Volume 2 | Issue 2: DOT 24/7 Emergency Permit Call Center & Construction Superintendents - What You Should Know

DOT 24/7 EMERGENCY PERMIT CALL CENTER

RPO is very pleased to announce that its 24/7 DOT Emergency Permit Call Center is now live.

This service will enable your field staff to phone our call center from the job site and have an e-permit issued when they are ready to commence work. This service provides numerous benefits to clients, such as:

* Ease of use - field staff need only call our center. Our trained consultants will work with them to ascertain the detailed requirements of the job to ensure they obtain the proper permit.

* Timing- no prior planning is needed on the part of your staff. The proper permit can be obtained at the exact time it is required and after verifying the field conditions.

* Automatic permit conversion - once e-permits are processed through the call center, permit conversions will occur automatically and on time. This will reduce or eliminate the need for clients' middle office management of these permits.

* Reduction of violations - proper timing will eliminate violations for not beginning work within the prescribed time frame, and more detailed information will yield better stipulations on permit conversions. This will makes it easier for contractors to lawfully perform work, thus reducing the risk of incurring these types of violations.

CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENTS -

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

We have had numerous inquiries about the licensure and limitations of Construction Superintendents.

One of the questions we were recently asked is:

"Can I use a Site Safety Manager to perform the duties of a Construction Superintendent (CS) for a project that requires a CS?"

The answer is NO.  You must use a registered CS for these projects. 

Furthermore, the Department of Buildings (DOB) is stepping up its enforcement of the limit of 10 active jobs for Construction Superintendents.  They are working to add an automatic stop at permit issuance if a CS is already registered for 10 active jobs.  Some ways to manage this problem are:

*  Obtain sign-offs or letters of completion expeditiously for jobs that are completed; or

*  Request a waiver of the CS requirement when all construction/demolition work that triggered the requirement is completed in accordance with the approved construction documents.  Once submitted, reviewed and approved, the DOB may remove the CS requirement and disassociate the CS from that project allowing her/him to be eligible to register for other project(s). 

Please contact our office for more information about what types of projects require Construction Superintendents or to assist you in obtaining a CS waiver. 

2017 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!

Please contact our office at (212) 566-5110 to receive yours. 

Volume 2 | Issue 1: Cycle 8 Facade Inspection Due Soon! & Proposed Regulation Change For Sign Filings

CYCLE 8 FAÇADE INSPECTIONS DUE SOON! 

RPO would like to remind clients that the Cycle 8 Façade inspections for sub-cycle A buildings (buildings within blocks that end in 4, 5, 6, or 9) are due on February 21, 2017.

These inspections are required for buildings greater than six stories and entail inspection of the façade and exterior appurtenances.

We can assist in providing guidance of the various inspections and how to file deficiency reports. We can also refer clients to an inspector, if needed. Be mindful that this is a set deadline that may result in issuance of violations if the report is not properly and punctually filed.

PROPOSED REGULATION CHANGE FOR SIGN FILINGS

The Department of Buildings (DOB) proposes a change that would allow licensed sign hangers (Master Sign Hangers and Special Sign Hangers) to file applications to install certain wall-mounted, accessory signs and related structural elements.

Previously, it was required to have a licensed design professional to act as applicant of record for these filings. Of course, all of the design requirements would still need to be met, but the licensed sign hangers could act autonomously in filing and obtaining permits for the types of signs indicated under the proposed legislation.

RPO is equipped to provide guidance to sign hangers and to prepare sign installation plans for its clients. We will provide updates about proposed changes as they occur. Here is a link to the proposed legislation: Click Here

Volume 1 | Issue 9: Changes To Elevator Door Monitoring System - Permit Inspection

CHANGES TO ELEVATOR DOOR MONITORING SYSTEM - PERMIT AND INSPECTION

Modifications to the New York City Building Code mandate that by January 1, 2020, all automatic passenger and freight elevators must provide a system to monitor and prevent automatic operation with faulty door contact circuits.   

Work done to comply with this requirement will need an Elevator Application under an EBN (Elevator Buildings Notice) - a permit from the Elevator Unit - and department inspections.  Design and/or controller modifications for such jobs must be approved by the controller manufacturer or a Professional Engineer or a Registered Architect.  

Inspection agencies must include inspection/testing of door monitoring circuit in their Maintenance Control Program and checklist when performing CAT1 test subsequent to satisfying the requirement.  All work performed for the addition of door monitor circuits including all reports submitted to the Department of Buildings are subject to audit.

While this work is not required to be complete until 2020, it is advisable to be mindful of this requirement when performing elevator work between now and then.  If you require further consultation about this requirement, please contact our office.  

MANHATTAN GAS FINISH / GAS AUTHORIZATION MAY NO LONGER BE SELF-CERTIFIED 

As we mentioned in an earlier newsletter, effective Tuesday, November 22, 2016, Gas Test and Gas Finish self-certifications will no longer be allowed for work done in Manhattan. A physical inspection by the Department of Buildings will now be required. 

This will also apply for all emergency work requiring Gas Finish inspections in Manhattan.

Emergency Work Notifications shall be processed through the LAA Unit by the Licensed Master Plumber, with all required notifications to be sent to the appropriate utility company.  Final inspections and sign-off requests will be processed by the LMP through the DOB Now: Inspections. 

Please contact our office if you require further consulting or assistance in processing these requests.   

Volume 1 | Issue 8: NYC DOT 2016 Holiday Construction Embargo Notification & Gas Test And Gas Finish Self-Certification Ending In Manhattan

2016 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HOLIDAY CONSTRUCTION EMBARGO – STARTING NOVEMBER 18, 2016

The DOT Holiday Construction Embargo will be in effect for the period of Friday, November 18, 2016 from 6:00 AM to 11:59 pm and from 6:00 AM Monday, November 21, 2016 through 11:59 PM Monday, January 2, 2017.

All routine work shall be suspended during the embargo period unless approval for the work is granted by the Department's Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination (OCMC). Suspension of work does not apply to emergency work for which an emergency number is obtained by the permittee.

Any permits issued into or through the embargo period that do not include permit stipulation "410," which specifically allows work through the embargo, are suspended during the embargo. All permittees must comply with this embargo unless a waiver is granted by the DOT permit office.

Waiver requests are not required for ongoing Construction Permits that already include the "410" permit stipulation. RPO Inc. has already negotiated waivers for some of its clients which will eliminate the need for them to apply for waivers and permit renewals related to the embargo.

All other RPO projects that fall within the embargo area are being carefully reviewed, we will contact clients to discuss specific construction needs through the embargo and we will prepare waiver requests accordingly.

Waiver requests may be filed through November 11, 2016. 

Prior to this embargo period all necessary measures must be taken so that all roadways and sidewalks are in proper condition to allow for the expeditious and safe movement of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Additionally, on all holiday season gridlock alert days lane closures are prohibited from 6:00 AM to midnight on many highways (and their service roads), including East and Harlem River Bridge Crossings with the exception that work behind permanent barriers, not impacting vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic flow may continue.

The holiday season gridlock alert days are as follows:

Friday, November 18
Wednesday, November 23
Wednesday, November 30
Friday, December 9
Wednesday, December 14
Thursday, December 15
Friday, December 16
Wednesday, December 21
Thursday, December 22
Friday, December 23

GAS TEST AND GAS FINISH SELF-CERTIFICATIONS ENDING IN MANHATTAN

Effective November 1, 2016 gas self-certifications will no longer be available for work done in Manhattan.

Beginning November 1, 2016 all Gas Test and Gas Finish inspections in Manhattan will no longer be allowed to be self-certified.  These inspections will be required to be witnessed by a Department of Buildings plumbing inspector. 

All inspections must be requested using DOB NOW: Inspections. When requesting an inspection you will be required to select one of the following inspection types so that DOB can schedule an appropriate amount of time for your project: 

PL - Up to 3 Requested Floors - for inspections covering 1, 2 or 3 floors.
PL - Up to 9 Requested Floors -for inspections covering 4 - 9 floors. 
PL - More than 10 Requested Floors - for inspections of 10 or more floors.

When requesting an inspection you must specify whether the inspection will be for:

Gas - Test
Gas - Finish

For Advance Notices for Gas Test and Gas Finish inspections in Manhattan submitted prior to November 1, 2016, you will still be able to submit certifiable results in DOB NOW: Inspections 24 hours from the time you indicated on your Advance Notice.

Please contact our office if you need any additional information about this policy change.

Volume 1 | Issue 7: 2016 New York Energy Conservation Code & 14+ Foundation Annual Cocktail Benefit

2016 NEW YORK ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

The Department of Buildings has adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 as the NYC Energy Conservation Code. This code will go into effect on October 3rd, 2016.

The following policy changes are as followed:

            -Applications filed on or after October 3rd, 2016 will be subject to the 2016 NYCECC.

            -Complete applications filed on or before October 2nd, 2016 will be subject to the 2014 NYCECC.

NOTE: Complete applications are those that meet the submittal requirements of the NYC DOB Plan Examination Guidelines and include a complete energy analysis.

            -Incomplete applications filed on or before October 2nd, 2016 may be subject to the 2016 NYCECC.

14+ FOUNDATION ANNUAL COCKTAIL BENEFIT

Rarely do I reach out and ask clients to participate in philanthropic endeavors. No doubt we all receive numerous solicitations each year and we all have our own priorities about which causes to support.

Having said that, I would like to bring to the 14+ Foundation to your attention. This foundation was established to develop, build and operate schools and orphanages in rural African communities. It was co-founded by someone who I know personally and have much admiration and respect for - Joe Mizzi. Knowing Joe and participating in many past events, I know first-hand the passion and care that has gone into this cause.

I am proud to support the good work of the foundation and I ask that you read about it and support it along with me. Here is a link to the website (14+ Foundation) and an exciting up-coming event on October 6. I hope you will be able to join me there.

Thursday, October 6th, 2016

Cocktail Benefit: 6:00PM - 8:30PM
After Part: 8:30PM - 11:00PM

Vandal | 199 Bowery, NYC

Thank you,

Michael Pressel

Volume 1 | Issue 6: ECB Violation Amnesty Program - Act Fast! & Construction Superintendent Rule Revision: Reminder Of Expanded Scope Of Work and Duties

ECB VIOLATION AMNESTY PROGRAM - ACT FAST! 

The City Council has approved a measure for the NYC Department of Finance to offer amnesty on outstanding Environmental Control Board (ECB) violations. 

The amnesty program will be in effect for only 90 days beginning on September 12, 2016 and it has the potential to yield significant savings to those with outstanding violations.

Here is how it works:

For violations that are in default, the program allows respondents to pay only the base penalty and will waive the default fee and interest. Typically the default penalty is double to triple the base penalty, so together with the waiver of accrued interest, amnesty could present significant savings on defaulted violations.

For violations that have been adjudicated and found in violation, the DOF will accept 75% of the stipulated penalty and will waive accrued interest. 

The program has some restrictions. 

1. Violations that are the subject of a prior settlement may not be included
2. Respondent must settle ALL violations in their name; this is an all or nothing stipulation
3. Participation constitutes an admission of guilt for the all of the violations
4. If a violation requires certificate of correction, respondent must sign an agreement committing to correction within six months
5. Respondents who are the subject of criminal investigations may not participate

RPO, Inc. is ready to assist clients in yielding the significant savings under this program, but planning and action should begin immediately. 

For further information contact:

Kevin Danielson, Esq. at RPO, Inc.

(212) 566-5110 extension 1113

CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENT RULE REVISION:

REMINDER OF EXPANDED SCOPE OF WORK AND DUTIES

RPO, Inc. wishes to remind its clients that the second phase of new Construction Superintendent responsibilities will take effect on August 30, 2016.

The first phase of changes under 1 RCNY 3301-02 already took effect on May 30, 2016 to invoke the following changes with respect to Construction Superintendents:

          - Assure compliance with Chapter 33 of the Building Code
          - Assure work conforms to plans
          - Designate a competent person to provide full-time safety supervision at the jobsite
          - Notify the Department of accidents, damage to adjoining property, and certain other conditions by contacting the BEST-SSM/SSC/CS hotline at (212) 393-2128
          - Promptly correct any unsafe conditions discovered
          - Upon each visit to the jobsite, inspect the entire work area and maintain a job site log
1-, 2-, or 3-family NBs will no longer require a Construction Superintendent
          - All other job types requiring a Construction Superintendent will continue to do so

Beginning August 30, 2016, the second Phase of the expanded law will add the following requirements:

The Construction Superintendent must visit the jobsite each day work occurs
Alteration permits issued or renewed on or after August 30, 2016 will require a Construction Superintendent if the job is not a site safety job under a Site Safety Program and the work includes one of the following:

         - Vertical or horizontal enlargement

         - Demolitions of more than 50% of floor area of the existing building

For on-going projects administered by RPO, Inc., our staff will notify clients affected by these changes. If you would like additional information please contact our office.