| Buildings news |
|
October 29, 2025 |
|
|
||||||||
|
Another Longstanding Shed Removed
After years of blocking out the sunlight, one of the oldest sidewalk sheds in the city has finally been removed. It's all thanks to the Department's "Get Sheds Down" initiative and our Long Standing Shed (LSS) program, which uses enhanced enforcement strategies to compel property owners to start long delayed facade repairs, and remove their sheds from city sidewalks. This shed on the Upper West Side of Manhattan was removed after DOB and our partners at the NYC Law Department worked together to bring an affirmative litigation case against the property owners, pushing them to make the needed repairs at the building. Since the launch of "Get Sheds Down" initiative in July 2023, similar enhanced LSS enforcement actions from the Department have helped lead to the removal of 426 long-standing sheds, defined as sheds that have been up for five years or more, across all five boroughs. Read About This Sidewalk Shed in The New York Post Find Out More About "Get Sheds Down" Accessibility Innovation Challenge
Last month, DOB partnered with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to announce the launch of a new citywide innovation challenge, "Opening Doors: An Innovation Challenge for Accessibility in Housing and Small Businesses." This open challenge invites architects, engineers, advocates, accessibility experts, and members of the public to submit forward-thinking ideas that can help shape the future of accessibility here in New York City. We are looking for ideas that can improve access to commercial and residential buildings; technology solutions for neurodiversity and sensory accessibility; and new ideas to improve vertical access solutions, such as elevators, ramps and lifts. The deadline to submit an idea to the Opening Doors innovation challenge has recently been extended until Monday, November 3rd at 5 p.m. Ancillary Dwelling Units Are Here
New York City has officially begun accepting
applications for the construction of safe and code-compliant Ancillary
Dwelling Units (ADU) in the five boroughs of New York City. This follows
the passage of the Adams' administration's City of Yes for Housing
Opportunity plan, which legalized this new category of housing for the
first time ever in New York City. Learn More About ADU Regulations Check Out The ADU Resource Page Local Law 97 Compliance
Did you know that out of the approximately 23,000 properties covered under Local Law 97, 94% are actively engaged with the Department and working to comply with the law in the first compliance year? Leading up to the end of year, our goal at DOB is to get as many of the last remaining buildings as possible onto their own manageable Local law 97 compliance pathway. The City is here to support property owners as they make efforts to reduce carbon emissions at their buildings. Owners needing assistance should contact NYC Accelerator, which provides free, personalized guidance on how to start cost-saving, energy-efficiency upgrades and reduce carbon emissions. Find out More About Local Law 97 Find out What Help is Available From NYC Accelerator Last Chance: Free Training on NYC's Existing Building Code
The New York City Existing Building Code (EBC) was introduced by the New York City Council on June 11, 2025. The proposed legislation, known as Intro 1321-2025, will govern the alteration and maintenance of existing buildings, amends the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and repeals the 1968 Building Code. DOB developed this new Code in our ongoing efforts to regularly improve construction and maintenance regulations here in New York City. To help industry members understand the important changes that the upcoming EBC will bring, DOB is offering free educational training seminars. There are only two currently scheduled training sessions left at this time. Don't miss out on these free information session.
Find Out More About the Proposed Existing Building Code Parking Garage Inspection Reports
The second deadline for the Periodic Inspection of
Parking Structures (PIPS) is right around the corner. Deadline For Gas Piping Inspections
Join Our Team
Interested in a career in public service? The Department of Buildings is actively looking for construction professionals and other dedicated New Yorkers to join our ranks and support our missions of promoting compliant development and public safety. We have a number of openings for inspectors across a variety of fields. As a valued team member, you will help make New York City a better place to build, work, and live!
Learn More About Careers at DOB |
Service Updates Deadline to Post Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label (E-Grade) Moved to December 31, 2025 Ancillary Dwelling Units to be Filed in DOB NOW 8-Hour Site Safety Course Code Reminder All Department Service Updates Hearings + Rules
1 RCNY 34-04 Repeal of Rules Relating to the Electrical Code
(Definitions)
1
RCNY 34-06 Amendment of Rules relating to Electrical Code
(Electrical Code Revision and Interpretation Committee)
1
RCNY 34-07 Amendment of Rules relating to Electrical Code
(Electrical Code Advisory Committee)
1
RCNY 35-01 Amendment of Rules relating to Electrical Code
(Designation of Private Agencies to Perform Electrical Inspections in
the City of New York)
1 RCNY 36-01 Repeal of Rules Relating to the Electrical Code
(Evaluation of Educational Experience of Applicants for Electrical
Contractor Licenses)
1 RCNY 36-02 Repeal of Rules Relating to the Electrical Code (Impact
of Periods of Unemployment upon Applications for Electrician's License)
1
RCNY 101-12 Amendment of Rules relating to Electrical Code (The
Office of Technical Certification and Research and the Use of Material
in Construction Activities)
1
RCNY 102-01 Amendment of Rules relating to Electrical Code
(Violation Classification and Certification of Correction.)
1
RCNY 4000-01 Amendment of Rules relating to Electrical Code
(Electrical Work Review) Buildings Bulletins 2025-011: This Bulletin clarifies filing, permit requirements for new building (NB) and alteration application related to structural work. 2025-012: This Bulletin clarifies scope for professionally certified Loft Board Compliance Applications. Local Laws Building Demolitions Local Law 110 of 2025 (Intro 750-A) A local law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring additional documentation when an owner seeks to demolish a building and reporting on the correction of violations. Sidewalk Shed Art and Colors Local Law 103 of 2025 (Int. No. 1296-A) A local law to amend the New York city building code, in relation to requiring a solid acceptable color or the display of artwork on temporary protective structures on construction sites. Sidewalk Shed Designs Local Law 47 of 2025 (Int. No. 391-A) A local law to amend the New York city building code, in relation to studying sidewalk shed designs and improving the aesthetics of existing sidewalk sheds. See below Industry Notices on Local Law 47 of 2025: Code Notes DOB Code Notes covers an array of construction projects for both residential and commercial properties. Each Code Note explains the necessary filings, applicable codes and zoning, relevant bulletins, directives and memos for some of the most applied for construction projects in New York City. Construction Advisories
2025-003: Administrative Corrections to the City of Yes Zoning Text
The Department of City Planning (DCP) is issuing Administrative
Corrections (ACs) Check Out Our Construction Advisories Enforcement Bulletins DOB publishes monthly bulletins detailing the agency's efforts to sanction and deter bad actors in the construction industry. You can find this information posted on the Enforcement Action Bulletin page of our website. Additional Disciplinary Actions & Voluntary Surrenders Upcoming Events Throughout the year DOB holds in person and virtual events for industry professionals and members of the public. From "Buildings After Hours", our live Q&A sessions, and virtual industry meetings, there are multiple opportunities every month to meet with DOB. Check out our List of Upcoming Events Manhattan Retaining Walls Property owners that have a retaining wall that faces a public right-of-way and is ten feet or higher must have their retaining wall inspected every five years by a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI). All properties located in the borough of Manhattan that has a retaining wall covered by these requirements are legally required to submit their retaining wall inspection report by December 31st, 2025. |
|||||
|
Jimmy Oddo, Commissioner
|
|
 |
||||
|
comments + suggestions | unsubscribe | manage your email preferences |
||||||
