New Real-Time Data Tool for DOB NOW: Build
DOB has released a new report tracking construction application filings submitted through DOB NOW: Build.
Click here to see the new data-driven report.
This analytics report, updated in real time, is the latest offering from DOB's Data Analytics Unit, which uses the agency's significant trove of data to help the public better understand the built environment around them, and track what's going on in our ever-changing city. Check out other recently released analytics reports by visiting the Data & Reporting page of our website.
The DOB NOW: Build portal currently allows the public to submit online filings for 11 different work types - including plumbing, electrical, and elevator jobs - with more work-types being made available as the roll out continues. When fully implemented, the goal is to enable the public to conduct all interactions with the Department completely online through DOB NOW.
Key takeaways from the report:
- The data shows a steady increase in the number of applications filed in the DOB NOW: Build system since the launch dates of each work type, as the industry acclimates to the new system.
- The number of applications filed for antennas, sidewalk sheds, scaffolds, signs, and electrical work has met or exceeded levels seen prior to the mandated switch to DOB NOW: Build for these work types.
- Filing applications in DOB NOW: Build for plumbing, sprinkler, and standpipe work remains optional. Change is hard, and the applications for these work types are particularly complicated, which is why we have allowed additional time before filing these work types in DOB NOW: Build becomes mandatory as well.
Read more in our press release.
DOB Celebrates Pride Month
For LGBTQ+ Pride month, DOB staff gathered to celebrate all those who fight for equality. At our PRIDEfest event, held June 21st, staff members showed off their creative sides by designing t-shirts expressing what diversity and inclusion mean to them. DOB also marked the month with a special rainbow-flag version of our logo on our social media platforms.
Reminder: Local Law 26 of 2004 Sprinkler Compliance Reports Due July 1st
Local Law 26 of 2004 mandates that a full system of automatic sprinklers be installed in all office buildings over one hundred feet in height. The installation of these required sprinkler systems must be completed on or before July 1, 2019.
The local law also requires that owners of buildings covered by Local Law 26 of 2004 file a fourteen-year report no later than July 1, 2018. These fourteen-year reports are required to contain a certification provided by a registered architect or professional engineer declaring the percentage of the building in which sprinklers have been installed at the date of the report.
Building owners who can provide evidence of undue hardship preventing compliance with Local Law 26 of 2004 may apply for a deadline extension by July 1, 2018.
For full details and additional information on Local Law 26 of 2004, please see the Buildings Bulletin 2017-017 and Frequently Asked Questions available on our website.
Small Business Owner - DOB is Here to Help
DOB's Homeowners and Small Business Owners Night is a powerful resource for the public. The owners of East Village Tots daycare attended a recent session for help with a violation they felt was issued in error. DOB staff looked into it and agreed with the business owners - dismissing the violation and helping keep the daycare open.
The owners are elated that her daycare will continue running, and the borough office staff also received thank you cards from the students.
DOB's Homeowners and Small Business Owners Night takes place every Tuesday from 4-7pm at all five of our borough offices. Department experts are on hand to provide one-on-one consultations on a range of issues, including resolving violations, the permitting process, building safety, and renovation projects. No appointment is needed, just stop by.
New Requirements for Tenant Protection Plans Begin July 18th
Local Law 154 of 2017 mandates that, beginning July 18, 2018, owners must post or distribute a notice form created and approved by the Department regarding work at occupied multiple dwellings requiring a Tenant Protection Plan (TPP). The form is available on our website. The notice must be distributed to each occupied dwelling unit OR posted in the lobby and
- on each floor within ten feet of the elevator; or
- if the building does not have an elevator, within ten feet of, or in, the main stairwell on each floor.
Failure to post the notice, including required contact information, may result in the imposition of penalties.
Local Law 154 also requires owners to notify the Department in writing at least 72 hours before starting work that requires a TPP, using DOB's online notification form.
Tips for Getting Your Property Ready For Summer
Summer is officially here, and earlier this month, DOB put out a reminder to owners and contractors to make sure properties and construction sites are ready by offering guidance from DOB experts on seasonal code compliance. From beating the heat, to mitigating mosquitoes, firing up the grill, or keeping an eye on the weather, DOB is providing tips to make sure you have a safe and happy summer. Read more in our press release, and on our newly updated online tool kit for barbecue grills.
Sign up for Weather Advisories
Service Updates
Gas Test and Gas Finish Self-Certifications Ending in Brooklyn and Staten Island
Diaper Changing Accommodations
2014 Construction Code Updates
Update Page # 55 reflects changes made by Local Law 205 of 2017 in relation to increasing the civil penalties for construction sites with excessive violations.
Update Page # 56 reflects changes made by Local Law 111 of 2018 in relation to self-closing doors.
Update Page # 57 reflects changes made by Local Law 113 of 2018 in relation to requirements for smoke alarms and smoke detectors in residential and non-residential occupancies.
Update pages are printable inserts to keep your hard copy Construction Codes up to date.
All update pages for the 2014 NYC Construction Codes.
Local Laws
Local Law 117 of 2018 (Int. No. 610-A): a Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to stove knob covers.
Local Law 113 of 2018 (Int. No. 604-A): a Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York and the New York city building code, in relation to requirements for smoke alarms and smoke detectors in residential and non-residential occupancies.
Local Law 111 of 2018 (Int. No. 602-A): a Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to self-closing doors.
Hearings + Rules
Buildings Bulletins
2018-005: clarifies the filing and inspection process for outdoor generators with integrated diesel fuel storage of limited size.
2018-006: clarifies the requirements for smoke alarms under Local Law 112 of 2013. The effective date of the Local Law has been updated to reflect the correct date.
2018-007: clarifies the applicability of 1 RCNY §8001-01 for individual private on-site sewage disposal systems and the requirement for DEC permits.
Website Updates
Updated L2 Form and Instructions
Updated Schedule for LL87 Webinars
Updated NCCCO & CIC Requirements
Changes to Construction Super & Concrete Safety Manager Registrations
Updated NYC Concrete Safety Manager Registration
Updated Concrete Safety Manager Registration Renewal
Updated Concrete Safety Manager Supplemental IQ
Updated Construction Superintendent Registration
Updated Special Rigger License Renewal
Changes to HMO License Endorsements
Updated HMO Class C License Renewal
Updated Master Special Electrician License Renewal
Updated Journeyman Plumber Registration
Updated Department Approved Course Provider List
Updated Office of Technical Certification and Research Page
May 2018 Construction Related Accident Report
Updated Office of the Tenant Advocate Page
Updated Tenant Harassment Page
Updated Tenant Protection Plan Page
Major Disciplinary Cases
$58,600 in penalties issued to building owner Beatrice Duarte for the illegal conversion of a two-family home into an eleven-family home and for work without a permit at 34-12 112th Street, Queens.
$49,800 in penalties issued to Columbus Square 801 LLC for the illegal transient use of an apartment and failure to install a fire alarm at 801 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan.
$49,500 in penalties issued to building owner Wei Che Lee for the illegal conversion of a two-family home into a six-family home at 42-43 Ketcham Street, Queens.
$49,000 in penalties issued to building owner Shah Alam Rume for the illegal conversion of a two-family home into a seven-family home and work without a permit at 64-11 Woodside Avenue, Queens.
$30,300 in penalties issued to 215 Enterprises LLC for the illegal conversion of an apartment at 569 West 150th Street, Manhattan, into four single room occupancy (SRO) dwellings, sprinkler and fire safety violations, and for work without a permit.
DOB publishes monthly bulletins detailing the agency's efforts to sanction and deter bad actors in the construction industry. You can find this information posted on the Enforcement Action Bulletin page of our website.
Additional Disciplinary Actions & Voluntary Surrenders
Industry Code of Conduct for Construction Professionals
Did You Know?
June 21st marked the official start of summer, and the hot and humid weather is upon us. Check out OSHA's Water. Rest. Shade. campaign and online guide for worker safety during the summer months.
Rick D. Chandler, P.E., Commissioner
