Forum: Building Code
March 26, 2008
Interpretation of New Building Code
Is it possible to get a written interpretation (using Form BC-1) of the new Building Code provisions from the DOB now, or does one have to wait for the effective date of the new rules July 1, 2008?
March 16, 2008
Question about lot line windows
Any recommendations where I can get some advice (legal/formally documented) on building codes regarding lot line windows? Our neighbor is currently building a new three story building on the lot line of our backyard and one of their rear windows is about 15 ft from two of our back windows (sightline looks right into ours on a 90 degree angle). Cannot imagine that this is legal…Thanks.
March 4, 2008
Can i be fined for mounting hill of garabe?
My general contractor is done with my house, problem is the dumpster guys suppose to pickup the dumpster this morning. the general contractor left the top tarp off.
nobody came to pickup today. so all the happy garbage dumping people of the area threw tons and tons of garbage into the dumpster.
does the general contractor get the fine or me? if the dumpster people don't come tomorrow. who should i call?
general contractor is the one who order the dumpster.
I need to get rid of the dumpster in front of my house.
March 2, 2008
New Code coming soon, FYI
A big heads up to everyone as to what's going on over at Buildings. I went to the Construction Code presentation that the DoB gave at the Javits Center on Friday, as a way of introducing the new IBC to architects and engineers. The new code is becoming mandatory as of next summer, and is a complete overhaul of the code and permitting process from top to bottom (current code is now 40 years old).
The new code revamps basically any subject you’ll see posted about DoB procedure on this forum. Among the new approaches the City will have:
-Permit fees will depend on how green the proposed project is, with credits for water conservation, using recycled materials, etc.
-Certificate of Occupancy issues are revamped. You do not need to change a C of O if you are changing the number of bedrooms or habitable spaces in the new code.
-The MEA process is thrown out. You might not be familiar with this, but it is one of the biggest changes in the code. Basically any material or mechanical system in the city right now has to have an MEA number to be approved, a hugely cumbersome process. This is epic and it’s the change I am happiest about.
-Occupancy groups, building bulk, allowable construction type are not just changed but completely rethought.
The new code is actually in effect now, as an optional “grey” period where you can submit if you want. From what they outlined in Friday’s presentation, there are some serious advantages to using the new code even now. I wish I could be more specific but the presentation was just an introduction (although it was 5 hours) and I have not seen a copy of the new code myself.
March 1, 2008
is it legal to paint outside on sunday?
I'm gonna have my cornice and fire escape painted sunday. does it violate any dob rules etc...?
Remove Stairs from Parlor floor to Garden?
22' wide brownstone. Four floor 4 family
Can we remove internal flight of stairs going down from parlor floor to garden apartment floor? There is separate entrance under stoop to garden apartment, and rear door from garden apartment to large back yard.
We want to reconfigure parlor floor apartment, including maybe relocating kitchen from rear to middle room, which would move bedroom to rear.
As parlor floor lacks little room, there could be room for closet space if the stairwell and small lannding at top of stairway going down were eliminated.
Have any of you done that and/or gotten it approved?