new-workbooks-for-prescriptive-energy-conservation-measures

Don’t Waste Your Energy! New Workbooks for Prescriptive Energy Conservation Measures

In the effort to enforce carbon neutrality by 2050, Local Law 97 (LL97) has introduced a variety of new restrictions for New York City buildings that will take effect in 2024.


ll-147-will-change-the-definition-of-major-buildings

The Height of Safety: LL 147 Will Change the Definition of Major Buildings

An upcoming change to the definition of “major buildings” will have major ramifications for thousands of New York City properties by the end of the year. Read up on the details to understand how it may affect you.


new-zoning-use-groups

Get Used to It: New Zoning Use Groups

July 1st marks the beginning of a new era for The New York City Zoning Resolution (ZR), which will be undergoing a Use Group overhaul. Make sure to read up on the changes before filing any applications—it’s easy to get confused!


dob-launches-review-of-city-facade-inspection-program

Was it All a Facade?: DOB Launches Review of the City’s Facade Inspection Program

Facade inspections and regulations may soon undergo major changes, after the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) announced the introduction of a comprehensive review of the current Facade and Inspection Safety program in May.


how-to-nyc

Decoding City of Yes: How to House NYC?

The New York City Council began its public review of “The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal this April, following the approval of its predecessors, Carbon Neutrality and Economic Opportunity. The plan addresses a lack of affordable housing in NYC and promises to streamline residential conversions, increase density, and allow for taller buildings, among a host of other zoning changes.


nyc-says-yes-to-economic-opportunity

Decoding City of Yes: NYC Says Yes To Economic Opportunity

The second installment of Mayor Adam’s plan to update zoning, “City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,” is officially in motion as of March 6, 2024. Prepare for major changes, and read on for the breakdown.


nyc-is-positive-about-carbon-neutrality

Decoding “City of Yes”: NYC Is Positive About Carbon Neutrality

There’s no more need to talk about green infrastructure in the future tense — under the new plan for combating climate change in New York City, the future of sustainability starts now.


how-well-can-nyc-withstand-earthquakes

Shaking Things Up: How Well Can NYC Withstand Earthquakes?

On a list of cities most vulnerable to seismic activity, New York City ranks low. Though, if the recent 4.8-magnitude earthquake in New Jersey is any indication, this city has become too comfortable on stable ground.


new-login-requirements-for-dob-now

Can I See Your ID?: New Login Requirements for DOB NOW

Beginning June 3, 2024, all DOB NOW users must also have an NYC.ID account. Read on for more details!


efforts-to-reach-net-zero-emissions-by-2050

25 to Zero: DOB Increases Effort to Reach Net Zero Emissions by 2050

This March, the Department of Buildings (DOB) nearly doubled the amount of staff members dedicated to enforcing Local Law 97 (LL 97), a landmark carbon emissions law, increasing the number of personnel from 11 to 21. The change responds to recent criticism about the lack of resources dedicated to addressing climate change in New York City, and indicates a renewed effort to upholding the law as increasingly stricter emission benchmarks loom in 2025.


flacos-death-revives-bird-proofing-architecture

Bury Buildings, Not Birds: Flaco’s Death Revives Bird-Proofing Architecture

When Flaco the Eurasian eagle-owl escaped Central Park Zoo, he became a symbol of urban wildlife and a minor celebrity for New York City residents. More than a few miles away from his natural habitat, many feared the exotic owl wouldn’t be able to survive in the city for long. Sadly these fears were validated when, following a year of freedom, Flaco died after colliding with a skyscraper.


fdny-requirements-for-as-built-riser

Raise the Alarms: FDNY Updates Requirements for As-Built Riser Diagrams

Calling all contractors, engineers, and developers! A new bulletin released by the New York Fire Department (FDNY) this December may impact your current and future projects.


revisiting-reinstatement-fees

Revisiting Reinstatement Fees: DOB Announces Major Update

A recent service notice issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB) introduced a new schedule for reinstatement fees—and it could affect your upcoming projects.


dob-now-launches-three-new-work-types

Autumn Updates: DOB NOW Launches Three New Work Types

November marks a month of changes for DOB NOW: Build.


categories-decoder-nyc-flooding

NYC’s Infrastructure Fails to Prevent Flooding — How Can It Improve?

On September 29th, Tropical Storm Ophelia brought New York City to its knees and left its inhabitants knee-deep in floodwater. What began as a “rainy week” quickly escalated into a State of Emergency that demonstrated, for a second time since Hurricane Ida in 2021, the ineffectiveness of NYC infrastructure in combating extreme weather events. Floodwater burst through the caulk of subway tiles, sewer drains clogged with swirling trash, and buses became boats. By the end of the day, the city had received as much rainfall as it usually would in two to three months, according to MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. Flooding due to extreme rainfall could be written off as uncommon, but events such as these will likely only increase in frequency as climate change effects escalate. If the September flooding taught us anything, it’s that this lesson will not be the last of its kind.


outsource-partners-with-one-tree-planted

Outsource Consultants, Inc. partners with Non-Profit One Tree Planted

Helping Drive Sustainability by Planting Trees When the First Permit is Achieved for Every Project


decoder-nyc-discovery-world-headquarters

Innovative Horizons: Exploring Discovery's World HQ in New York City

It’s been five years since Discovery, Inc., one of the world’s largest providers of informative entertainment, announced its plans to relocate its New York offices to 230 Park Avenue South. Today, that plan has finally come to fruition, with some of New York’s top design, consulting, and construction firms proud to have played a part.


decoder-nyc-environmental-protection-agency-severe-smog

Air Quality Alert: Environmental Protection Agency Says NYC To Upgrade to “Severe” Smog Status

Permitting rules may become stricter for certain projects in New York City in the near future, due to a proposed air quality reclassification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.


categories-decoder-nyc-pride-construction

Pride in Construction: New Bill Aims to Improve Conditions Across Sex and Gender Spectrum

A bill currently being debated by the New York City Council hopes to put a spotlight on the struggles – and potential solutions – for women, LGBTQ+, intersex, non-binary, and gender non-conforming workers in nontraditional careers, including those in construction.


categories-decoder-nyc-zoning-city-of-yes

City of Yes: New NYC Zoning Amendments for Growth and Sustainability

On June 1, 2022, three citywide zoning amendments were announced that could remove limitations and encourage new building and alteration uses in neighborhoods which previously would have banned them.


categories-decoder-2022-nyc-construction-code

How the 2022 NYC Construction Code Affects Upcoming Filings

See if and when your upcoming projects will be affected.


categories-decoder-nyc-zoning-diagrams-public-challenge

Weigh In: Zoning Diagrams Now Open for Public Challenge through DOB NOW

It is now easier than ever for the public to weigh in on certain New Building and Alterations projects in NYC.


categories-decoder-nyc-outsource-special-inspections

New NYC Special Inspections Site Launched, with Better Options to Get Special Inspections

New York, NY – Since 2012, Outsource Special Inspections (OSI) has been a trusted source for special inspections in New York City. Led by a senior team of knowledgeable, highly qualified professional engineers, OSI performs NYC Department of Buildings-certified inspections across New York City every day, covering over 600 clients.


categories-decoder-nyc-50-feet-get-mta-approval

One More Step: Transit-Adjacent Sites within 50 Feet Must Get MTA Approval

How the new Zoning for Accessibility initiative may affect design professionals.


categories-decoder-top-5-2021

A Look Back: The Top 5 Decoder Articles of 2021

Check out Decoder’s highlights from the past year.


categories-decoder-nyc-infrastructure-bill

Bridges & Tunnels: Infrastructure’s Impact on NYC Construction

Why construction professionals should care about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and what to do about it.


categories-decoder-nyc-zoning-accessibility-mta-oculus

Going to the Next Level: All About Zoning for Accessibility

On October 7, 2021, the Elevate Transit: Zoning for Accessibility initiative was approved by the NYCC and MTA.


categories-decoder-nyc-construction-code-2022

New Year, New Codes: Major Construction Code Updates for 2022

On October 7, 2021, the NYC Department of Buildings approved a major overhaul to the NYC Construction Code.


categories-decoder-nyc-hybrid-office-design

In and Out: Guidelines for Hybrid Office Design

In 2020, we talked quite a bit about what the future of work would look like.


categories-decoder-fdny-business-portal

Don’t Be Alarmed: FDNY Services Go Fully Digital

Be advised: As of September 7, 2021, all FDNY services must now be filed exclusively online.


categories-decoder-nyc-department-of-buildings-new-website

Overall Overhaul: DOB Website Updates You May Have Missed

From redesigns to online license applications, here’s the latest on the NYC Buildings website.


categories-decoder-nyc-energy-code-performance-pilot-program

Energy Experiment: The Energy Code Performance Pilot Program

The DOB recently announced a 5-month pilot program for designers to test new tools for a 100% performance-based approach to the current NYC energy code.


categories-nyc-decoder-penn-station-moynihan-train-hall

Wheels in Motion: 3 Post-COVID Design Trends From the Penn Station and Port Authority Plans

Earlier in 2021, two of New York City’s major transportation hubs, Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal, released plans to the public for a major overhaul of the current infrastructure.


categories-nyc-decoder-existing-building-code

A Code of Their Own: NYC DOB Plans to Release Existing Building Code

Learn more about the DOB’s pioneering effort to better address existing building repairs and alterations.


categories-decoder-governor-cuomo-climate-act-building-code-energy-benchmark-new-york-city

For What It’s Earth

NYC Climate Code Updates and Energy Benchmark Deadline


categories-minor-plan-changes-now-require-post-approval-amendments-nyc-department-of-buildings

Change in Procedure: Minor Plan Changes Now Require Post-Approval Amendments

How will this affect your projects?


categories-decoder-nyc-building-compliance-technology-covid19-manage-projects

3 Ways to Help You Manage Your NYC Building Projects Amid Agency Changes

Explore how this online dashboard tracks and resolves your critical building items.


categories-nyc-decoder-bis-dob-now-build-certificate-of-occupancy

Issuance and Renewal of COs migrating to DOB NOW: Build

Learn more on how to migrate Certificates of Occupancy from BIS.


categories-bird-friendly-building-design-decoder-new-york-city

LL15 of 2020: A Brief Guide to Bird-Friendly Building Design

New mandates go into effect January 10, 2021.


categories-new-york-city-decoder-convert-rooftop-code-zoning

Want to Convert Your Rooftop? 3 Things to Keep in Mind

Code considerations for making usable rooftop spaces in New York.


categories-decoder-new-york-city-post-covid19-office-design

Reimagining Design for the New Normal: Offices

It’s more than plexiglass and 6 feet. Before you put up the partitions, check with the code.


categories-decoder-new-york-post-covid-19-design-museums-building-code-zoning-news

Reimagining Design for the New Normal: Museums

Museums are now open in NYC! See how these valuable cultural institutions are safeguarding patrons now and in the near future.


categories-bites-and-barriers-phase2-outdoor-restaurant-seating-nyc-covid19-decoder

Bites and Barriers

How to Create Code-Compliant Temporary Outdoor Dining Seating Amid COVID-19 Crisis.


Post-Covid19-Coronavirus-Cubicles-Inside-Office-Building-NYC-categories

5 Things to Consider for Post-Quarantine Workspace Design

As New York starts to reopen after months of quarantine from COVID-19 novel coronavirus, many workplaces are wondering how to get people back in the office while still ensuring employee safety. From simple solutions to new technologies, here are five things to keep in mind.


NYC-Future-Building-Construction-Covid19-categories

Looking Ahead: The Future of Construction in New York City

What will construction look like when the stop order is lifted?


categories-2020-emergency-staging-temporary-hospitals-NYC

All Hands on Deck: Emergency Work during COVID-19 Crisis

How to navigate filing for emergency staging and temporary hospital projects.


categories-covid-19-new-york-city-dob-service-notices

COVID-19 Hits NYC Construction

Navigating filing and construction in the midst of New York on PAUSE.


categories-2020-nyc-energy-conservation-code

Looking to the Future: The 2020 NYC Energy Conservation Code

The new code will go into effect on May 12, 2020.


mandatory-sustainable-roofing

Mandatory Sustainable Roofing Required for New Buildings and Enlargements.

What you need to know when Local Laws 92 & 94 go into effect.


basement-apartment-conversion-pilot-program

Local Law 49 - Basement Apartment Conversion Pilot Program

Select areas in Brooklyn may now be permitted to create lawful cellar apartments.


more-than-just-a-sign

It’s 2019! It’s More Than Just a Sign

A refresher on gender neutral bathroom signs


Local Law 195 - Fire Alarm Applications

Local Law 195 - Fire Alarm Applications

If you're experiencing longer wait times for fire alarm application review, this could be the reason why.


Tick Tock…Your 20 Minutes Are Up!

Tick Tock…Your 20 Minutes Are Up!

Reduced plan exam appointments for Alteration Type 1 applications.


dob-now

Are YOU ready for DOB Now?

Here is what you need to know, in a nutshell.


inspect-what-you-expect

Inspect what YOU expect

The Department of buildings has a long history of allowing Design Applicants or a designated Third-Party Inspectors the ability to conduct a final construction inspection on their projects.


not-so-little-rascals

Not So Little Rascals

If you have ever been at home sick watching daytime television, you’ve certainly seen commercials for Rascal scooters and similar devices. These devices are typically larger than a standard wheel chair and may have difficulty maneuvering within a building.


ll-141-exceptions-accessibility-and-you

LL 141, Exceptions, Accessibility and You

The New York City Council introduces hundreds of new local laws each year. In 2013 Local Law 141 was enacted which solidified the adoption of an NYC modification of the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) as the new city Building Code


fees-go-up-and-down

Fees Go Up and Down

Recently the DOB changed some of its application fees for residential buildings. Some fees went up, some went down. The news fees were originally laid out by LL56 of 2016, but only implemented into DOB systems on March 5, 2018. For the new fees, the DOB created of new classification and pricing tier for buildings above and below 7 stories and 100,000 square feet.


the-church-and-the-liquor-store

The Church and the Liquor Store

You rarely see liquor stores alongside churches and schools in New York City. It’s not a zoning restriction. It’s actually a law imposed by the New York Liquor Authority called the 200 Foot Rule.


bending-the-rules

Bending the Rules

It’s no coincidence that New York City has seen a proliferation of yoga studios in the last several years. This is largely due to the Department of Buildings distinguishing yoga studios from their “physical culture” brethren–the massage parlors, bathhouses and gyms that require BSA approval.


when-apartments-combine

When Apartments Combine

The combining of residential units has become increasingly popular in New York City. Residential combinations can range from the joining of two apartments to turning a larger multiple dwelling into a single family home.


getting-into-the-woods

Getting into the Woods

Manhattan is built to the sky with steel, concrete and glass, but a growing trend threatens to transform the composition of the famous horizon. Emboldened by the burgeoning prefabricated wood engineering process called mass timber, architects are beginning to envision the wooden high-rise. But will the Building Code oblige?


energy-requirements-expand

Energy Requirements Expand

The Department of Buildings released three Local Laws changing key definitions that broaden the types of buildings required to benchmark, upgrade lighting and install sub-meters. These Local Laws amend the Administrative Code to redefine covered buildings, city buildings and covered tenant spaces.


unisex-in-the-city

Unisex in the City

Beginning January 1st, 2017, Local Law 79 of 2016 requires single occupancy bathrooms in New York City to be available for men or women. Single occupancy bathrooms are defined as “a toilet room with no more than one water closet and no more than one urinal.”


nyc-energy-code-is-air-tight

NYC’s Energy Code is Air Tight

New York City and State will implement their new Energy Codes on October 3, 2016. New York State Energy Conservation Code (NYSECC) is based on the International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2013. The New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) is the adopted version of Local Law 91.


raising-the-ground-floor-roof

Raising the Ground Floor Roof

Perhaps the most significant piece of the Zoning for Quality and Affordability amendment is the new allowance of an extra five feet of ground floor height for many buildings.


inner-courts-shrink

Inner Courts Shrink

New York City Planning is now allowing some residential districts to have significantly smaller courts. The Zoning for Quality and Affordability Amendment (ZQA) created a category for “small inner courts,” which can be as small as 200 square feet. Small inner courts are permitted in R6 – R10 districts under the following circumstances:


how-much-is-a-lot

How Much is a Lot?

Under the Zoning for Quality and Affordability (ZQA), corner lots in R6-R10 contextual districts will now be permitted 100% lot coverage. Previously these corner lots were limited to 80% coverage.


why-opt-in-to-quality-housing

Why Opt-in to Quality Housing?

The Quality Housing Program was established in 1987 to help maintain the architectural character of New York City neighborhoods. The program includes rules concerning height, bulk, lot coverage, street line and more. Quality Housing is mandatory in contextual R6-R10 districts, but only optional in non-contextual R6-R10 districts.


nyc-industrial-residentialization

NYC’s Industrial Residentialization

The redevelopment of industrial areas for residential use has been a trend throughout New York City’s recent history. Thirty years ago it was happening in neighborhoods like Soho and Tribeca. Today luxury residential development has expanded to industry parts of Dumbo and North Brooklyn.


1968-the-year-the-code-changed

1968: The Year the Code Changed

Nineteen Sixty Eight may be the most important year in New York City building development. That year the Department released an updated Building Code. It took forty years to release another. This left a lot of buildings under the 1968 code.


accessibility-face-lift

Accessibility Face-Lift

The DOB recently released a bulletin to clarify instances when wheelchair lifts can be used within an accessible route. With few exceptions, the 2014 Building Code eliminated wheelchair lifts as a component of accessible route in “new construction.”


can-a-bedroom-in-nyc-have-a-sink

Can a Bedroom in NYC Have a Sink?

A bedroom in New York City can have lavatory in a bedroom only if it functions as a secondary lavatory. The dwelling unit would need to have a compliant, accessible bathroom elsewhere. The Building Code does not address requirements for a secondary lavatory in a bedroom, but it’s likely the DOB would require the lavatory to be fully accessible, meaning an accessible approach to the sink.


escape-from-parking-in-new-york

Escape From Parking in New York

After lengthy debate, City Council approved Mayor de Blasio’s Zoning for Quality and Affordability plan (ZQA). A key component of the plan is the relaxation of parking requirements for multiple dwellings. By eliminating parking requirements, the mayor aims to make it easier for developers to maximize zoning lots for affordable and senior housing.


landmarks-maps-nyc-architectural-heritage

Landmarks Maps NYC’s Architectural Heritage

New York’s Landmarks Preservation Commission released a citywide interactive Landmark map called Discover Landmarks NYC. The map highlights all landmarked buildings and districts in New York. Each building or district is clickable, providing an image and brief description. It’s a fun map that aims to educate locals and tourists about the architectural heritage of New York.


dob-releases-new-bathroom-prototypes

DOB Releases New Bathroom Prototypes

The DOB released new bathroom prototypes as Rule 1101-01. These prototypes serve as accessibility alternatives for buildings undergoing renovation and occupied on or before March 13, 1991. Buildings that cannot implement the prototypes are subject to the current accessibility standards for bathrooms, outlined in Chapter 11 of the 2014 Building Code.


keep-your-ramps-to-yourself

Keep Your Ramps to Yourself

Beginning in 1987, accessibility laws required all new buildings in New York to have entrances at grade. However, in an effort to improve accessibility in older buildings, the Department of Transportation allows pre-1987 buildings to construct entrance ramps extending beyond the property line under revocable consent.


opening-up-to-convenience-stairs

Opening Up to Convenience Stairs

Convenience stairs, loosely defined as any non-egress stairs, are increasingly popular in New York retail establishments. Most establishments prefer open convenience stairs as opposed to fully enclosed shaft stairs. Because open convenience stairs pose increased fire hazards, they are required to abide by a strict series of code. Here is how open convenience stairs may be permissible with the most allowances.


street-tree-smarts

Street Tree Smarts

NYC’s street tree planting requirement may leave some developers out on a limb. Since the Street Tree Amendment of 2007 all new buildings, major enlargements and certain conversions are required to plant street trees. If a building owner fails to plant street trees, the DOB will not issue a TCO.


new-fire-codes-to-know

New Fire Codes to Know

So many new codes have been released since 2014 that building professionals are still catching their collective breath. The FDNY released a memo simplifying some of the most important changes in the 2014 Fire Code. The changes can broadly be categorized to include codes relating to fire escape plans and those relating to road and rooftop accessibility.


opening-up-the-lot-line-windows

Opening Up the Lot Line Windows

The Department of Buildings recently released Buildings Bulletin 2015-017 to clarify code requirements related to lot line windows on R-2 and R-3 buildings.


building-etiquette

Building Etiquette

As expected, Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick Chandler released a Code of Conduct memo outlining the rules and regulations for industry professionals.


dob-target-bad-actors

DOB Targets Bad Actors

Integrity is a pillar of DOB Commissioner Rick Chandler’s Building One City blueprint. DOB employees have been subject to a Code of Conduct since 2009. The Code of Conduct establishes ethical codes and standards of conduct for DOB employees. In the summer of 2015 the DOB will release an industrywide Code of Conduct that will extend to developers, professionals and other project stakeholders.


where-do-i-sign

Where Do I Sign?

Though New Yorkers may feel inundated with signage, signage is heavily regulated by the Zoning Resolution’s Use Regulations in Article 3 Section 2. The Zoning Resolution heavily regulates signage in residential districts, while commercial and manufacturing districts are generally more permissive.


constraints-of-non-conforming-use

Constraints of Non-Conforming Use

New York City has undergone several zoning changes over the years. When a district undergoes a major zoning change, a building’s use doesn’t necessarily have to fall in line. The building can remain in the district under what’s called non-conforming use.


third-stairway-to-egress

Third Stairway to Egress

The Department of Buildings will soon enforce Section 403.5.2 of the Building Code requiring buildings to have a third egress stair. Applications filed on or after July 1, 2015 will be subject to the code. The enforcement date of Section 403.5.2 was postponed to give City Council time to pass a zoning text amendment discounting the floor area from the additional stairway.


when-is-a-fire-protection-plan-required

When is a Fire Protection Plan Required?

A Fire Protection Plan (FPP) is a detailed report of the life safety, fire safety and evacuation systems of a building. The plan includes narrative descriptions of the building, its safety systems and features along with drawings that denote all items within these systems.


increasing-occupancy

Increasing Occupancy

Increasing occupancy on the floor of a building requires filing an alteration type 1 application with the DOB and getting a new (or amended) certificate of occupancy. An architect will determine the nature and extent of construction required to increase the occupancy.


have-a-drink-on-nyc

Have a Drink on NYC

Before the proliferation of water bottles, drinking fountains were relied upon to quench one’s thirst. But water fountains aren’t thoughtlessly installed into buildings. The New York City Plumbing Code has clear-cut laws on access to water and water fountains.


little-e-big-headaches

Little e’s, Big Headaches

For New York City buildings, an E-designation can feel like a bad diagnosis. New York City’s Department of City Planning assigns E-designations to tax lots deemed to have hazardous materials, noise, or air quality levels below environmental requirements outlined the City Environmental Quality Review (Appendix C). An E-designation, also known as “little e,” often causes confusion for owners and frustration for design professionals.


new-special-inspections-to-rollout-in-2015

New Special Inspections to Rollout in 2015

Architects, engineers, contractors, and inspectors need to familiarize themselves with the new special inspections debuting with the 2014 Building Code that rolls out on December 31, 2014. Here are some of those new special inspections.


kicking-the-code-down-the-road

Kicking the Code Down the Road

New York City Council passed Intro 472A and 474, effectively postponing the implementation date of the new 2014 Building Code back to December 31, 2014. The new building code had previously been scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2014.


flood-amendment-considers-streetscapes

Flood Amendment Considers Streetscapes

New York City’s recently approved Flood Resilience Zoning Text Amendment means a host of changes for buildings in New York City’s flood zones. The centerpiece of the amendment is the imposition of the Flood-Resistant Construction Elevation (FRCE), defined as the FEMA flood elevation requirement plus the freeboard requirement as outlined in the building code.