As part two of our “building inclusivity” series, this March we will be celebrating the long history of women in the construction field; from empowering stories of accomplishment to unveiled hidden histories, this article seeks to uncover the lesser-known voices that helped build this industry.

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting some influential Black figures in construction, architecture, and engineering history. Even if you don’t know them by name, you will probably know their work!

One in five New Yorkers may be drinking lead-contaminated water, according to an alarmingly recent report. With over 150,000 lead pipes citywide, replacing our infrastructure will be a colossal undertaking—and the plans are already in motion.

Outsource Special Inspections (OSI), a trusted source for special inspections in New York City since 2012, is excited to announce its transition from a Class 2 to Class 1 agency. This upgrade, which significantly expands the amount of inspections offered by OSI, marks a major milestone for the company.

Outsource Consultants, Inc., expediting, building code, and zoning experts in New York City for 30 years and counting, is thrilled to announce a new MBE certification from the New York City School Construction Authority (NYC SCA). The certification will be the fourth addition to Outsource’s current collection of MBEs from accredited institutions, including NYC Small Business Services (SBE), New York State (NYS), and New York & New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council (NYNJMSDC).

The weather is getting colder, and you know what that means: grab your sweaters and hot chocolate, and prepare for your construction projects to be impacted by another round of holiday embargoes!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

In response to the high rate of fatal overdoses in the construction industry, New York City health and building departments will be conducting educational outreach at construction sites, per a recent press release.

Millions of New Yorkers and television-watchers anticipate NYC’s annual Thanksgiving parade, but festivities around the holidays can pose a nuisance for construction. If your construction project requires a permit approval from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for interfering with public transportation, it may be affected.

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

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.

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

Starting June 5th, if you have any summonses with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), you will not be able to renew your license.

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.

New submission rules, construction superintendent limits, revoked training, and their potential impacts on your next project.

If you’re a contractor with active Department of Transportation permits in New York City, a couple of recently-announced DOT initiatives may impact your projects through at least the end of 2022.

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.

See if and when your upcoming projects will be affected.

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.

Check out Decoder’s highlights from the past year.

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

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

Did the Zero Tolerance safety campaign get the outcome it wanted? What will it mean for the future?

As of September 14, 2021, the NYC Department of Buildings will not require fees for filing and permits for Hurricane Ida-related damage.

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

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

Learn what this means for NYC construction going forward.

On June 1, 2021, the NYC Department of Buildings announced a slew of unannounced site safety sweeps across the city.

Permit holders liable for all workers who did not complete 40-hour training as of March 1, 2021.

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

Take note of the new dates for license and permit deadlines.

As non-essential construction has gotten back on its feet in the wake of New York’s phased reopening, DOB inspectors have been patient with site managers as the industry adjusted to the new site safety measures put in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19 among construction workers.

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

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

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

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

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

To BIS or to DOB NOW?

Your waterfront project may need permits from an unlikely source.

Special Considerations for Cold-Formed Steel Construction.

Keep your workers posted before they miss their deadline.

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

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

Reduced plan exam appointments for Alteration Type 1 applications.

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