Outsource Consultants, Inc is a permit expediting and code consulting company that was established in 1993. It is based in New York City, and offers a wide range of construction services from code consultation to building compliance. There are many different types of projects that Outsource handles, such as filings, approvals, permits, Sign-Offs, certificates of occupancy, Consultation, Special Inspections and Violations. Outsource and its sister company Outsource Special Inspections, can handle any project in borough and outer borough. With the help of our subsidiaries Outsource CEU, BuilidingOwl, and OPTS, Outsource has developed software to track and monitor the building department at a very high level.

Outsource assists in code consultation through construction services and compliance. Their in-house consultants assist in taking on complex issues involving Municipal Building Code^[1] and Zoning^[2] Laws. Outsource aids in Building, Zoning, Plumbing and Mechanical code issues, feasibility studies, reconsiderations, CCD1s, amendments, fire safety, land use and landmark services. Outsource files all DOB applications from new buildings to alterations, encompassing all job types including mechanical and plumbing, sprinkler and standpipe, façade and place of assembly. Outsource also secures DOT, Landmarks, DEP and FDNY approvals. Outsource also obtains DOB permits for all work types, EUP, DOT, after hours permits and more. Outsource provides all sign-off services for DOB applications, DOT highway letters, Landmarks and FDNY.

This is the user sandbox of Jackie Hutzler. A user sandbox is a subpage of the user's user page. It serves as a testing spot and page development space for the user and is not an encyclopedia article. Create or edit your own sandbox here. Other sandboxes: Main sandbox | Template sandbox Finished writing a draft article? Are you ready to request review of it by an experienced editor for possible inclusion in Wikipedia? Submit your draft for review!

In 1993, Joseph Roselli, Mithun Islam, Diego Caballero, and Anthony Roselli had a vision for a full service, minority-owned expediting company. Outsource Consultants, Inc. was born, and has currently grown to 68 employees. Over the last twenty five years, Outsource has steadily evolved into one of the largest expediting companies in New York City. On its way to prominence, Outsource has explored different projects to stimulate success in the competitive expediting industry. In 2002, the OPTS (Outsource Project Tracking System) was launched to organize the status of current and past projects. 2008 was a compelling year for Outsource, they published a blog called "Decoder", a news source covering topics in DOB and Building code. In addition to Decoder, Outsource announced their acquisition of the of Arc Consultants, further expanding their established position in the industry. Finally, one of their more impressive and unique feats came in 2014 when Outsource launched the "OutsourCEU" (continued education program). This program offers a multitude of courses for architects approved and taught by certified AIA instructors.

New Buildings

Any structure which is located within the lot lines of a zoning lot, is permanently affixed to the land, has one of more floors and a roof, is bounded by open area or fire walls, has at least one primary entrance, provides all the vertical circulation and exit systems required for

such building by the New York City Building Code without reliance on other buildings, including required stairs and elevators, and contains all the fire protection systems required for such building by the New York City Building Code without reliance on other buildings, including fire suppression or fire alarm systems.

Alt 1

Any alteration that will require a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy. So, the entire point of an Alt 1 is to change the C of O or if the building is pre-1938 to get your first C of O.

Alt 2

Multiple types of work not affecting use, egress, or occupancy

Alt 3

One type of minor work not affecting use, egress, or occupancy

Bulk

The term used to describe the size of buildings or other structures and their relationships to each other

Floor Area Ratio

The total floor area on a zoning lot, divided by the lot area of that zoning lot. If two or more buildings are located on the same zoning lot, the floor area ratio is the sum of their floor areas divided by the lot area.

Vacates

The City may issue a Vacate Order to ensure public safety from damaged buildings, illegal conditions, or dangerous conditions that may exist on or near the property. The amount of time a vacate order is in effect depends on the severity of the problem and how soon an unsafe condition is corrected. Details are provided on the stickers posted on the property.

Violations^[3]

The NYC Construction Codes require owners to build and maintain their properties in safe condition. Inspectors issue OATH/ECB violations when property or construction doesn’t comply with NYC Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution and other applicable laws and rules. Open violations can prevent an owner from selling or refinancing.

OATH/ECB Violations ^[4]

The most commonly issued violation is the OATH/ECB Notice of Violation. There are three classes of OATH/ECB violations:

·      Class 1 (Immediately Hazardous)

·      Class 2 (Major); and

·      Class 3 (Lesser)    

Mobile Electronic Violations^[5]

The Department of Buildings is piloting mobile electronic violations for OATH Summonses and DOB Violations. Following are the notable changes:

·      Violations are electronically generated, signed and printed by the inspector onsite

·      Information is typed instead of handwritten

·      OATH Summons number starts with 039; DOB Violation number starts with VIO

·      Penalty amounts are provided on OATH Summons

View the new format. The process for respondents to cure conditions and respond to violations has not changed and the violation and summons information is still available in the Buildings Information System (BIS).

DOB Violations^[6]

As with ECB violations, DOB violation information is public and will appear in a property title search. Open violations can prevent an owner from selling or refinancing. The Department will not issue new or amended Certificates of Occupancy or Letters of Completion when DOB violations remain active.

Sign-Offs^[7]

Once the project is completed, the owner or the owner’s authorized representative must ensure the following items/tasks are completed/submitted prior to project sign-off:  completed reports for all the required Special Inspections submitted by SIA’s; all required Department inspections are performed; self-certification of results performed by contractors of record are submitted; and the Department Final Inspection is performed.

·      Submission of Special Inspections can be done online by Special Inspection Agency.

·      Request for Department inspections required during various project stages online, and resolve any objections, if any.

·      If the Contractor elects to self-certify the required DOB inspections, make sure to submit an online notice of intent to self-certify, which may be audited, followed by inspection results.

·      Complete the final sign-off inspection to close the project.

·      Substantive changes require a PAA. If the completed project has changes that are not substantive, As-built drawings are required.  The Applicant-of-Record must submit revised as-built drawing(s) prior to project sign-off.

Permits^[8]

The majority of construction requires a Department of Buildings permit.  Most often, a New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must file plans and pull permits before work begins.

There are many permit types, such as construction, boiler, elevator, and plumbing. The primary permit applications are: New Building (NB), and Alterations Type-1, 2, and 3:

·      NB: Construction of new structures

·      ALT1: Major alterations that will change use, egress or occupancy

·      ALT2: Multiple types of work, not affecting use, egress or occupancy

·      ALT3: One type of minor work, not affecting use, egress or occupancy

Expediting^[9]

The official name for expeditor is “filing representative,” which means they lead projects through the process of dealing with the Department of Buildings (DOB). This includes:

• Scheduling meetings
• Interpreting permit applications and drawings
• Offering advice on what’s required for permits
• Explaining building codes

Zoning^[10]

There are a lot of rules and regulations when it comes to zoning. Below are a list of relatable terms.

Boatel^[11]

A “boatel” is a building or group of buildings which: contains living or sleeping accommodations used primarily for transient occupancy; and is immediately accessible by boat.

Detached (building)

A "detached" building is a building surrounded by yards or other open area on the same zoning lot.

Dwelling unit

A "dwelling unit" contains at least one room in a residential building, residential portion of a building, or non-profit hospital staff dwelling, and is arranged, designed, used or intended for use by one or more persons living together and maintaining a common household, and which dwelling unit includes lawful cooking space and lawful sanitary facilities reserved for the occupants thereof.

Fire wall

(a) A “fire wall” is a fire-resistance-rated smoke-tight wall having protected openings which restricts the spread of fire and extends vertically without offset, continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, and is in accordance with the specifications of the New York City Building Code for fire walls or fire wall separations, as applicable. (b) Where a wall constructed prior to February 2, 2011, does not meet the requirements of paragraph (a), but does meet the fire wall specifications of the New York City Building Code pursuant to which it was constructed, such wall shall be considered a fire wall. In the event that such wall either fails to meet such specifications, or no specifications for fire walls existed at the time of its construction, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings shall determine whether such wall shall be considered a fire wall for the purpose of determining the boundary of a building.

Gambling vessel

A "gambling vessel" is any ferry, sightseeing, excursion, sport fishing or passenger ocean vessel that operates a shipboard gambling business subject to regulation under Title 20-A of the Administrative Code of the City of New York or any successor legislation.

Inclusionary Housing designated area

An “Inclusionary Housing designated area” is a specified area in which the Inclusionary Housing Program is applicable, pursuant to the regulations set forth for such areas in Section 23-90 (INCLUSIONARY HOUSING), inclusive. The locations of Inclusionary Housing designated areas are identified in APPENDIX F of this Resolution or in Special Purpose Districts, as applicable.

Industrial floor space

“Industrial floor space” is floor area or cellar space, excluding mechanical space and common space such as hallways, lobbies or stairways, with a minimum clear height from floor to ceiling of 15 feet, and allocated to one or more of the manufacturing, semi-industrial or industrial uses listed in Use Groups 11A, 16A (excluding animal hospitals or kennels; animal pounds or crematoriums; automobile, motorcycle, trailer or boat sales, open or enclosed; crematoriums, human; motorcycle or motor scooter rental establishments; poultry or rabbit killing establishments, for retail sale on the same zoning lot only; riding academies, open or enclosed; stables for horses; and trade schools for adults), 16B, 16D (limited to wholesale establishments, with no limitation on accessory storage), 17 or 18A. Industrial floor space shall not include any diagnostic medical laboratories that receive patients.

Initial setback distance

An "initial setback distance" is a horizontal distance measured from a street line into a zoning lot for a depth as set forth in the district regulations.

Large-scale development

A “large-scale development” is either a large-scale community facility development, a large-scale general development or a large-scale residential development.

Legally required window

A "legally required window" is a window or portion of a window (including a window either in addition to or as a substitute for mechanical ventilation) which is required by any applicable law or statute to provide light or ventilation to a "living room," as defined in the Housing Maintenance Code.

Loft dwelling

A "loft dwelling" is a dwelling unit in the Special Tribeca Mixed Use District, in a building designed for non- residential use erected prior to December 15, 1961. Regulations governing loft dwellings are set forth in Sections 111-11 (Residential Use Modification) and 111-40 (REQUIREMENTS FOR LOFT DWELLINGS CONSTRUCTED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 13, 2010).

Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area

A “Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area” is a specified area in which the Inclusionary Housing Program is applicable, pursuant to the regulations set forth for such areas in Section 23-90 (INCLUSIONARY HOUSING), inclusive.

Manhattan Core

The "Manhattan Core" is the area within Manhattan Community Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Mixed building

A "mixed building" is a building in a Commercial District used partly for residential use and partly for community facility or commercial use.

Non-complying, or non-compliance

a “non-complying” building or other structure is any lawful building or other structure which does not comply with any one or more of the applicable district bulk regulations either on December 15, 1961 or as a result of a subsequent amendment thereto. A “non-compliance” is a failure by a non-complying building or other structure to comply with any one of such applicable bulk regulations.

Non-profit hospital staff dwelling

A "non-profit hospital staff dwelling" is a dwelling owned by a non-profit institution or subsidiary non-profit housing corporation and which contains dwelling units reserved exclusively for occupancy by members of the staff of a non-profit or voluntary hospital and their immediate family.

Non-residential building

A “non-residential building” is a building containing no residences

Open space ratio

The "open space ratio" of a zoning lot is the number of square feet of open space on the zoning lot, expressed as a percentage of the floor area on that zoning lot. (For example, if for a particular zoning lot an open space ratio of 20 is required, 20,000 square feet of floor area in the building would necessitate 4,000 square feet of open space on the zoning lot; or, if 6,000 square feet of lot area were in open space, 30,000 square feet of floor area could be on that zoning lot.) Each square foot of open space per 100 square feet of floor area is referred to as one point.

Plaza

A "plaza" is an open area for public use on a zoning lot.

Primary entrance

“Primary entrances” are the principal entrances to a building utilized for day-to-day pedestrian ingress and egress. Other entrances solely used for freight, service or emergency egress shall not constitute a primary entrance.

Public park

A “public park” is any publicly owned park, playground, beach, parkway or roadway within the jurisdiction and control of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, except for park strips or malls in a street the roadways of which are not within the Commissioner’s jurisdiction and control.

Publicly accessible open area

A “publicly accessible open area” is an open area for public use on a zoning lot developed in accordance with the requirements of a plaza, residential plaza, urban plaza or public plaza.

Shoreline^[12]

The “shoreline” is the mean high water line, as deter mined in accordance with the procedure set forth by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

https://nyrej.com/2017-women-in-building-services-zoe-hutzler-outsource-consultants^[13]

https://nyrej.com/executive-of-the-month-natalicchio-chief-marketing-officer-of-outsource-no-stranger-to-branding-and-marketing^[14]

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/31/realestate/lot-line-window-keep-your-fingers-crossed.html^[15]

Outsource Special Inspections is a registered class 2 special inspections agency in New York City. Outsource Special Inspections provides TR1 and TR8 inspections, consulting services, and continuing education training for architects. OSI give inspections in categories such as Architectural Inspections, Energy Inspections, Fire Inspections, Mechanical Inspections, and Structural Inspections. Outsource Special Inspections is currently run by Miguel Lizardo, and has 6 employees.

AABC^[16]

Associated Air Balance Council

ACI ^[17]

American Concrete Institute

Accreditation

Evaluation of agencies, including testing and calibration laboratories, fabricators and inspection bodies, against internationally acceptable standards to demonstrate their performance capability. Such accreditation is required to be conducted by a nationally recognized accreditation agency accrediting to ASTM E329-14 international standard, the requirements of this rule, and approved by the department.

Air sealing and insulation –visual inspection (Residential)^[18]

Part of a TR8 that includes a visual inspection of openings and penetrations in the building envelope, including site-built fenestration and doors to verify that they are properly sealed, in accordance with Table 402.4.2

Air sealing and insulation – visual inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of Openings and penetrations in the building envelope, including site-built fenestration and doors to verify that a continuous air barrier around the envelope forms an air-tight enclosure. The progress inspector shall visually inspect to verify that materials and/or assemblies have been tested and meet the requirements of the respective standards, or that the building is tested and meets the requirements of the standard, in accordance with the standard(s) cited in the approved plans.

ASHRAE^[19]

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Inc.

AWS^[20]

American Welding Society

Certification^[21]

Documented acknowledgment by a nationally recognized organization of a technician’s competency to perform certain functions.

Class 1^[22]

An agency registered as a Class 1 special inspection agency for a special inspection category will be permitted to perform the work associated with such special inspection category on any project.

Class 2

An agency registered as a Class 2 special inspection agency for a special inspection category will be permitted to perform the work associated with such special inspection category on any project, except those involving:

1. The construction of a new major building;

2. The full demolition of a major building;

3. The alteration of a major building including: a. The removal of an entire story or more; b. The partial demolition of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or more of gross floor area; or c. The partial demolition of twenty (20) percent or more of the gross floor area.

4. The enlargement of a major building by more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area

Class 3

An agency registered as a Class 3 special inspection agency for a special inspection category will be permitted to perform the work associated with this category on the following projects only: 1. The construction, demolition, or alteration of a one-, two-, or three-family dwelling; or 2. The alteration of any building, including partial demolition, of less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet of gross floor area in total. Exception: The special inspection categories of underpinning, mechanical means and methods of demolition, and the protection of the sides of excavations greater than ten (10) feet in depth must be performed only by special inspection agencies registered as either class 1 or class 2 special inspection agencies for such

categories.

Design Applicant

An applicant of record who develops, signs and seals the construction drawings. The design applicant may be someone other than the registered design professional who prepares, signs, and seals the energy analysis.

Duct leakage testing (Residential)

Where the air handler and/or some ductwork is in unconditioned space, duct-leakage testing shall be performed either after rough-in or post-construction to ensure compliance with ECC 403.2.2. Not less than 20% of such ductwork shall be tested.

Duct leakage testing (Commercial)

For duct systems designed to operate at static pressures in excess of 3 inches w.g. (746 Pa), representative sections, as determined by the progress inspector, totaling at least 25% of the duct area, per ECC C403.2.7.1.3, shall be tested to verify that actual air leakage is below allowable amounts.

Electrical energy consumption- visual inspection (Residential)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of the presence and operation of individual meters or other means of monitoring individual dwelling units for all dwelling units.

Electrical energy consumption – visual inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of the presence and operation of individual meters or other means of monitoring individual apartments for all apartments and where required in a covered tenant space.

Electric motors (including but not limited to fan motors)-visual inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection. Where required by the construction documents for energy code compliance, motor listing or labels shall be visually inspected to verify that they comply with the respective energy requirements in the construction documents.

Electrical Power and Lighting Systems (Residential)

This classifies as a TR8 special inspection of Residential buildings and includes the inspection of Electrical energy consumption, and Interior lighting power.

Electrical Power and Lighting Systems (Commercial)

This classifies as a TR8 special inspection of Commercial buildings and includes the inspection of Electrical energy consumption, Lighting in dwelling units, Interior lighting power, Exterior lighting power, Lighting controls, Exit signs, and Electric motors.

Energy Code^[23]

The New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) is comprised of New York City local laws and the current Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS). By State law, all local government energy codes, including the NYCECC, must be more stringent than the ECCCNYS.

Envelope Inspections (Residential)

This classifies as a TR8 special inspection of Residential buildings and includes the Protection of exposed foundation insulation, Insulation placement and R-values, Fenestration U-factor and product ratings, Fenestration air leakage, Fenestration areas, Air sealing and insulation - visual inspection, and Air sealing and insulation- testing.

Envelope Inspections (Commercial)

This classifies as a TR8 special inspection of Commercial buildings and includes the inspection of the Protection of exposed foundation insulation, Insulation placement and R-values, Fenestration U-factor and product ratings, Fenestration air leakage, Fenestration areas, Air sealing and insulation-visual inspection, Projection factors, Loading dock weatherseals, and Vestibules.  

Exterior lighting power- visual inspection (Commercial)

Installed lighting shall be verified for compliance with source efficacy and/or the lighting power allowance by visual inspection of fixtures, lamps, ballasts and relevant transformers.

Exit signs- visual inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes verification of installed exit signs to conclude that the label indicates that they do not exceed maximum permitted wattage.

Fenestration^[24]

The arrangement of windows and doors on the elevations of a building.

Fenestration air leakage (Residential)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes a visual inspection of windows, skylights and sliding glass doors, except site-built windows, skylights and doors to verify that installed assemblies are listed and labeled to the referenced standard.

Fenestration air leakage (Commercial)- visual inspection

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of windows and sliding or swinging door assemblies, except site-built windows and/or doors to verify that installed assemblies are listed and labeled by the manufacturer to the referenced standard. For curtain wall, storefront glazing, commercial entrance doors and revolving doors, the testing reports shall be reviewed to verify that the installed assembly complies with the standard cited in the approved plans.

Fenestration areas (Residential)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes a visual inspection of dimensions of windows, doors and skylights.

Fenestration areas (Commercial) – Visual Inspection

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of dimensions of windows, doors and skylights

Fenestration U-factor and product ratings (Commercial)

This is part of a TR8 special inspection and includes a visual inspection of U-factors of installed fenestration for conformance with the U-factors identified in the construction drawings, either by verifying the manufacturer’s NFRC labels or, where not labeled, using the ratings in ECC Tables 303.1.3(1) and (2).

Fireplaces- visual inspection

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of the provision of combustion air and tight-fitting fireplace doors.

Fire Protection Systems & Fire-Resistant Construction

This classifies as a special inspection and includes the inspections of Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials and Mastic and Intumescent Fire-resistant Coatings, Smoke Control Systems, Sprinkler Systems and Standpipe Systems, Fire-resistant Penetrations and Joints, and Emergency and Standby Power Systems (Generators)

ICC^[25]

International Code Council

Interior lighting power- visual inspection (Residential)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes a visual inspection of lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures to verify compliance with high-efficacy requirements.

Interior lighting power – visual inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes visual inspection.  Installed lighting shall be verified for compliance with the lighting power allowance by visual inspection of fixtures, lamps, ballasts and transformers.

General Building Construction

This classifies as a TR1 special inspection and includes the inspections of Wall Panels, Curtain Walls, Veneers, Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), Chimneys, Flood Zone Compliance, Luminous Egress Path Markings, Class 3 Special Inspections (Small Projects)³

HVAC^[26]

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

HVAC and service water heating equipment – Visual Inspection (Residential)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of Pool heaters and covers, and of heating and cooling equipment for proper sizing.

HVAC and service water heating equipment- Visual Inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of Equipment sizing, efficiencies and other performance factors of all major equipment units, as determined by the applicant of record, and no less than 15% of minor equipment units, and where necessary, review of manufacturer’s data. Pool heaters and covers shall be verified by visual inspection.

HVAC and service water heating system controls-Inspection (Residential)

System controls shall be inspected to verify that each dwelling is provided with at least one individual programmable thermostat with capabilities as described in ECC 403.1.1, and that such controls are set and operate as specified in ECC 403.1.1. Controls for supplementary electric-resistance heat pumps shall be inspected to verify that such controls prevent supplemental heat operation when the heat pump compressor can meet the heating load. Controls for snow- and ice-melting systems and pools shall be inspected for proper operation. Not less than 20% or one of each control type, whichever is more, shall be inspected. Controls for turning off circulating hot water pumps when not in use shall be inspected for an automatic or manual switch.

HVAC and service water heating system controls – Inspection (Commercial)

No less than 20% of each type of required controls and economizers shall be verified by visual inspection and tested for functionality and proper operation. Such controls shall include, but are not limited to: § Thermostatic § Set point overlap restriction § Off-hour § Shutoff damper § Snow-melt system § Demand control systems § Outdoor heating systems § Zones § Economizers § Air systems § Variable air volume fan § Single Zone Cooling Systems § Hydronic systems § Heat rejection equipment fan speed § Complex mechanical systems serving multiple zones § Ventilation § Energy recovery systems § Hot gas bypass limitation § Temperature § Service water heating § Hot water system § Pool heater and time switches § Exhaust hoods § Radiant heating systems. § HVAC Control in Group R-1 Sleeping Rooms Controls with seasonally dependent functionality: Controls whose complete operation cannot be demonstrated due to prevailing weather conditions typical of the season during which progress inspections will be performed shall be permitted to be signed off for the purpose of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy with only a visual inspection, provided, however, that the progress inspector shall perform a supplemental inspection where the controls are visually inspected and tested for functionality and proper operation during the next immediate season thereafter. The owner shall provide full access to the progress inspector within two weeks of the progress inspector’s request for such access to perform the progress inspection. For such supplemental inspections, the Department shall be notified by the approved progress inspection agency of any unresolved deficiencies in the installed work within 180 days of such supplemental inspection.

HVAC insulation and sealing – Visual Inspection (Residential)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of installed duct and piping insulation to verify correct insulation placement and values. Also including the visual inspection for proper sealing of ducts, air handlers, filter boxes and building cavities used as ducts.

HVAC insulation and sealing-Visual Inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of Installed duct and piping insulation to verify proper insulation placement and values. Joints, longitudinal and transverse seams and connections in ductwork shall be visually inspected for proper sealing.

Insulation placement and R-values

This is part of a TR8 special inspection and includes the visual inspection of all installed insulation for each component of the conditioned space envelope and at junctions between components to ensure that the R-values are marked, that such R-values conform to the R-values identified in the construction documents and that the insulation is properly installed. Certifications for unmarked insulation shall be similarly visually inspected.

Lighting controls – Visual Inspection (Commercial)

Each type of required lighting controls, including: § occupant sensors § manual interior lighting controls § light-reduction controls § automatic lighting shut-off § daylight zone controls § sleeping unit controls § exterior lighting controls shall be verified by visual inspection and tested for functionality and proper operation.

Lighting in dwelling units – Visual Inspection

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes visual inspection of Lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures to verify compliance with high-efficacy requirements.

Loading dock weatherseals – Visual Inspection

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes visual inspection of weatherseals at loading docks.

Maintenance information – Inspections (Residential)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the inspection of maintenance manuals for equipment and systems requiring preventive maintenance for applicability to installed equipment and systems before such manuals are provided to the owner. Labels required for such equipment or systems shall be inspected for accuracy and completeness.

Maintenance information – Visual Inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the inspection of Maintenance manuals for mechanical, service hot water and electrical equipment and systems requiring preventive maintenance shall be reviewed for applicability to installed equipment and systems before such manuals are provided to the owner. Labels required for such equipment or systems shall be inspected for accuracy and completeness.

Major Building

An existing or proposed building 10 or more stories or 125 feet (38 100 mm) or more in height, or an existing or proposed building with a building footprint of 100,000 square feet (30 480 m²) or more regardless of height, or an existing or proposed building so designated by the commissioner due to unique hazards associated with the construction or demolition of the structure.

Mechanical and Plumbing Inspections

This classifies as a TR8 special inspection and includes the inspections of Fireplaces, Shutoff dampers, HVAC and service water heating equipment, HVAC and service water heating system controls, HVAC insulation and sealing, and Duct leakage testing.

Mechanical and Service Water Heating Inspections

This classifies as a TR8 special inspection and includes the inspection of Fireplaces, Shutoff dampers, HVAC and service water heating equipment, HVAC and service water heating system controls, HVAC insulation and sealing, and Duct leakage testing.

NEBB^[27]

National Environment Balancing Bureau

NICET^[28]

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies

PE^[29]

A New York State Licensed and Registered Professional Engineer

Permanent certificate – Inspection

Part of a TR8 inspection that includes the visual inspection of the installed permanent certificate for location, completion and accuracy.

Plumbing & Mechanical Systems

This classifies as a TR1 special inspection and includes the inspections of Mechanical Systems, Fuel-Oil Storage and Fuel-Oil Piping Systems, Private On-Site Storm Water Disposal Systems and Detention Facilities, and Individual On-Site Private Sewage Disposal Systems Installation, and Heating Systems.

Projection factors – Visual Inspection

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection to consider Where the energy analysis utilized a projection factor > 0, the projection dimensions of overhangs, eaves or permanently attached shading devices shall be verified for conformance with approved plans.

Protection of exposed foundation insulation

This is part of a TR8 inspection, and includes a visual inspection to verify proper protection where applied to the exterior of basement or cellar walls, crawl-space walls and/or the perimeter of slab-on-grade floors.

RA

A New York State Licensed and Registered Architect^[30]

Shutoff dampers- Visual Inspection (Residential)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection and a physical test to make sure not less than 20% of installed automatic or gravity dampers, and a minimum of one of each type for proper operation.

Shutoff dampers – Visual Inspection (Commercial)

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes the visual inspection of Dampers for stair and elevator shaft vents and other outdoor air intakes and exhaust openings integral to the building envelope to verify that such dampers, except where permitted to be gravity dampers, comply with approved construction drawings. Manufacturer’s literature shall be reviewed to verify that the product has been tested and found to meet the standard.

Structural Materials & Construction Operations

This classifies as a TR1 special inspection and includes the inspections of Welding: Steel, High pressure Steam Piping, High temperature Hot Water Piping, High pressure Gas Piping, and Aluminum (2 RCNY 25-BSA RULE), Structural Steel-Details, Structural Steel -High- Strength Bolting (Note: Inspection can also be performed by agency approved to inspect welding), Structural Cold-formed Steel, Concrete - Cast-in- place & Precast (Note: Licensed concrete testing lab to perform sampling and testing of cylinders), Prestressed Concrete, Masonry, Wood Construction -Prefabricated Wood I- Joists, Metal-plate-connected Wood Trusses, and High-load Diaphragms, Subsurface Conditions - Subgrade Inspection, Subsurface Conditions – Fill Placement, In-place Density, Subsurface Investigations, Borings and Test Pits, Deep Foundations, Vertical Masonry Foundations, Underpinning, Structural- Stability- Existing Buildings, Mechanical Demolition, and Raising and Moving of a Building, Excavation- Sheeting, Shoring, and Bracing, Seismic Isolation Systems, and Post-installed Anchors.

TR1

A TR1 inspection includes all of the special inspection categories:

• General Building Construction
• Fire Protection Systems & Fire – Resistant Construction
• Plumbing & Mechanical Systems
• Structural Materials & Construction Operations

TR8

A TR8 inspection includes all of the special inspection categories for a commercial building:

• Envelope Inspections
• Mechanical and Service Water Heating Inspections
• Electrical Power and Lighting Systems
• Maintenance information
• Permanent certificate

Vestibules – Visual Inspection

Part of a TR8 special inspection that includes visual inspection of required entrance vestibules for proper operation.

BuildingOwl is a technology that monitors and resolves critical building issues. It is a proprietary compliance software platform for Owners, Reps, Managers, General Contractors, Architects, and Engineers. The software analyzes data from ECB Violations, Defaulted Hearings, Work Without a Permit Violation, Class A Complaints, Stop Work Orders, Vacate Orders, Expiring TCO, Expiring DEP Boilers, Complaints, Applications, Permits, and Critical issues. There are currently 397 users, and 2,379 properties that BuildingOwl tracks. There are currently over 15,412, 642 violations in New York City.

General Contractor

A general contractor, main contractor or prime contractor is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of vendors and trades, and the communication of information to all involved parties throughout the course of a building project.

ECB Violation

An issue recorded by the Department of Buildings when a property does not comply with a part of the New York City Construction Codes and or Zoning Resolution. These violations, referred to as OATH/ECB Violations, are returnable to the OATH/ECB.

Defaulted Hearing

A “default” is a decision that finds you in violation of the charge(s) when you do not respond timely to a Summons or Notice. The default decision will tell you that the legally mandated default penalty amount has been imposed in your case.

Work Without a Permit Violation

Work Without a Permit (WWP) violations can be issued for several reasons – for failure to pull an appropriate permit for ongoing work; for failure to post the permit (or post it in a conspicuous place, per regulations), or for construction performed beyond the scope of approved work/permitting. WWP violations are typically issued as DOB-ECB infractions (though they can be associated with other violations like E-ELEVATOR PVTs).

Stop Work Orders

A legal notice requiring employers to immediately suspend all work and business operations. The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issues Stop Work Orders to construction contractors and electrical contractors who are not paying workers' compensation insurance for their employees.

Vacate Order

The City may issue Vacate Orders to properties that have illegal or dangerous conditions to ensure public safety. The time frame for a Vacate Order varies based on conditions. Violating a Vacate Order can result in initial fines of $5,000 or $10,000 for subsequent offenses. To lift a Vacate Order, contact the construction division in the borough where the property is located.

Expiring TCO

A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy – or TCO – indicates that the property is safe for occupancy, but it has an expiration date. TCOs typically expire 90 days after they are issued.

Expiring DEP Boilers

DEP requirements for specific boilers are typically renewable every 3 years, which is why they’re generally categorized as triennials.

Local Law 38 of 2015 amended requirements for DEP Boiler Registrations (separate from annual inspections filed with the DEP), and created two categories of Registrations: Boiler Registration I (350,000 BTU/hr to less than 2.8 million BTU/hr) and Boiler Registration II (2.8 million BTU/hr to 4.2 million BTU/hr). Boilers over 4.2 million BTU/hr require Work Permits/Certificates of Operation.

Complaints

You can report a building construction violation.

The Department of Buildings allows for construction Monday to Friday between 7 AM and 6 PM. Construction done without an approved variance on weekends or on weekdays before 7 AM or after 6 PM is not allowed. Owners of one- or two-family homes may make alterations or repairs on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM if their home is more than 300 feet from a house of worship.

Outsource CEU is a continuing education platform built for registered architects. Outsource offers AIA accredited seminars based on IBC and NYC. The New York State Education Law requires registered architects to complete thirty-six hours of continuing education every three years in order to renew their three-year registration as an architect. All courses at OutsourCEU are AIA approved and taught by certified AIA instructors. Course topics taught by Outsource CEU include Restaurants, Retail, Accessibility for Commercial Buildings, NYC Fire Protection Systems, NYC Place of Public Assembly, NYC Accessibility for Commercial, NYC Accessibility For Residential, NYC 2014 High Rise Buildings, IBC Business and Offices, 2014 NYC Building - Code Occupancy and Egress, Permits, Approvals, and Sign-offs, NYC Fire and Smoke Protection, and NYC Accessibility: Building Blocks.

AIA^[31]

AIA stands for the American Institute of ArchitectsHSA

• Health: Those aspects of professional practice that improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings and sites.
• Safety: Those aspects of professional practice that protect occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings or sites from harm.
• Welfare: Those aspects of professional practice that enable equitable access, elevate the human experience, encourage social interaction, and benefit the environment.

LU

An LU is a Learning Unit.

NCARB

NCARB stands for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

The Outsource Project Tracking System is a proprietary software application that serves as the native tool for the company and clients. It is an internet-based application that tracks the completed expediting projects that Outsource has worked on. There is a separate client portal that allows users to log in and track the specifications of their project. As of October 11, 2018, that has been 7,788 unique addresses, 2,991 clients, 15,375 projects, 11,574 applications approved, 7,845 letters of completion issued, 180 certificates of occupancy issued, 10,475 DOB Permits issued and renewed, 6,681 DOT Permits issued and renewed, and 3,765 violations dismissed.

DOB^[32]

Department of Buildings

DOT^[33]

Department of Transportation

Decoder is the go-to news source that informs you of the most current topics in DOB and Building Code news. Written with developers, contractors, architects, and engineers in mind, these articles break down complex code issues by giving real examples of how to comply. Decoder articles can cover topics such as laws regarding sprinkler systems, installing a new restaurant on the ground floor, opening a business with a final certificate of occupancy, energy requirements, NYC's energy code, fire codes, cooling tower inspections, building etiquette, construction robots, and many other subject matters.

Architects^[34]

An architect is a person who plans, designs and reviews the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that have human occupancy or use as their principal purpose.

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts is a section on Decoder that allows questions and answers about Coding, Zoning, and Municipal Building related issues.

Bulletins

The Department of Buildings publishes Buildings Bulletins which represent the official policies of the Department to assist our customers and employees. These bulletins are currently sorted by date of issuance. New ways to browse and search this data will be coming in the near future.

LL 141

ECB’s rule has modified the Buildings Penalty Schedule, in order to adequately enforce existing laws and rules and reflect changes brought about by Local Law 141 (LL 141), which went into effect on December 31, 2014.  LL 141 amended the Administrative Code of the City of New York (“Administrative Code”), the New York City Plumbing Code, the New York City Building Code, the New York City Mechanical Code and the New York City Fuel Gas Code.  LL 141 amended existing requirements, added new requirements, and renumbered existing sections of the affected codes.  In addition, unrelated to LL 141, ECB has modified the Buildings Penalty Schedule to reflect efforts by the Department of Buildings (DOB) to update existing violations in DOB rules by amending their sections of law and violation descriptions.

Zoning

Zoning is the language of the physical city. It aims to promote an orderly pattern of development and to separate incompatible land uses, such as industrial uses and homes, to ensure a pleasant environment. The Zoning Resolution is a legal instrument to regulate and establish limits on the use of land and building size, shape, height, and setback.