Energy Code Exemption for Historic Buildings

Does anyone know how the definitions of “repair” and “alteration” are interpreted under the NYC energy code?  The code defines “repair” as “the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building.”  It defines “alteration” as “any construction or renovation of an existing structure . . . that requires a permit.”  One possible interpretation is that “alteration” covers significant work requiring a permit, and “repair” covers all work, no matter how minor and regardless of whether a permit is required.  That doesn’t seem to make sense, though, because the energy code exempts from compliance all “alterations” to certain qualifying historic buildings, but it doesn’t exempt “repairs.”  So that would mean that if you create new window openings in a qualifying historic building and get DOB and LPC permits for the work, energy code compliance is not required because it’s an exempt “alteration,” but if you make minor repairs that don’t require DOB or LPC permits, then you do have to comply with the energy code (and have to certify compliance) because repairs aren’t exempt.  Could it be that “repair” is actually intended to pick up only major reconstructions, and not all minor work?  Any advice would be appreciated.

LowerUWSider

in Building Code 12 years and 5 months ago

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m926bk | 12 years and 5 months ago

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To be clear – the only buildings that are exempt from the energy conservation code are those listed or eligible for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.  These are individual landmarks or contributing buildings in historic disticts.  It’s confusing as it is a state energy code as it relates to a local filing, but the NYCECC does not exempt local landmarks or historic district.  Your architect and their code consultant/expiditor should be able to help you navigate this.

dillettanteinbedstuy | 12 years and 5 months ago

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im pretty certain that it has to be designated landmark – like carnegie hall, not just in a landmarked district to be exempt, repairs are pretty limited but if you werent filing other work replacing windows would be a repair