Project Checklist: Design Professionals - Boiler - 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: Boiler

Applicability of Code and Zoning

Boiler work must comply with the NYC Construction Codes: Building, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Mechanical and Administrative Codes. Per the 2014 Administrative Code, Section 28-101.4.3, additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to installed systems shall conform to what’s required for new installations without requiring the existing installation to comply with all of the requirements of this Code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing installation to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. Other Codes may apply such as:

NYC Electrical Code

NYC Fire Code

NYC Energy Conservation Code

NYS Labor Law Industrial Code Rules 4 and 14

NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) Zoning Resolution

*Note: While the following are a list of key zoning, Code and other regulations may be relevant in the design of the project; it does not cover ALL applicable regulations.*

Applicable Codes

Mechanical work may require compliance with the following sections of Building Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, or Energy Conservation Code:

Project Element

Applicable Code and Regulations

Current Code

Prior Codes

2014

1968

1938

Boilers

2014 MC Chapters 4, 7, and 8, 10 and NYS 12 NYCRR Parts 4 and 14

Gas Burners

2014 FGC Chapter 4

Building Construction Classification

BC Chapter 6

Article 14 BC Subchapter 3

Article 4

Chimneys and Vents

2014 FGC Chapter 5, FGC 501.1.1, FGC 503.5.6 and MC 801.1.1

Structural Analysis and Mounting Details

BC Chapter 16

2014 BC 1601.2, and Title 27/Subchapter 10

2014 BC 1601.2, 1938 BC Articles 8, and 9

Fire Separation and Divisions

BC Chapter 7

Title 27/Subchapter 5

Article 11

Special Flood Hazard Area

2014 BC Appendix G and ASCE 24-05

Egress
(from boiler rooms)

BC Chapter 10 and Appendix S

§27-354 through §27-396.6

Article 7 and Title 12 NYCRR Part 4-6.8

Riser Diagrams

2014 FGC 106.5, 2014 PC 106.5 and 2014 MC 106.5

Gas Piping and Gas Appliances

2014 FGC Chapter 3

Ladders and Platforms

NYS Labor Law Industrial Code Rules, Part 4-6.6 and Part 14-1.10

Fuel Oil Storage

2014 MC Chapter 13

Fire and Fire/Smoke Dampers

2014 MC Chapters 4, 5, 6 and MC Table 607.3.2.1

Intake and Exhaust Vents and Direct Vents

2014 MC Chapter 4, BC Table 705.8, and FGC 503.8

Ventilation, Exhaust, Chimneys, Vents, Flues, and Connectors

2014 MC Chapters 4, 5, 8, 10, and 2014 FGC Chapter 5

Fire Protection Systems

2014 BC Chapter 9 and Appendix Q

Construction Materials

BC Chapters 19-26

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

Subject to applicable provisions of the 2014 BC, 1938 BC Article 8, and 9

System Controls

2014 MC 1004, ASME CSD-1 and see ‘controls’ in 2014 FGC, 2014 PC and 2014 MC

Special and Progress Inspections

2014 BC 1704

NYCECC – Energy Code compliance supporting documents

2016 NYC ECC 101.2 and 1 RCNY 5000-01

Piping Insulation Schedule (location and thickness)

2016 NYC ECC Table C403.2.10 and ECC C404.4

Schedule of Replacement Boiler (capacity and efficiency)

2016 NYC ECC C403.2.1 and ECC C403.2.3

Notes – Replacement of Boiler Controls (part-load and reset)

2016 NYC ECC C403.4.2.4

Notes – Dampers penetrating thermal envelope

2016 NYC ECC C403.2.4.3

Commissioning

2016 NYC ECC C408 and Commissioning Rule (TBD)

*Note: New applications for buildings erected under the 2008 Code must comply with the 2014 Code, as required by AC §28-101.4 and 102.4.3*

Zoning

Boilers, new or altered equipment or accessory structures shall comply with the Permitted Obstructions provisions in required yards, open space, height or/and sky exposure. On rooftop installations, comply with Fire Department access requirements for buildings 100 feet in height or less. (Including but not limited to ZR 23-44, ZR 23-62, ZR 24-33, ZR 33-23, ZR 33-42 and ZR 43-23 and ZR 43-42.

Guidelines for Submission of Boiler Systems Work Plans

A pre-design review should cover all existing boiler systems and components, and other building elements affected by the proposed scope of work to verify code-compliant boiler work, or modifications to the boiler systems. Based upon the complexity and scale of the project, the information provided on the boiler drawings should show a clear description of the work required for the project. (Refer to the NYC Administrative Code section §28-104.7.1.

Although DOB does not mandate the organization and style of construction documents, the guidelines outlined in this chapter should provide a consistent approach for preparation of construction documents that will facilitate the plan review process. In many cases, the project may involve the documentation of existing boiler or boiler systems and components, which should be clearly identified as new versus existing systems.

Projects may be Professionally Certified, per AC 28-104.2.1

Complete Submission of Boiler Systems Work Drawings

The construction documents represent work that is closely coordinated with many other disciplines such as architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing. In order to ensure coordination with other disciplines, details essential for a complete submission of drawings can be found in the NYC Mechanical Code section AC 28-104.7 and BC 107.2 for information on submittal of and required construction documents.

A complete submission of drawings shall include:

Construction Documents. Drawings necessary to convey essential information such as schedules, riser diagrams, floor layout, mounting details and control diagrams. The title page should clearly define the project location and vicinity by graphical means. The applicable Building Codes and notes should be stated on the drawings. A drawing index is recommended to clearly identify all the unique systems that may be involved.

Site Plan. If the project involves exterior or underground work such as vault for location of boiler or fuel storage, an underground storage tank, fill-pipe fuel terminal, which are exterior to the building, then these should be clearly documented.

Floor/Roof Plans. Floor plans showing existing and proposed conditions with location of all equipment, gas, oil, vent, flue piping and chimney locations must be specified on the drawings. It is important to clearly identify room use designation, equipment location, fire-rated walls and their penetrations, means of exhaust and other code regulated assemblies. Roof plans must show boiler devices, mechanical rooms, fuel storage, ventilation, and any associated components. It is recommended to follow the architectural floor/roof plan nomenclature for sheet order and numbering in order to simplify the logical sequence of coordination with all trades and disciplines

Building Elevations. Required if the project involves location of combustion air, ventilation intakes, location of exhaust on building exterior in relation to operable windows and doors.

Building Sections. May be required for renovation projects and may include cross sections through chimney or flues.

Riser Diagrams. If the project involves alterations to existing or installation of new piping (oil/gas), combustion and ventilation ducts, respective riser diagram must be provided. The riser diagram must show the details of new and existing conditions, elevations across floors, dimensional characteristic of each element, and identify appliances it serves.

Detail Drawings. These drawings contain significant information required to clearly communicate the scope of work, in a magnified form. In addition, these drawings may also comprise several elevations and sections to convey the proposed scope of work.

Operating pressure of equipment

Combustion/ventilation/dilution air

Equipment mounting

Drainage

Break-glass

Building System Schedules. Schedule of equipment showing make, model, capacity, fuel type, heat input/output, efficiency, maximum pressure, GPM, RPM and electrical characteristic.

Energy Analysis. If project scope includes one of the following, an energy analysis is required on the plans: alterations to existing or installation of new piping carrying mechanically heated fluid, penetration through thermal envelope, equipment replacement, equipment controls replacement, and/or dampers. Commissioning is required when permitted equipment replacement exceeds a combined input capacity of 600kBTU/h

Some key elements required on plans for all projects include:

Validation that existing equipment and distribution services have met the sizing requirements per ECC C403.2

Number of boiler(s) size criteria (BTUs), including new or altered, fuel type gas/oil/dual, piping, on floor/roof plans and riser diagrams

Indicate appliance/equipment/device approval numbers (UL, other Listings, and/or site specific – indicate if field-erected, OTCR approved), efficiency rating, and mounting detail locations

Model number, if modular, state number of units

Proper identification of rooms, piping, valves, alarms, equipment, controls, interlocks and devices

Commercial or residential occupancy

Equipment Schedules with domestic hot water distribution temperatures

Fuel storage tank location(s), number of tanks, capacity, grade of oil

Indicate existing flue/chimney size, material, and proposed alteration, include a statement if a special inspection is required – see below

Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies and locations

Where applicable, indicate special inspection requirements

Where applicable, clearly indicate provisions for commissioning and completion requirements per ECC C408

Where applicable, indicate equipment securement to structure

Piping insulation rating Piping insulation location and thickness, per ECC C403.2.10

Water temperatures and high limit alarm locations

Penetrations through the thermal envelope - locations and sealing details, per ECC C402.5.1.1

Seismic/expansion certification

Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors

*Note: A Chimney Special Inspection is required when new or altered chimney work is involved.*

Submission of Construction Documents

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

Sheet Number:	Sheet Description:

T-001.00
Title Sheet, Site Plan with boiler location, Drawing Index, Required Notes, required Special/ Progress Inspections list, and Legends

A-100.00
Floor Plans showing Boiler, Piping Layout Plans, and Ductwork

A-201.00
Floor Plans showing Boiler and Fuel Storage Location

M-101.00
Boiler and Equipment Schedules and Notes

M-201.00
Riser Diagrams for Gas, Oil, and/or Ventilation, and Details

EN-001.00
Energy Code Analysis and Notes (if applicable)

Boiler Legend to include: Symbols, abbreviations, notes and definitions.

Recommended Drawing Designators
A: Architectural: Mandatory designation for architectural work.
M: Mechanical: Mandatory designation if Boiler work is filed separately from other work.
EN: Energy Analysis: Mandatory designation if an Energy Analysis is required.

Schedule of Building Systems. A new schedule, which allows the Department to better record and track key building systems and devices, is being established to replace the current Schedule C and other schedules submitted with job filings. This will provide the Department and other City agencies, including utilities, with pertinent system or device details. For Boiler work, the two systems Boiler, Burner and Fuel Oil Storage. For these systems, applicable details may include:

Number of Boilers

Boiler Pressure Low/High

Fuel Used

Capacity Input/Output

Boiler - Steam/Hot Water

Burner Details

Number of Tanks and Capacity

Oil Grade

Model and UL Details (field erected)

Location Details

Required Documents/Submissions. Based on the scope of the project the following submissions may have to accompany the drawings at intake:

Chimney

Inspection report of existing chimneys to be used

Existing adjacent building chimney surveys

Tenant/Occupant Protection Plan (as applicable)

SRO MD Anti-Harassment checklist

Changing from central heat to individual heat (Leg)

MTA or other public transit requirements or restrictions

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

Plan Review or Audits for Approval or Acceptance. Following submission of a complete set of construction documents, the application is assigned to a DOB Plan Examiner for review. If professionally certified, the application is subject to audit. Plan review or audit of the submission by Plan Examiner or Auditor may result in either approval/disapproval or in acceptance/fail, respectively. Following plan review disapproval or audit fail, a notice of objections is sent to the Applicant of Record and Owner. Objections must be resolved through appointments with the DOB Plan Examination or Audit staff. After successful resolution of objections, the application is approved or accepted.

Post Approval Amendments. Any changes to approved scope of work that are significant and substantive will require submission of revised plans for a Post Approval Amendment (PAA). Approval for an amendment must be obtained before the work or equipment installation is completed. Changes that are not substantive do not require a PAA; however these changes must be shown on plans and included in the ‘As Built’ submission at the end of the project (§28.104.3). Substantive changes that meet the following criteria should be submitted for review as a PAA to amend the approved plans:

Install additional boilers, or substitute with two or more smaller boilers.

Design changes – new location, changes to boiler type, pressure high/low, from steam to hot water, or from oil to gas or gas to oil and converting an oil burner to a dual fuel burner.

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

Special Inspections

Boiler work may require, per Building Code Chapter 17, certain Special and Progress Inspections, and other construction requirements to be performed during, and at the end of construction, as per the table below. The Registered Design Professional is responsible for indicating which Special Inspections are required at application intake. The Owner must engage a Special Inspection Agency, as required by Fuel Gas Code Section 406, for such Special and Progress Inspections.

SPECIAL/PROGRESS INSPECTION

DESCRIPTION OF CODE REQUIREMENTS

High Pressure Gas Piping*

Per FGC Section 403.1.1, all welded gas distribution piping shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.19

High-Pressure-Steam

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

Mechanical Systems*

Mechanical systems shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.16.2

Heating Systems

Special inspection shall be required for new and altered boilers and heating systems. See BC 1704.25.

Chimneys

Chimneys shall be subject to a special inspection. See BC 1704.26

Special Inspection for Fuel Storage and Fuel-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 the New York City Mechanical Code Section 1308, See BC 1704.17

Seismic Isolation System

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.

Fire Resistance Rated Construction

As per BC 110.3.4, Fire Resistance-rated construction must be inspected to determine compliance with the approved construction documents, including inspection of the following work:

Fire-resistance-rated partitions, floors, ceilings, shafts; and

Fire shutters

Flood Zone Compliance

Special Inspection for flood zone compliance shall be as required by BC Appendix G105.3

Final Inspection

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

NYC Energy Code: Progress Inspections, as required by BC 109.3.5 and NYCECC

Penetrations through thermal envelope: must be sealed to minimize air leakage

Dampers integral to building envelope: outdoor air dampers must close when system is off

HVAC & Service Water heating equipment: meets sizing and efficiency requirements

HVAC & Service Water heating system controls: applicable part-load, reset, temperature controls

Piping insulation: minimum thickness of 1” to 4.5”, required on piping carrying fluids >105F

Maintenance Information: shall be furnished for installation of new equipment

Permanent Certificate: shall list type and efficiency of heating, cooling, and/or service water heating systems

Other Requirements

FDNY. Fuel storage installations / modification of tanks require FDNY notification. FDNY requires an annual permit for fuel storage tanks.

DEP. Filing requirements.

DEC. Fuel oil tank filing requirements

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