Project Requirements: Design Professional - Alteration - Residential Community Facilities - Buildings

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Project Guidelines for Design Professionals
Engineers (PE) & Architects (RA)
Local Law 108/2019

Project Guidelines for Design Professionals

Engineers (PE) & Architects (RA)

Local Law 108/2019


Design Professional Requirements:
Residential Community Facilities

Applicability of Code and Zoning

An existing building alteration project could be filed under either the current codes, the 2014 NYC Construction Codes [Administrative (AC), Building (BC), Plumbing (PC), Fuel Gas (FGC) and Mechanical Codes (MC)], or under prior codes, such as the 1968 Code, 1938 Code or earlier Codes, depending on the age of the existing building; reference AC 28-101.2. However, there are exceptions if Prior Codes are used, per AC 28-101.4.3. For example, the 2014 Code must be used for some accessibility requirements, certain alteration work of mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, fire protection and/or fuel gas systems, specific building elements such as security grilles, handrails, guards, roofs, etc., and certain kinds of structural work. Alteration work must also comply with the 2011 NYC Electrical Code, and the current NYC Energy Conservation Code. The following Reference Guides provide instructions:

Energy Code: Supporting Documents How to Guide

Energy Code (based on 2011 NYCECC): Tabular Analysis

Energy Analysis (based on 2011 NYCECC): How to Guide

In flood plains, BC Appendix G must be considered when performing alterations. Where required by the project’s scope of work the alteration must also comply with the rules, regulations, laws and codes of other city agencies, such as the NYC Fire Department (FDNY), NYC Environmental Protection (DEP), NYC Transportation (DOT), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYC Landmarks Commission, and others.

*Note: While the following is a list of key zoning, Code and other regulations that may be relevant in the project design, it is not comprehensive.*

Codes

Project Element

Applicable Code and Regulations

Current Code*

Prior Codes

2014

1968

1938

Administrative

2014 AC 28-101.4.5 and Code Sections BC Chapter 1

2014 AC 28-101.4.3 for Optional Use of 1968 Code and AC 28-101.4.5

2014 AC 28-101.4.3, AC 28-101.4.5 and 1968 AC 27-114 and AC 27-120 to determine if 1938 Code can be used

Accessibility

2014 BC Chapter 11, and BC Appendix E, BC Appendix N, and BC Appendix P

Accessory Use Groups/Occupancy Classifications

BC Chapter 4 and BC Chapter 5

1968 AC 27 Table 3-2

1938 C26-235

Building Heights & Areas

BC Chapter 5

AC 27-293 through AC 27-315

1938 BC Article 5

Building Construction Classification/Construction Class Type

2014 BC Chapter 6 and BC 403.2

AC 27-269 through AC 27-287

1938 BC Article 4

Egress

2014 BC Chapter 10, BC Appendix S, 2014 BC Chapter 4 and BC Chapter 10

AC 27-354 through AC 27-396.6

1938 BC Article 7

Elevators High-Rise: Fire Service Access Elevator

2014 BC Chapter 30 and BC Appendix K, BC Chapter 4 and BC Chapter 30

Fire Protection High-Rise Emergency Systems

2014 BC Chapter 9 and BC Appendix Q, 2014 BC Chapters 4 and BC Chapter 9

2014 AC 28-315.2, 2014 BC Chapter 9 and BC Appendix Q

Flood Resistant Construction

2014 BC Appendix G

Interior Environment

2014 BC Chapter 12, BC Appendix R, and 2014 MC Chapters 4 through 6

1968 AC 27-725 through AC 27-770

1938 BC Article 6, 1938 Article 12 and 1938 Article 15, Articles 15, HMC Subchapter 3 - Articles 1, 4, and 5

Interior Finishes

2014 BC Chapter 8

1968 AC 27-348 through 27-351

1938 AC 26-666.0 and AC 26-667

Materials

BC Chapters 19 to 26

Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC and 1968 AC 27-600 through AC 27-651

Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC, and 1938 BC Article 8 and Article 19

Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures

2014 Chapter 15

Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC and 1968 BC 27-338

Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC and 1938 AC 26 Article 11

Safeguards During Construction

2014 BC Chapter 33

Special Detailed Requirements (High –Rise)

2014 BC Chapter 4, in particular BC 403

1968 AC 27-232 (definition), 382, 262, 989, 996 (freight elevators)

Stair Pressurization

High Rise buildings require this per BC 403, BC 909.20.5 and MC 513

Structural, Soils and Foundation: Seismic Requirements

BC Chapter 16 and 18

2014 BC 1601.2 and 1968 AC 27-580 through AC 27-724

2014 BC 1601.2 and 1938 BC Article 9

Site Safety Plan

Depending on if a building is considered as a major building by being 10 or more stories or 125 feet or more in height, with a building footprint of 100,000 square feet or more, a site safety plan is required per BC 3310 and AC 28-110

Structural Peer Review

Certain high-rise construction, as per BC 1617, will require a structural peer review

Use and Occupancy Classification

2014 BC Chapter 3

1968 AC 27-234 through AC 27-268

1938 AC Article 4 and Article 13

Other Guidelines

Antennas

See Renovation: Antenna Guidelines

Boiler

See Building Systems: Boiler Guidelines

Building Pavement Plan

See BPP - Alteration Project Guidelines

Construction Equipment

See Construction Equipment Guidelines (Scaffold, Hoists, Chutes, Fences, Sidewalk Sheds, Mechanical Construction Equipment)

Curb Cut

See Renovations: Curb Cut Guidelines

Deck/Porch/Swimming Pool

See Deck/Porch/Swimming Pool Guidelines

Emergency Power Systems

See Building Systems: Emergency Power Guidelines

Educational/Institutional

See Educational and Institutional Guidelines

Electrical

See Electrical Systems Guidelines

Facade Work

See Facade Work – Renovation Project Guideline

Foundations

See Foundation Work Guidelines

Greenhouse

See Greenhouse Guidelines

Hotels

See Hotels Guidelines

Loft Law

See Loft Law Guidelines

Mechanical

See Building Systems Mechanical Guidelines

Parking

See Parking Lots/Parking Garages Guidelines

Place of Assembly

See Place of Assembly Guidelines

Plumbing

See Building Systems: Plumbing Guidelines

Public Right-of-Way Encroachments

See Renovations: Public Right-of-way Encroachment Guidelines (Architectural & Entrance Details, Ramps, Marquees, Canopies, Underground Vaults, Awnings, Balconies, etc.)

Shoring/Underpinning of Foundation/Retaining Wall/Flag Pole/Sign Ground Structures

See Renovations: Shoring, Underpinning of Foundation, Retaining Wall, Flag Pole, Signs and Ground Structures Guidelines

Signs

See Renovations: Sign Guidelines

Sidewalk Cafés

See Sidewalk Café Guidelines

Solar Panels

See Building Systems: Solar Guidelines

Sprinklers

See Building Systems: Sprinkler Guidelines

Standpipes

See Building Systems: Standpipe Guidelines

Subdivisions

See Subdivision of Property Guidelines

Swimming Pools

See Outdoor Swimming Pools Guidelines

Temporary Structures

See Tents and Temporary Structures Guidelines

Zoning

Residential Community Facilities may require compliance with the following Zoning Resolution:

Use Regulations

Residential community facility buildings, establishments and uses are permitted in R1 through R10 districts, in such residential districts with commercial overlays of C1 and C2, and in commercial zoning districts C3 through C6. These districts also include contextual districts (letter and/or number suffixes). See ZR 22-13 through ZR 22-22 and subsections, and ZR Article III Chapter 2 ZR 32-00. In certain Manufacturing Districts, which typically require special approval from the City Planning Commission per ZR 42-47 and ZR 42-48, residential community facility uses are allowed in M1-1D to M1-6D districts

Accessory uses to residential community facilities are defined in ZR 12-10, and may include areas for off-street parking, loading berths, storage, mechanical equipment, and electrical equipment.

The residential community facility use may be non-conforming, but still allowed by ZR 52-00 and all subsections.

Mixed Use Buildings and Mixed Buildings

A mixed building is a defined term in section ZR 12-10, and includes only residential use groups (private or community facility) and commercial use groups located within a ZR commercial district, while a mixed-use building could contain any other combination of two BC occupancy classifications. See ZR 33-00 and all subsections for mixed uses.

Bulk Regulations

For a ZR 12-10 mixed building containing a residential community facility, refer to bulk regulations outlined in ZR 35-00 through ZR 35-60 and all subsections

If the residential community facility portion of mixed use building is being enlarged and/or converted, such as a building in a residential district with both private residences and community facility residences, see ZR 24-00 through ZR 24-60 and subsections.

Bulk Regulations for Residential Community Facilities

Floor Area (ZR 33-10, ZR 24-10 and subsections)

Yards and Courts (ZR 33-20, 33-30, 33-50, ZR 24-30, ZR 24-60 and subsections)

Height and Setback, Base Plane and Curb Level, Rear and Side Setbacks (ZR 33-40, ZR 24-50 and subsections)

Non-Conforming Use per ZR 52-00

Non-complying bulk per ZR 54-00

Permitted Obstructions

Permitted yard obstruction (ZR 33-23, ZR 24-33)

Building height and setback (ZR 33-42, ZR 24-51)

Bulk - Lot Area and Width

No ZR limitations on lot area and width for buildings with commercial and/or community facility uses

Special Purpose Districts

If enlargement or conversion occurs within a Special (and Sub) District, see modifications of use, bulk, parking, and other zoning regulations outlined in ZR Articles VIII through XIII.

(E) Designations

An (E) designation provides notice of the presence of an environmental requirement pertaining to potential hazardous materials contamination, high ambient noise levels or air emission concerns on a particular tax lot.

Scope of work subject to Office of Environmental Remediation approval (OER):

Potential hazardous material contamination: for excavation or any soil disturbing in a lot with (E) designation

Air quality impacts: for alteration that involves ventilation or exhaust system in a lot with (E) designation in a lot with E designation

Noise quality impacts: for exterior work in a lot with (E) designation, (Refer to BB 2014-026, ZR 11-15, ZR Appendix C Table 1 and Table 2)

Parking and Loading Regulations

Location, Area and Number of Parking Spaces (ZR 36-20, 36-40 and 36-50 and ZR 25-30, ZR 25-40, ZR 25-50, ZR 25-60 and subsections)

Location and Size of Curb Cuts (ZR 36-58 and ZR 25-63 and subsections)

Bicycle Parking Regulations

Number of Bicycle Parking Spaces required. Check for waivers (ZR 36-71, ZR 36-72, ZR 25-80 and subsections)

Size and location (ZR 36-712, ZR 36-73, and ZR 25-812, ZR 25-83)

Driveways

Location and size of driveways (ZR 36-521 and ZR 36-54)

Street Trees

Street trees required in all conditions (ZR 33-03 and ZR 24-05)

Urban Design Regulations

Special regulations for parking lots (ZR 37-90)

Open areas for public use, such as arcades, pedestrian ways, and public plazas (ZR 37-40 through 37-80)

Streetscape, alignment of street walls (ZR 37-30) and subsections

Open areas (ZR 37-60)

Special regulations for Lower Density Growth Management (LDGM) areas in the Borough of Staten Island (ZR 37-20)

Check ZR 26-00 and subsections if residential community facility is located in residential district.

Waterfront Area or Block

CPC (City Planning Commission) Certification required (ZR 62-71)

Use restrictions (ZR 62-21)

Bulk restrictions (ZR 62-30)

Public Access and Visual Corridors (ZR 62-50, ZR 62, ZR 63)

Parking and Loading (ZR 62-40)

Other Regulation(s) for Reference

BB 2008-001 – Accessory Spaces Under 75 persons, but over 10% Per Story

BB 2008-003 – Mezzanine Floor Area Exemptions for Building Code

BB 2008-009 – Incidental Use Areas and Accessory Occupancies

BB 2009-008 – Airport Referenced Imaginary Surfaces/Airport Approach Districts

BB 2009-012 – Work in Tidal Wetlands and Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas

BB 2009-023 – Smoke Detectors in Elevator Lobbies and Machine Rooms

BB 2011-003 – Permanent Supportive Housing; Use Group 3

BB 2011-018 – Ambulance Stretcher Accommodation in High Rise Elevators

BB 2012-008 – Permitted Cellar size

BB 2013-001 – Enclosure & Dimension requirements for Kitchenettes and Habitable Space

BB 2013-005 – Hostels

BB 2014-001 – Privately Owned Mapped Streets for Zoning Purposes

BB 2014-020 – Helical Pile Foundation Systems

BB 2014-026 – Little (e) Designations/Environmental Restrictive Declarations

BB 2015-015 – Attendant Operated Automobile Lifts

BB 2015-016 – Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances

BB 2015-017 – Opening in the Exterior Wall/Lot Line Windows

BB 2015-031 – Structural Peer Review

BB 2016-005 – Post Installed Anchors

BB 2016-012 – Calculating Floor Surface Area

Policies and Procedures Notices

Department Memoranda

March 10, 1980 – Community Residence for the Mentally Disabled

April 4, 1975 & December 17, 1975 – Group Homes

TPPN 9/94 – Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) Facilities

TPPN 2/97 – Residential Adult Care Facilities – Assisted Living, Adult Homes & Enriched Housing

Guidelines for Submission of Alteration Project Plans

Prior to preparing the design documents and construction drawings, the Registered Design Professional must perform a pre-design review that analyzes all of the existing building elements, systems and other components affected by the proposed scope of work. The information provided on the drawings must clearly describe all of the work required for the code compliant execution and completion of the project per AC 28-104, 2014 BC 107.2 and BC 1603.

The Department’s guidelines, outlined below, provide an organized approach for the preparation of construction documents; this will facilitate the plan review process. Drawings shall clearly indicate existing condition, proposed condition and any area affected by the scope of work.

Complete Submission of Construction Drawings

Construction drawings should represent complete work, including multiple disciplines such as architectural, structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and others. There must be close coordination between all disciplines for the proposed scope of work to ensure Code compliance; reference AC 28-104.7 and BC 107.2, BC 1603 and Plan Examination Guidelines – Minimum Requirement for Review if Design Drawings, Revised 3-10-2014.

A complete submission of drawings should include:

Construction Documents. Drawings necessary to convey essential information such as floor layouts, elevations, schedules and details. The applicable Building Codes and notes should be stated on the drawings as required to demonstrate Code and zoning compliance. Where essential to clarify overall layouts and details, a scale should be included on the drawings; a graphic scale is recommended. Provide a title block with a 3 inch x 3 inch space for DOB approval stamp

Title Sheet. Should clearly describe the project location, including the adjacent streets, properties, FIRMS, etc. and a graphical scale. Drawing notes should include the building name and address, names and contact information of all parties involved, occupancy classification, zoning use group, construction classification, the project’s scope, a list of related job filings/applications, a list of special and progress inspections, and the building’s primary structural system.

Drawing Index. A list that clearly identifies all drawings involved in the project; include drawing sheet numbers and drawing titles.

Site/Plot Plan. Clearly show the size and location of the lot, show all existing structures on the zoning lot, and include all dimensions and other relevant information such as streets, zoning map(s), a dimensioned plan showing all bulk requirements, existing public utilities and features, adjacent buildings, curb cuts, north arrow, etc. Clearly identify the area of proposed work.

Floor Plans. Show existing and proposed conditions, including layout of walls; dimensions; plumbing fixtures; gas appliances; stairs; elevators; lifts; footings and foundations; excavations; lighting plan; encroachments into the public right-of-way; roof plan; clearly identify rooms’ names and use them consistently between the different discipline drawings. Coordinate between all trades/disciplines (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and standpipe) to ensure that the proposed scope of work is complete and shown on all submitted discipline drawings. Architectural drawings must indicate fire rating for partitions, ceiling, walls; location of penetrations through fire-rated assemblies; and doors, windows and other finishes.

Exterior Elevations. Required if the project involves the alteration or modification of the building’s exterior and in some cases also required for interior alterations that may impact the façade. Show any altered exterior surfaces, including openings, fenestration, floor heights, head heights, control joints, adjoining grade levels compared with NAVD, foundation lines, materials, zoning analysis cross references, chimney and vent heights and penetrations. Interior elevations may be required to demonstrate compliance with Code.

Building Sections. Might be required for documenting some types of alteration projects. Building cross sections, indicating adjoining grade levels, curb levels, base plane elevations, floor, ceiling and roof levels, base flood elevation, foundation footings and required fire ratings (see also Shoring and Underpinning Guidelines).

Detail Drawings. These drawings contain significant information required to communicate the scope of work, in a magnified form, including curb cut details, partition types, building’s thermal envelope, interior partitions, roofs, millwork details and other elements unique to the building.

Schedules. Door, window and saddle schedules, mechanical schedules, finish materials and hardware schedules to indicate full scope of work.

Riser Diagrams. The project involves installation of all new piping, ventilation ducts, etc. Riser diagram must show all details, including elevations across floors. See relevant Building Systems Guidelines (Mechanical, Plumbing, Sprinkler, and/or Standpipe) for more information.

Building System Schedules. Schedule of equipment showing Make, Model, capacity, fuel type, heat input/output, efficiency, maximum pressure, GPM, RPM and electrical characteristic. See relevant Building Systems Guidelines (Mechanical, Plumbing, Sprinkler, and/or Standpipe) for more information..

Energy Analysis. If the project scope includes one of the following, than energy analysis is required on the plans, and can be provided on drawings in the form of Tabular Analysis, ComCheck/ResCheck, or by using a Code compliant energy modelling program.

Exterior walls, roof, and/or floors

Exterior vertical glazing, skylights, and/or doors

Separating a conditioned space from an unconditioned space

Vestibules

Loading Docks

Interior and Exterior Lighting

Ventilation, Heating and Cooling Systems

Mechanical ducts and related work

Heating and Cooling piping

Heating systems > 600,000 BTU/h or Cooling systems > 480,000 BTU/h, thereby triggering the NYC ECC commissioning requirement in addition to other requirements

Accessibility for persons with physical disabilities to comply with BC Chapter 11

Façade, roofing, and parapet walls with details

Lot Line windows or new openings in accordance with permitted percentages

Building systems and equipment details*

Flood zone compliance

Light and Air calculations for occupied rooms (office and residential)

Tenant/Occupant Protection Plan

Builders Paving Plan ( BPP) **

*Refer to Project Guidelines for Building Systems projects.
**Refer to Project Guidelines for Builders Paving Plan.

If applicable, additional elements required on drawings include:

Submission of Construction Documents

Drawings. The alteration project drawings should reflect clear scope of work and include all affected systems. Examples of this are as follows:

Designator
Sheet Number: Sheet Description

T-001.00
Title Sheet, Site Plan, Drawing Index, General Notes, required special/progress inspections list, and Legends, Zoning Analysis

A-100.00
Existing and Demolition Floor Plans

A-200.00
Proposed Floor Plans

A-300.00
Proposed Reflected Ceiling Plans

A-400.00
Proposed Enlarged Floor Plans

A-500.00
Proposed Interior Elevations and Details

A-600.00
Proposed Exterior Elevations and Details

A-700.00
Proposed Cross Sections

SOE-100.00
Proposed Excavations

SOE-200.00
Proposed Sections and Details

S-100.00
Structural Foundation Plans and Details

S-200.00
Structural Floor Plans and Details

P-100.00
Floor Plans - Plumbing

P-200.00
Plumbing Riser Diagram – Gas Riser Diagram - Piping

P-300.00
Plumbing Fixture Schedules – Plumbing Details

SP-100.00
Sprinkler Floor Plan

SP-200.00
Sprinkler Riser Diagram and Details

SD-100.00
Standpipe Floor Plan

SD-200.00
Standpipe Riser Diagram and Details

M-100.00
Mechanical System Equipment and Schedules

M-200.00
Reflected Ceiling Plan for Mechanical System

EN-100.00
Energy Code Analysis

FS -100.00
Food Service Equipment and Systems (if applicable)

Q-100.00
Equipment (various, if applicable)

Drawing Legend to include: Symbols, abbreviations, notes and definition, and list all applicable Building Code section numbers

Recommended Drawing Designators
A: Architectural: Mandatory designation for drawings showing architectural work.
S: Structural: Mandatory designation for drawings showing structural work.
P: Plumbing: Mandatory designation for drawings showing Plumbing work including riser diagrams and plumbing details
SP: Sprinkler: Mandatory designation for drawings showing sprinkler work including floor plans, riser diagram and sprinkler system details
M: Mechanical: Mandatory designation for plans showing mechanical work
EN: Energy Analysis: Mandatory designation.

Required Documents. Based on building location and designation, and the project scope of work, the following submissions may have to accompany the drawings at intake:

DEP – HCP and SCP forms if repair of sanitary and/or storm water connections to street services (Building Systems Project) is required as part of project

OER authorization - as required by ZR (E) designation

FDNY – Notification or Letters of No Objection

Tenant/Occupant Protection Plan (only if applicable)

Mayor Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) – FEMA Map

Transit Authority Approval

DOT Approval

Landmark approval

Public Design Commission Approval

SRO MD Anti-Harassment checklist for residential

HPD Certificate of No Harassment for residential

Post Approval Amendments. Any changes to approved scope of work that are significant and substantive will require submission of revised document and/or plans for Post Approval Amendment (PAA). Approval for an amendment must be obtained before the work is completed. Changes that are not substantive do not require a PAA; however these changes must still be shown on plans and included in the As-Built submission at the end of the project (AC 28-104.3)

Changes to the zoning analysis including but not limited to addition or removal of –floor space, floor area (as defined by ZR 12-10), and building height in the same or different story not shown on approved plans.

Structural changes

Reducing scope of work

Changes to approved plumbing and/or gas fixtures and equipment (See Plumbing Guidelines for more information)

Expand scope to add or replace building equipment, fences, sheds, or similar obstructions within yards or on roofs

Increasing paved, or similarly impermeable areas

Adding or removing any accessory parking spots

Addition or removal of yard drains, drywell or septic systems, connections to public street services (See Plumbing Guidelines for more information)

Addition of work type(s) not already indicated

Changes to scope of work that require additional or the elimination of Special or Progress Inspection(s)

Substantive changes that meet the following criteria should be submitted for review to amend the approved plans:

As-Built Submission. All changes must be submitted in an ‘As-Built’ drawing at the end of the project.

*Note: Organizations like the AIA, CSI and National Institute of Building Sciences work jointly to create national standards for consistent documentation and data organization, to assist in communication and coordination across the design and construction industry. (See http://www.nationalcadstandard.org for more information.)*

Special Inspections

As per BC Chapter 17, alteration 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 engage a registered Special Inspection Agency (SIA) who will take responsibility for the Special and Progress Inspections. The Applicant of Record may perform these inspections if they are also an SIA. Inspection discrepancies and hazardous conditions shall be reported to the super-intendment of construction, as well as to the site safety coordinator or site safety manager, for correction, per BB 2016-006 and 1 RCNY 101-06. Per BC 1704.1.2, the Contractor cannot hire the Special Inspector.

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

Structural Steel

May include steel welding, High Strength Bolting, Cold Formed Steel and Steel Details (BC 1704.3)

Concrete: Cast-In-Place

Required where the total concrete placement on a given project is more than 50 cubic yards or other conditions (BC 1704.4).

Concrete: Precast and Pre-stressed

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with section BC 1704.4.

Masonry

Load bearing masonry, glass unit masonry and masonry veneer shall be inspected and verified in accordance with the requirements of sections BC 1704.5.1 through BC 1704.5.3, depending on the structural occupancy category of the building or structure.

Wood: Installation of High-Load Diaphragms

High-load diaphragms shall be installed with special inspections as indicated in section BC 1704.6.1. Limited to 5-story construction.

Wood: Installation of Metal-Plate-Connected Trusses

Metal-plate-connected wood trusses shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with section BC 1704.6.2.1 and BC 1704.6.2.2. Limited to 5-story construction.

Wood: Installation of Prefabricated I-Joists

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with section BC 1704.2 and the requirements of section BC 2303.1.2 (BC 1704.6.3). Limited to 5-story construction.

Subgrade inspection, subsurface conditions, borings and test pits

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with section BC 1704.7.

Deep Foundation Elements

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with section BC 1704.8.

Helical Piles

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with section BC 1704.8.5.

Vertical Masonry Foundation Elements

Are subject to Special Inspections in accordance with section BC 1704.9.

Wall Panels, Curtain Walls and Veneers

Required for exterior architectural wall panels and the anchoring of veneers designed for installation on buildings above a height of 40 feet. Special Inspection of masonry veneer on such structures shall be in accordance with section BC 1704.5 (BC 1704.10).

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 BC 1704.11.1 through BC 1704.11.7.

Mastic and Intumescent Fire – Resistant Coatings

Special inspections for mastic and intumescent fire-resistant coatings applied to structural elements and decks shall be in accordance with AWCI 12-B. Special inspections shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents as per BC 1704.12.

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

All EIFS applications installed more than 15 feet above adjacent finished grades and alterations to existing EIFS installations more than 15 feet above adjacent finished grades shall be in accordance with section BC 1704.13.

Alternative Materials

Alternative materials shall be in accordance with BC 1704.14).

Smoke Control Systems

Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector in accordance with sections BC 1704.15.1 and BC 909.

Mechanical Systems

Mechanical systems requiring a certificate of compliance in accordance with AC 28-116.4.1 of the Administrative Code shall be inspected for conformance with the approved construction documents as per BC 1704.16.

Fuel Oil Storage and Fuel-Oil Piping Systems

Fuel-oil storage equipment, including tanks, pumps, valves, transfer, return, fill and vent piping, hangers and bracing, fill and vent terminals, and related systems regulated by Section MC 1308 of the New York City Mechanical Code. See BC 1704.17 for additional information.

High-Pressure Steam Piping (Welding)

High-pressure-steam piping and high temperature hot water piping shall be subject to a special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.18.

High Temperature Hot Water Piping (Welding)

High-pressure-steam piping and high temperature hot water piping shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.18 for additional information.

High-Pressure Fuel: Gas Piping (Welding)

Per section FGC 403.1.1, all welded gas distribution piping is subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.19) for additional information.

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 BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10.

Excavations: Sheeting, Shoring and Bracing

Methods employed to protect the sides of excavations shall be subject to Special Inspections in accordance with sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10.

Underpinning

Underpinning of structures shall be subject to special inspections in accordance with sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.10.

Mechanical Demolition

Where mechanical demolition equipment, other than handheld devices, is to be used in the full or partial demolition of a building from within the building, or is to be used within the building to remove debris or move material, such demolition operation shall be in accordance with BC 1704.20.4.

Raising and Moving of the Building

A periodic special inspection shall be required in accordance with sections BC 1704.20.6 through BC 1704.20.9 where the lowest above-grade floor or the lowest subgrade floor of a building is to be raised, lifted, elevated or moved.

Soil Percolation Test: Private On-site Storm Water Drainage Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities

Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.21.1.2.

Private On-site Storm Water Drainage Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities Installation

Private On-site Storm Water Drainage Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.21.2.

Individual On-site Private Sewage Disposal System Installation

Individual on-site private sewage disposal systems shall be inspected in accordance with the rules of the department per BC 1704.22.

Soil Percolation Test: Individual On-site Private Sewage Disposal Systems

Soil percolation tests shall be performed in accordance with BC 1704.22.

Sprinkler Systems

Sprinkler systems shall be inspected in accordance with BC 903 and BC 1704.23 to See Sprinkler project guideline.

Standpipe Systems

Per BC 1704.24, standpipe systems Special Inspections are required to verify installation of materials, fitting hangers’ assemblies and signage, are per approved documents.

In addition, Special Inspection must ensure that painting of system complies with BC 905.11 and BC 905.11.5. This portion of the inspection may be conducted periodically at incremental stages matching the progress of the work.

Special inspector shall witness all required tests, both Hydrostatic* and flow tests and ensure submission of Form FP 84 to FDNY. See Standpipe project guideline.

Heating Systems

New heating systems shall be tested in accordance with BC 1704.25. See Mechanical project guideline.

Chimneys

Chimneys shall be subject to a special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.26.

Fire-resistant Penetration and Joists

Special Inspections for penetration of fire-resistant elements and assemblies; and related fire-stops in accordance with sections BC 1704.27.1 and BC 1704.27.2.

Flood Zone Compliance

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

Luminous Egress Path Markings

The installation of photo luminescent egress path markings shall be subject to special inspection in accordance with BC 1704.30. The special inspector shall verify that approved photo luminescent egress path markings were provided and installed in accordance with department rules and regulations, the approved construction documents, and manufacturer’s instructions.

Emergency and Standby Power Systems (Generators)

Emergency and standby power systems shall be installed in accordance with the New York City Electrical Code, NFPA 110 and NFPA 111 and BC 2702. See Emergency Power Systems (Generators) Guideline.

Footings and Foundation

Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel and required forms are in place as per BC 110.3.1.

Structural Wood Frame

Inspections shall be performed for wood structural framing to determine compliance with the approved construction documents as per BC 110.3.3

Fire-Resistance Rated Construction

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

Energy Code Compliance Inspections

Inspections shall be performed to determine compliance with the approved construction documents and 1 RCNY 5000-01.

Aluminum Welding

The Special Inspections for structural aluminum elements of buildings and structures shall be as required by section BC 1704.28.1.

Post-installed Anchors

The installation of post-installed mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors, and screw anchors shall comply with Table BC 1704.32. The special inspection shall include the verification of compliance with approved construction documents and standards established by the commissioner pursuant to AC 28-113.2.2 and BB 2014-018, BB 2014-019

Seismic Isolation Systems

There shall be periodic special inspection during the fabrication and installation of isolator units and energy dissipation devices, if used as part of the seismic isolation system as per BC 1707.8

Concrete Design Mix

Concrete mix designs shall be in accordance with BC 1905.3 and BC 1913.5 (former TR3 form).

Concrete Sampling and Testing

Concrete sampling and testing shall be in accordance with BC 1905.6 and BC 1913.1.10

Preliminary

Preliminary inspections shall be in accordance with AC 28-116.2.1 and BC 110.2

Lowest Floor Elevation

In areas of special flood hazard, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement (for flood zone purposes), and prior to further vertical construction, the elevation inspection report required in Item 1 of section BC G105.3 of Appendix G shall be submitted to the department per BC 110.3.2.

Public Assembly Emergency Lighting

Public Assembly Emergency Lighting shall be in accordance with AC 28-116.2.2.

Final Inspection

There shall be a final inspection of all permitted work. Final inspections shall comply with AC 28-116.2.4

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