Q: What is a Scissor Stair? When are Scissor Stairs permitted? Will Scissor Stairs still be permitted under the New NYC Construction Code?A: A Scissor Stair is a set of 2 interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure. The Stairs wind around each other, and are separated from each other within the enclosure, by fire rated construction having the same rating as the Stair Enclosure (usually 2-hour construction). Scissor Stairs are permitted ... Read Full Story

Q: What are the Minimum Trap/Waste Outlet Sizes for Plumbing Fixtures, the the NYC Building Code?A: Refer to Table 16-6 for the Minimum Trap Sizes, as restated below:Fixtures & Trap Sizes:Bathtub (with or without overhead Shower 1 1/2"Bidets 1 1/2"Combination Sink and Wash (Laundry Tray) 2"Dental Unit or Cuspidor 1 1/2"Drinking Fountain 1 1/2"Dishwasher, Commercial 2"Dishwasher, Domestic 1 1/2"Floor Drain 3"Funnel Drain 1 1/2"Kitchen Sink, Dome... Read Full Story

Q: When exactly is a Work Permit required from the NYC Department of Buildings for construction work?A: The Code allows 'Minor Alterations' and 'Ordinary Repairs' to buildings without the need to obtain a Work Permit provided that it meets their definition of same.Minor Alterations and Ordinary Repairs do not include the following and therefore require the issuance of a Work Permit:Cutting away of any portion of a wall, floor, or roof construction.Removal, cutting, or modifica... Read Full Story

Q: What is the criteria necessary to file for a Landmarks Expedited Review Permit?A: Landmarks Approval for construction projects can add significant lead time to issuance of a Work Permit. Landmarks offers an Expedited Review process for Alterations meeting the below criteria. We encourage all applicants that can comply with the criteria to submit their application using this method:1. Must be INTERIOR WORK ONLY;2. Must be performed ONLY ABOVE THE SECOND STORY;3. Must NOT be performed on any... Read Full Story

Q: I am filing my alteration with the NYC Department of Buildings for Permit Issuance. Are there any types of alterations that are exempt from the filing of an ACP-5 Asbestos Report? If so, what is the list of exempted items:A: As per a previous post, Buildings filed with the DOB after April 1, 1987 do not require an Asbestos Investigation (ACP-5). In addition, the following items are exempt:Accessory ParkingAwningsBuilding-SealingCandy or News StandsChange of Use, Legalization, or Certificat... Read Full Story

Above is a view into typical Brooklyn Brownstone rear yards, showing many decks and roof coverings constructed of combustible materials. Often, these structures have not been constructed legally.Q: What are the legal requirements for the construction of a Deck in the Rear Yard of a Brownstone-type building?A: When considering construction of a Deck, it is necessary to comply with the Department of Buildings requirements for Decks. Legalization of existing Decks can be problematic, because man... Read Full Story

Wikizines are interactive magazines that anyone can create or edit - and this one is called "Permitspace". Here you can find fresh voices and respond in real time. Some members write articles about recent news and trends related to the wikizine's topic, others recount relevant personal stories or share their favorite pictures and video clips. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this wikizine? Well, then put on your journalist's cap and add your ... Read Full Story

Above is an example sketch of Planters on the Sidewalk requiring Revocable ConsentQ: What is a Revocable Consent? What is required to obtain one?A: When a Building Owner wishes to construct a portion of their building beyond the Front Lot Line or Street Line, they may be required to obtain a Revocable Consent approval to do so.The Building Code allows certain, limited projections beyond the Street Line, for both above-ground and below-ground projections. These are covered in 1968 Building Cod... Read Full Story

Q: In what Occupancies are Portable Fire Extinguishers required?A: The following information is to the best of my knowledge, and may have been updated or revised. In addition, there may be some special Occupancies where portable fire extinguishers are required that are not listed below (for instance, at Outdoor Sidewalk Cafes with Gas Heaters) However, the below list is a good starting point:As per SECTION 15-02 OF TITLE 3 OF THE RULES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,"The owner or occupant of an... Read Full Story

Q: What is an As-of-Right Development?A: An AS-OF-RIGHT development is a DEVELOPMENT which complies with all applicable zoning regulations and does not require any discretionary action (special permit or variance) by the City Planning Commission or Board of Standards and Appeals for approval.The significance is as follows:A Developer acquires a vacant, 2,000 sq ft ZONING LOT in a Residence District which has a Maximum FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR) of, say 4.0.To determine the maximum ZONING FLOOR AR... Read Full Story