Key Project Terms: Installation of a New Greenhouse – Grade Level and Rooftop - Buildings

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Acronym Glossary

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Construction in My Neighborhood

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Key Project Terms: Installation of a New Greenhouse – Grade Level and Rooftop (Renovations)

The following is a list of useful terms to use when researching additional Greenhouse information on each of the topics discussed:

Alteration

An alteration is the addition, change of use, or occupancy of a building or structure in existence, and always results in a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy. Work may involve an enlargement or reduction in size of the building, or a major change to the building’s egress, zoning use group, and/or Building Code occupancy use.

Building Systems

The installation, modification, or upgrade of existing building systems which include plumbing, boiler, sprinkler, standpipe, fire alarm, HVAC, and fire suppression systems. If such systems are part of the work scope, they must be included in the project’s scope of work.

Certificate of Occupancy

A new or amended Certificate of Occupancy is issued for a building on completion of a project involving a change in occupancy or use, or when there are other changes that impact the existing Certificate of Occupancy. For example, if an existing building is vertically enlarged by a complete story, or if the use of a building is changed from commercial to residential, a new or amended C of O would be required. Reference AC 28-118.3 for more information.

The following may also be issued:

A Partial Certificate of Occupancy, for a portion of a building, depending on construction progress and safety;

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, for a limited duration of time, because the project is not closed due to certain final inspections not being performed, final surveys not submitted, etc., per AC 28-118.16.

Certification for Rooftop Greenhouses

For rooftop greenhouses on buildings which do not have sleeping accommodations within the building, the greenhouse shall be excluded from the definition of floor area following Certification from the City Planning Commission.

Enlargement

Per the Zoning Resolution, an enlargement is an addition to the floor area of an existing building or zoning lot, or an expansion of a use to an area not previously used for such purpose.
Per the Building Code, an enlargement is any addition to a building.

Light Transmitting Glazing

Transparent or translucent light transmitting glazing of plain glass, wired glass or plastic panels and a noncombustible structural frame.

Mixed Building

Per the Zoning Resolution, a mixed building is a building used partly for residential use and partly for community facility, and/or commercial use.

Mixed Use

Per the Building Code, a building with a mixed use would contain two or more occupancy classifications. Such occupancy classifications may or may not match the zoning use groups.

Natural Light and Air

The amount of natural light and natural air ventilation derived from openings such as operable windows and skylights; this may be important in some rooms located within residential buildings to ensure compliance with Code and Zoning requirements.

New Building

A new building is a permanent enclosed structure over a plot of land, having a foundation and footings, a roof and usually windows, used for any of a wide variety of activities such as living, entertaining, business or manufacturing.

Occupancy

The purpose or activity for which a building or space is used or is designed, arranged or intended to be used.

Occupancy Classification

This is the use as defined in the Building Code, and is the purpose or activity for which a building or space is used or is designed, arranged or intended to be used.

Partial Demolition

Maintaining the same building envelope, any construction that involves the removal, replacement or repair of load bearing and/or non-load bearing interior partitions, changes to structural elements (interior or exterior), and facade changes or other upgrades.

Registered Land Surveyor

A person registered to practice the profession of land surveying under the education law of the State of New York.

Residential/Residence

Per the Building Code (BC), Residential Group R includes the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for dwelling or sleeping purposes. If there are three or more dwelling units in the building, it is classified as a multiple dwelling and shall be subject to the MDL. Residences can be either transient, in which the occupancy of a dwelling unit or sleeping unit is not more than 30 days, or non-transient, and therefore, could include community facilities with sleeping accommodations.

Per the Zoning Resolution, Residential, as applied to a building’s use, is a building with one or more dwelling units or rooming units, but with exceptions; for example, hotels and community facilities with sleeping accommodations are not residences per the ZR. Residential can also describe the type of zoning district; for example, hotels are not allowed in residential districts, while community facilities can be located in residential districts.

Required Yards

A required yard is the portion of a zoning lot that is open and unobstructed from the lowest level to the sky along the entire length of the lot line for a depth or width established in the applicable district yard regulations.

Rear Yard Equivalent

A rear yard equivalent is an open area which may be required on a through lot as an alternative to a required rear yard.

Storm Water Drainage

Storm water falling on all impervious surfaces within a property must be discharged into either a public storm water or combined sewer system, or into an on-site private storm water disposal system such as drywell – Refer to Plumbing System Guidelines.

Story

A story is a floor level in a building that is significant in both the Code and Zoning. For example, if a third story is added to a one or two family home, it could trigger additional fire protection requirements in the Code. Basements are stories, while cellars are not. An attic may be considered as a story.

Use

The purpose for which a building, structure, or space is occupied or utilized, unless otherwise indicated by the text. Use (used) shall be construed as if followed by the words “or is intended, arranged, or designed to be used.”.

Use Group

This is the use as defined in the Zoning Resolution, ZR 12-10, and is any purpose for which a building or other structure, or an open tract of land, may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied; furthermore the use is any activity, occupation, business or operation carried on, or intended to be carried on.

Zoning

Areas of land are divided into zones within which various uses are permitted.

Zoning Lot

A zoning lot is a tract of land to which specific zoning regulations apply. A zoning lot does not have to coincide with a tax lot - it can consist of one tax lot, or multiple tax lots.

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