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  • Egress Compliance for Exist'g buildings | 3C Codes

    There are many factors to consider when analyzing egress conditions for alterations to existing Buildings, floor, or demised tenant space. Consider these steps and example egress template... EGRESS COMPLIANCE - EXIST'G BUILDNGS OCCUPANT LOAD, PLUMBING FIXTURES AND REQUIRED EXITS For Alterations of Existing Buildings, I refer to the as-built conditions of the specific floor undergoing alterations and cross reference the information with the Certificate of Occupancy on file, if available. This helps me understand whether there are any existing non-compliant (lawfully approved) conditions to identify Which Code Applies to a Project. (Refer to DOB-Filing rep. Course 206 Material for additional egress information) Complying with egress regulations for a Project Scope should consider the following: 1. 1968 Building Code for Alterations to Existing Buildings built PRIOR to 2008; or 2. 2022 Building Code for new structures or existing buildings approved and erected AFTER the enactment of the 2008 Building Code. There are many factors to consider when analyzing egress conditions for Alterations to Existing Buildings, floor, or demised tenant space. I typically follow the below steps and Example Egress Template in the pre-design phase as a general overview. Additional exit regulations apply to Places of Assembly spaces per BC 1028, 2022 Code or Subchapter 8, 1968 Code. ** The max. occupant load and number of required exits from a SPACE of a multi-tenanted floor is NOT the only factor used to determine exit requirements for the overall STORY within the building. 1. Establish the max. number of persons permitted (occupant load) Based on the Certificate of Occupancy and/or function of the space, I very occupancy loads by dividing the square footage of the area/floor by the occupant load factor listed in the appropriate code section. 2022 Building Code - Chapter 10 1968 Building Code - Subchapter 6 2. Use the established occupant load to determine number of exits required The required number of exits from the individual space AND the entire story should be analyzed separately for code compliance based on the established Occupancy Classification. At the start of a project, I use the following to assist the team in the predesign phase. Spaces (including accessory) used as offices, retail, food service, and/or education with an occupant load of LESS than 75 shall require a min. of ONE exit door. (Refer to the appropriate table for other occupancy types) ALL stories/floors shall maintain a min. of TWO remote exits within the max. required travel distances unless the building complies with the exceptions listed in BC 1021 (2022 Code) or §27-366 -Exits from floors (1968 Code) allowing buildings to maintain a single exit (i.e. 1-2 family dwellings). Regardless of whether an individual space is permitted to have one exit door, access to a min. of TWO exits (i.e. enclosed stairs) on the story/floor is still required as a safety precaution. 3, Measure and verify maximum allowable travel distances Use Table 1016.1 (2022 Code) or Table 6-1 (1968 Code) to calculate the required travel distances (from the furthest point to an exit) for the specific Occupancy Classification to verify whether egress conditions are adequate. For larger buildings that may not require additional exits based on the established occupant load, may still require additional exits if the path of travel to such exits exceed the max. allowable by code. 4. Determine required egress width and capacity of exits There are a few different ways to calculate required exit capacity and egress widths varying with each code and Project Scope. For the purpose of this eGuide, I list a few simple key points I like to follow when calculating exit width capacity from both 1968 Building Code and 2022 Building Code. Also refer to the Example Egress Template for a typical Alteration of Exiting Office Space. 2022 Code – Divide the existing or proposed door(s) width (TYP. 36” ea.) by 0.2 to determine the allowable exit capacity of the exit door. Each 36” door would allow an exit capacity of 180 persons. 2022 Code – Divide the existing or proposed exit stair(s) width (TYP. 44” ea.) by 0.3 to determine the allowable exit capacity of the exit stair. Each 44” stair would allow an exit capacity of 146 persons. 1968 Code – Calculated based off increments of 22 inches = 1 unit of width multiplied by the exit capacity listed in Table 6-1 (1968 Code). For a 36” door in an office occupancy, the exit capacity is 120 persons (1.5 units X 80 = 120). For a 44” stair in an office occupancy, the allowable exit capacity is 120 persons (2 units X 60 = 120). 1968 Code - Fractions of 12 inches or greater may increase the unit of width by an additional 0.5 units. Although a door width of 36” divided by 22” is 1.63, DO NOT multiply 1.63 by the factor listed in Table 6-1 to determine max. exit capacity. Only fractions of 0.5 shall be used. 5. Determine the min. number of plumbing fixtures required Calculating the minimum number of plumbing fixtures varies based on the overall floor/story (i.e. common toilet facilities) and/or separately for the individual tenant space. When analyzing required plumbing fixtures, I turn to the appropriate NYC 2022 Plumbing Code for compliance using the established occupant load (items 1 above) and Occupancy Classification. Although toilet facilities shall be considered “gender neutral”, facilities located within a floor or space can either be separated by gender or provided with single user toilets. However, for the purpose of calculating the min. number of fixtures required, the ratios listed in Table 403.1 (2022 Code) should be applied as follows: (See Example Egress Template for min. fixtures req. of an office occupancy) When ratios are shown separately for male and female (assembly, business occupancies), 50% of the total established occupant load shall be used to determine number of fixtures required for each gender. When a fixed ratio is shown for BOTH male and female (educational, industrial occupancies), the TOTAL established occupant load shall be used to calculate the number of fixtures required. 50% of the total number of fixtures required may then be split by gender if separate facilities are provided.

  • Contact 3C Codes | NY Building Code & Zoning Help

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  • Certificate of Occupancy | 3C Codes

    The issuance of CofO’ s became a requirement for buildings erected or developed after the enactment of the 1938 Building Code. Existing buildings may continue occupying the building (lawfully) without retroactively obtaining a new CofO. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS WITHOUT A VALID CofO The issuance of CofO’ s became a requirement for buildings erected or developed after the enactment of the 1938 Building Code. Buildings built prior to 1938 with alterations made thereafter which did NOT affect the existing use or occupancy, may continue occupying the building (lawfully) without retroactively obtaining a new CofO. Aside from Department of Buildings (DOB), There are various Governing Agencies and/or banks, mortgage companies, or state authorities (i.e. SLA) that may require a building to provide a valid CofO for a specific use or establishment. For Buildings without a CofO, there are a few options and available NYC public resources to help verify existing uses or occupancy in a prior code building. Depending on the specific project and available property records, an LNO/LOV – Letter of No Objection/Letter of Verification may be requested from the DOB, if applicable. Residential buildings with over 4 or more dwelling units. I run a search via HPD – Records for available I-Cards or other documentation reflecting the number of dwelling located in the building. If the information on file results in a HIGHER number of dwelling units (i.e. building has 27 units but HPD reflects 32 units) the building may still be considered legally occupied. In summary, the Codes and Regulations allow an existing residential building to combine apartments (NOT add new apartments) without requiring a new or amended CofO. This should be analyzed on a per case basis verifying that ALL required conditions per DOB-Code Notes: Combing apartments are met. Request DOB-Block/Lot search with Records Management for Pre-BIS Records DOB-BIS Property Information became available to the public in 1990. However, many PRE-BIS applications including DOB project folders and microfilm may be available. An Architect with valid DOB-ID, Class-1 or 2 Filing Representative, or building owner can request old property records from the corresponding borough office. The search may take up to 1-2 weeks however, in my experience I have obtained folder dating as far back to the 1920’s. Search DOF-Tax Maps, ACRIS, NYC Municipal Archives etc. In addition to the above items, I suggest to search other municipalities within jurisdiction such as historic DOF-Tax Records & ACRIS for any declarations or exhibits, sandborn maps, NYC Municipal Archives etc. If records are not available via DOB -block/lot search, I get creative. On past projects, I have used yellow page archives from the NYC Public Library and historical news publications to verify existing building conditions. There is no guarantee that such documents will be accepted but should be considered, if necessary for the specific project. BUILDINGS WITH A VALID CofO When consulting on a project involving an Alteration of An Existing Building, I use the following guideline to determine whether the proposed alteration project triggers a Change of Use or Occupancy Application. The following can also be used to determine Which Codes Apply to an Existing Building. CofO’ s issued PRIOR to the enactment of the 1961 Zoning Resolution may not reference a specific Zoning Use Group. Many prior-code CofO’s are usually vaguely written and will likely reference 1938 BC – Occupancy Classifications (i.e. Commercial, Residential). CofO’ s issued AFTER the enactment of the 1968 Building Code but PRIOR to the 2008 Building Code, should reference applicable Zoning Use Groups as well as 1968 BC – Occupancy Classifications per floor. In some cases, 1938 BC - Classifications are also referenced (where applicable) for the main use/occupancy of the building. CofO’s issued AFTER the enactment of the 2008 Building Code should reference applicable Zoning Use Groups and 2014 BC – Occupancy Classifications. Prior code CofO’s issued after 2008 may also reference applicable 1968 and/or 1938 Occupancy Classifications. CofO’s issued after 2008 wherein the building was erected pursuant to the 2008 or 2014 Codes, should reflect Zoning Use Groups and 2014 Construction Classifications. Such buildings are considered “New Code” buildings for the purpose of this eGuide. CHANGE OF USE OR OCCUPANCY – ALT-CO (FORMALLY ALTERATION TYPE 1) After gathering all necessary Property Records including the latest Certificate of Occupancy on record for the building, the Architect can determine whether a proposed development or alteration project requires an application to amend the buildings Certificate of Occupancy. EXAMPLES OF ALTERATION PROJECTS REQUIRING AN ALT-CO APPLICATION The Department of Buildings (DOB) has specific requirements for each Change of use/occupancy application based on the individual characteristics of the building. When consulting on a project that involves a potential change in use/occupancy, I use the following guidelines to determine applicability. The below are examples of Project Scopes that require an Alteration-CO – Change of Use/Occupancy application (Also referred to “ALT-CO per DOBNow”). 1. Buildings undergoing an alteration which Establishes a New Place of Assembly. 2. Alterations to existing buildings that affect/change the Certificate of Occupancy including but not limited to: (see Sample Certificate of Occupancy for reference) - Building Code occupancy classification. - Increase structural live load - Increase max. occupant load (Number of persons permitted) - Change Zoning Use Group - Change description of use - Increase number of dwelling units - Change Construction Classification - Major Change in Means of Egress/Exits 3. Subdivisions, mergers, apportionments, combining buildings, and/or changes to existing zoning lot description (meets & bounds) including any associated declarations or easements recorded with DOF-ACRIS 4. Buildings WITHOUT a CofO wherein an LNO/LOV – Letter of No Objection/Letter of Verification is NOT applicable. Examples of select alterations that would NOT require an Alteration type 1-Change of Use/Occupancy application: 1. Alterations involving a change in egress filed as a Directive 2 where there is NO change to the CofO. 2. Alterations which converts ground floor retail/mercantile occupancy (M) to Business/service (B) wherein the Certificate of Occupancy references Zoning UG 6 in accordance with BULLETIN – 2009-025. 3. Alterations to Buildings WITHOUT a CofO wherein existing legal use/occupancy is verified. An LNO (Letter of No Objection) shall be requested prior to construction. Change of Use/Occupancy

  • Your Code Specialist | 3C Codes

    Professional building codes & land-use consultants who maintain a positive mindset, create partnerships with a purpose, and always strive for significant outcomes. When you work with 3C Codes, you should expect a collaboration with transparency and consistency. MEET YOUR CODE SPECIALIST BOOK A CONSULTATION Marco specializes in: Building code & zoning solutions Pre-design & development consulting Construction/Project management Property due diligence & feasibility studies Construction codes & zoning Interpretations Public assembly compliance and operations Historic/Landmark designation studies On-site analysis to verify code compliance MARCO S. BURRIESCI Founder & Lead Code Specialist I’ve been a professional Building Codes & Zoning Consultant since 2008. I believe in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes. When you work with me, you should expect a collaboration with transparency and consistency. AFFILIATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS Associate AIA – American Institute of Architects NYC DOB Class 2 Code / Zoning Representative NYS Certified Code Enforcement Official ICC Certified: Commercial building Inspector Building Plan Examiner Qualifications & Background Over a decade of managerial experience as a code/zoning consultant working directly with realtors, owners, developers, design professionals and governing agencies. Expert level knowledge of building codes, zoning laws, ADA/ANSI, fire safety and municipal filing procedures for various jurisdictions. A NYS Certified Code Enforcement Official (CEO) enforcing compliance for the safety and welfare of the public. Instructor of approved continued ed. courses to educate A&E firms on NYS/NYC compliance strategies and applicability of construction codes for all types of construction projects.

  • Property Records | 3C Codes

    There are many factors to consider before embarking on the journey of the regulatory filing process. Prior to jumping into schematic design, use the following NYC public recourses to help you prepare an efficient & compliant filing strategy. SEARCH PROPERTY RECORDS PROPERTY RECORDS & MAPS Architects/Design Firms are typically the first consultants engaged at the start of an alteration or new development project. There are many factors to consider before embarking on the journey of the regulatory filing process. PRIOR to jumping into schematic design, the Architect can use the following NYC public recourses to help streamline and prepare a filing strategy. DCP – ZOLA NYC’s Zoning & Land Use Map NYC’s Zoning and Land Use Map is a very resourceful tool when obtaining property information including zoning districts, boundaries, tax lot descriptions, historical data etc. Using and cross-referencing DOB-BIS and DCP-ZOLA will typically provide the most up-to-date information that corresponds directly with records on file with NYC Governing Agencies. DOF – Tax Maps Use DCP-ZOLA webpage for a direct link to access recorded Department of Finance Tax Maps. In the pre-design phase of the project and/or for properties that do not have an updated architectural or title survey, the Architect can make use of the dimensions specified on the recorded tax map needed for a preliminary Zoning Analysis. DOB – PROPERTY PROFILE (BIS or DOBNOW) Search property records to get the basic information needed for about a specific building/property. Building Information System (BIS) or DOBNOW are public portals of building and property records containing information needed to prepare a due- diligence and appropriate Filing Strategy. BIS is also the tool used to search documents specific to a previously filed DOB application. BIN #: Building Identification: Lots with more than 1 building will have multiple BIN #’s. You want to AVOID filing an application under the wrong BIN number. This can cause delays and/or may require that you REFILE such application under the correct BIN. Tax Block/Tax Lot: Find information about a specific tax lot via DOF-Tax Maps. A tax lot may also represent a Zoning Lot. Sometimes a property may have multiple tax lots on a single Zoning Lot. Yes, there is a difference. To confirm, refer to a site survey of the property or the Zoning Summary/Analysis, if available. Community Board (C.B.): The first number is the Borough (1-MN, 2-BX, 3-BK, 4-QN, 5-SI). The last number is the actual C.B. within the specific Borough. In this case, “104” this is Community Bd. 4 in the borough of Manhattan (Chelsea & Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen). It’s possible to cross paths with CB’s during a Landmarks Review Process for a Landmarked Building requiring Commission approval & hearings. Certificates of Occupancy (CofO): This is the first step to verifying whether an Existing Building has a valid CofO on record. Sometimes there are multiple records available and they are NOT in any particular order on DOB-BIS system. The fewer CofO’s listed, the easier it will be to select the correct and latest CofO or Temporary CofO (TCO) on file. GOVERNING AGENCIES HAVING JURISDICTION The information obtained from DOB-BIS Property Profile includes applicable restrictions for the property that may require approvals, in addition to DOB, from other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction. DOB - Department of Buildings DOB-HUB - NYC Development-HUB LPC - Landmarks Preservation Conservation DCP - Department of City Planning DEP - Depart. of Environmental Protection OER - Office of Environmental Remediation FDNY - NYC Fire Department DOF - Department of Finance ECB - OATH & Environmental Control Board DOT - Department of Transportation HPD - NYC Housing Preservation & Development MOPD - Mayors office for People w/ Disabilities TA - Transit Authority/MTA Approval from NYC Governing Agencies varies with each building, property and scope of work. Many times, when approval from multiple agencies is required, such agency (i.e. Landmarks, and/or OER) shall approve the proposed alteration PRIOR to DOB approval. A simple way to verify which agency will require a review and approval of the proposed filing drawings is to refer to the property profile on DOB – Building Information System (BIS). Many properties within the 5 Boroughs of NYC typically require approval from more than one agency as shown in the following examples: DOB approval only required Multiple agency approval required

  • Land us & zoning study | 3C Codes

    Outlining specific Zoning Regulations applicable to a project requires the research of Property Information and Records to understand overall site/building limitations and height/setback restrictions... LAND-USE & ZONING STUDY PREPARING A ZONING SUMMARY When consulting on a potential new development project, I request (at minimum) the following information PRIOR to preparing a Zoning Summary/Analysis: Property Records and Site information Intended program and project scope Title or Architectural Survey of the Property (within 12 months), if available. Any specific concerns, questions and/or issues that require clarification specific to the project and/or building. Outlining specific Zoning Regulations applicable to a project requires the research of Property information and Records to understand overall site/building limitations and zoning compliance including but not limited to the following: Permitted Uses & Use Groups floor area ratio and Max. floor area limitations Street walls, heights and setback requirements Required yards, planting, and open area/lot coverage Density and Quality Housing for residential buildings Off street & bicycle parking regulations PROPERTY OVERVIEW Use DCP- ZOLA Maps to gather all necessary Property Information (i.e. address, block/lot, zoning district/map, tax map, existing lot conditions etc.). Together with a survey, if available, I also identify lot dimensions and existing building conditions as specified according to ZOLA and NYC DOB- BIS records. Example Zoning Summary The property is located within R6A residential district with a C2-4 commercial overlay. According to NYC property records, the zoning lot contains a 1 story (gross 2,500 SF) warehouse and manufacturing building built in 1947. DCP – ZOLA NYC’s Zoning & Land Use Map NYC’s Zoning and Land Use Maps is a very resourceful tool when obtaining property information including zoning districts, boundaries, tax lot descriptions, historical data etc. I typically verify the referenced Zoning District by using Zoning Maps and use DCP’s Zoning Districts & tools to understand the information referenced on such Zoning Maps. DOF – Tax Maps Access Tax Maps directly through DCP-ZOLA using direct links to digital Tax Maps. In the pre-design phase of the project and/or for properties that do not have an updated architectural or title survey, the Architect can also use of the dimensions specified on the recorded tax map needed to Prepare a Preliminary zoning analysis. ZONING USE REGULATIONS Based on applicable Property information & Records obtained, I identify which uses are permitted and which uses are NOT permitted within the Zoning District. Depending on the desired project scope and intended program, I also consider select uses allowed by special permit (variance) or BSA approval (i.e. Physical Cultural Establishments). Building “USE” is specific to Zoning Uses and Use Groups per NYC Zoning Resolution and NOT Building Code Occupancy. Below is a general overview of listed Use Groups specific to how a building or space is used: UG 1-2: UG 3-4: UG 5-9: UG 10: UG 12-15: UG 11,14-18: Outlining specific Zoning Regulations applicable to a project requires the research of Property information and Records to understand overall site/building limitations and zoning compliance including but not limited to the following: Permitted Uses & Use Groups floor area ratio and Max. floor area limitations Street walls, heights and setback requirements Required yards, planting, and open area/lot coverage Density and Quality Housing for residential buildings Off street & bicycle parking regulations Additional information regarding uses, use groups, zoning districts and how they are classified according to the Zoning Resolution is provided by DCP’s Zoning District Tools. Example Zoning Summary Residential uses in Use Group 1 & 2 as well as select Commercial Uses in Use Group 6 are permitted within R6A districts. The supplementary use regulations for mixed use buildings may limit commercial uses to be entirely within an enclosed building and to be located only on stories below any residential uses. A more detailed alphabetical list of uses that correspond directly with a specific Use Group permitted in a Zoning District is provided in ZR-Appendix A- Index of uses. Single & Multiple Family Dwellings Community centers (schools/non-profit) Business & retail services (Inc. hotels) Large Scale retail (wholesale 10K+ sq. ft.) Recreation & Amusements Manufacturing, Industrial/Production

  • Applying NYC Codes | 3C Codes

    The 2008 and 2014 NYC Construction Codes follow the standard I-Codes established by the International Code Council. I-Codes are known as the standard International Construction Codes (ICC), many of which have been adopted and modified by various jurisdictions including New York City. HOW TO APPLY NYC CODES APPLYING THE CODES OVERVIEW The latest NYC Construction Codes are essentially based on I-Codes established by the International Code Council. I-Codes are known as the standard International Construction Codes (ICC), many of which have been adopted and modified by various jurisdictions including New York City. While I-Codes include an “International Existing Buildings Code”, New York City does not. therefore, the City allows existing buildings to comply with applicable regulations of the 1968 and 1938 NYC Building Codes as set forth in the provisions of the 2022 Administrative Code. Code(s): ALL NYC Building & Construction Codes from 1938 thru 2022 including; Mech/PL/FGC/Fire Code/ECC, Bulletins, Memos, directives, local laws, directives, executive orders etc.) RCNY (Rules & Regulations of NYC): NYC Department of Buildings laws, rules and procedures regulating the filing and permit process Zoning: 1961 NYC Zoning Resolution with Department of City Planning as the Agency having jurisdiction. (Also regulated by BSA- Boards of Standards & Appeals) MDL: Multiple Dwelling Laws for Residential buildings with 4 or more dwelling units. New Code: Refers to 2022 NYC Construction Codes. 2022 Code: Refers to all 2014 NYC Construction Codes & Building Bulletins from 2014 to present. 2008 / 2014 Code: Refers to all 2008 NYC Construction Codes & Building Bulletins from 2008 to 2014. 1968 Code: Refers to Volume 1 & Volume 2 of the 1968 Building Code including Local Laws, directives and 2003 text Amendments edition. 1938 Code: Refers to all Articles in the 1938 Building Code, directives, memorandums, local laws including labor laws from 1913. New Buildings: Building or Structures from the ground-up. New Buildings include enlargements of more than 110% of existing floor area. Prior-code(s): Existing Buildings erected prior to December 1st, 2008 are considered prior-code buildings previous made to comply with either the 1968 Building Codes or 1938 Building Codes. USE & OCCUPANCY GROUPS CLASSIFICATIONS 2014 Building Code (New Code) R-1, R-2, R-3 = (Residential) Hotels, Multiple Dwellings, 1-2 Family Dwellings M = (Mercantile) Retail, stores, service establishments B = (Business) Offices, Colleges & Assemblies with less than 75 occupants A = (Assembly) Assembly and places of gathering over 75 occupants F = (Factory) Manufacturing, production, machinery & equipment rooms S = (Storage) Warehouse E = (Educational) Elementary/M I = (Institutional) Group Homes, assisted living & community facilities 1968 Building Code (Prior code) J-1, J-2, J-3 = (Residential) Hotels, Multiple Dwellings, 1-2 Family Dwellings C = (Mercantile) Retail, stores, service establishments E = (Business) Offices F = (Assembly) Assembly and places of gathering over 75 occupants D = (Factory) Manufacturing, production, machinery & equipment rooms B = (Storage) Warehouse G = (Educational) Elementary/Middle school/High school 1938 Building Code (Prior code) RES = (Residential) Single, multiple and group living & hotels PUB = (Public) Government buildings, schools and Institutions COM = (Commercial) Business incl. offices, factory, restaurants, retail stores etc. Zoning Use Groups per NYC Zoning Resolution UG 1-2 Single & Multiple Family Dwellings UG 3-4 Community centers (schools/non-profit) UG 5-9 Business & retail services (Inc. hotels) UG 13-15 Recreation & Amusements UG 14-18 Manufacturing, Industrial/Production APPLYING CODES TO EXISTING BUILDINGS Determining which Codes, Laws, Rules etc. apply to a proposed alteration project varies with each project scope and existing conditions of the building. For the purpose of this eGuide, applying the appropriate Code depends on whether the proposed scope of work is either to: Construct a New Building or; Alter/modify an Existing Building. CONSIDERATIONS A “new code” building refers to buildings built after 2008 per 2014-2022 NYC Constructions Codes. Taking into consideration that the 2022 Code was enacted to essentially “amend” the prior 2014 Code, any alteration of an existing building previously erected under the provisions of earlier Codes shall now comply with 2022 Codes. Unless an existing as-built condition previously approved under such Codes cannot be made to comply with the 2022 Code, the project should disregard prior 2008 / 2014 codes and refer to the appropriate 2022 Codes for compliance. Unlike other jurisdictions, NYC does has not adopted a versions of the EBC - Existing Balding Codes. If determined that the building was erected prior to the enactment of the 1968 Building Code, any proposed alteration, including egress modifications, shall look to the appropriate 1968 Building Code section for compliance. Unless complying with 1968 Building Code cannot be achieved, I would then look to the appropriate sections of the 1938 Building Code to demonstrate compliance on a per case basis. Prior to jumping into the prior-codes, I prefer to start with NYC 2022 Administrative Code and work backwards. For Alterations with a Certificate of Occupancy referencing the 1968 Building Code Classifications I turn to the appropriate 1968 code which would be apply depending on the overall scope of the project: APPLYING CODES TO A PROJECT There are many Codes that may apply to a project. It’s also rare that an alteration or development of an existing building complies with only ONE Code as there are many other limitations and exceptions to consider. As a general overview I use the below when applying codes to a project: NEW Buildings and/or Structures shall comply with 2022 NYC Construction Codes Enlargements or Additions to existing buildings which increase Zoning Floor Area by 110% or greater shall be made (upgraded) to comply with 2022 NYC Construction Codes. Alterations to Existing Buildings erected AFTER December 2008 shall comply with 2022 NYC Construction Codes. Alterations to Existing Buildings erected PRIOR to December 2008 shall comply with 2022 NYC Construction Codes AND applicable provisions of the 1968 Building Code. Alterations to Existing Buildings erected PRIOR to 1968 shall comply with 2022 NYC Construction Codes AND application provisions of 1968 Building Code AND 1938 Building Code. Alterations to Existing Buildings erected PRIOR to 1968 wherein a Change of Use or Occupancy to the Entire Building is proposed shall be made (or upgraded) to comply with 1968 Building Code as the earliest code with select 2022 code retroactive provisions that may apply. Alterations, modifications or installations related to any of the following shall comply with applicable provisions of the 2022 Code as specified in the 2022 NYC Administrative Code. Fuel gas, plumbing and mechanical work Fire protection systems Elevators, conveyors and amusement rides Safety during construction operations Accessibility Encroachments into the public right of way Administration and enforcement Special inspections Materials Security grilles Roof recovering and replacements Handrails Guards Areas of Special Flood Hazard Emergency and standby power systems Parking garages and open parking lots Mold protection Alterations to existing structural systems of buildings erected PRIOR to December 2008 may elect to comply with the 1968 code except as specified in chapter 16 of 2022 NYC Building Code. I suggest to always consult with a structural engineer to advise whether compliance with prior codes is possible. All New Building & Alterations (unless exempt) shall comply with the 2020 NYC Energy Conservation Code. All New Buildings & Alterations (unless exempt) shall comply with Appendix G of the 2022 Code for Flood Resistant Construction

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