is using the scaffold, the device cannot be used to assist in construction or alteration work. When using the scaffold for an inspection, one person must be an engineer or architect. A scaffold must always be kept free of excess materials, equipment, or debris while the third person is on the scaffold.
      • Fee Exempt Entities (School Construction Authority, Housing Authority, houses of worship, etc.) must submit a letter printed on official stationery from the Authority allowing the applicant to commence work as well as a final Assessment print out from NYC Department of Finance. If the rigger is a subcontractor, an additional letter is required authorizing the subcontractor to work.
    4. Project drawings (one copy) - Submitted drawings must have the rigging company name and address as well as the address of the job site.
    5. Applications must be assembled and stapled as one individual set.

Note: If the plan examiner has any objections to an application, it will be returned to the applicant. The Filing Representative will be asked to show identification in the form of a DOB issued ID before the application is returned. Once plan review is completed, the applicant will receive a request by email for the final project drawings in digital format (PDF). The plan examiner will review and digitally stamp the final drawings and email them back to the applicant

How to File Answers to Application Objections

To file a new application, the Applicant or Expediter should drop off the completed application in the Scaffold Permit Drop Off box at the Cranes & Derricks Office at 2 Lafayette Street, 12th Floor.

The following is a list of items to be included in the application:

    • Items outlined for new submittal in Section B of this Fact Sheet.
    • Answers to all of the objections listed.

Note: A plan examiner will review the revised application.

How to File a Renewal for an Approved Application

To file for a renewal for an approved scaffold application, the Applicant or Expediter should:

Write Renewal in red ink and the filing number (SRXX-XXXX) in the box at the lower right-hand corner of the CD5 Form

    1. Drop off the application in the Scaffold Permit Drop Off box at the Cranes & Derricks office.
    2. The following is a list of items to be included in the application:
      • One copy of the entire original approved application including all drawings and letters.
      • One copy of the new CD5 application (see Section A in this fact sheet for more details on how to correctly complete the application).

Note: Renewals must be applied for no later than 90 days after the expiration date of the application. Otherwise a new application must be filed.

How to File an Amendment for a Current Permit Only

Note: An amendment should only be filed for a permit that is current (not expired) that is to be revised. For example, if a hoist or rig is to be added to a current permit or the location of a hoist or rig is to be moved, an amendment should be filed.

To file for an amendment, the Applicant or Expediter should:

  • Write the filing number in red ink (SRXX-XXXX) followed by Amend in the box at the lower right-hand corner of the CD5 Application.
  • Drop off the application in the Scaffold Permit Drop Off box at the Cranes & Derricks office.

The following is a list of items to be included in the application:

    • One copy of the entire original approved application including all drawings and letters.
    • One copy of the new CD5 Application (see Section A for more details on how to correctly complete the application).

Note: Amendments will not be reviewed when applications contain unanswered objections.