NOTE: This article was written with reference to the 2020 New York City Energy Conservation Code (2020 NYCECC) and does not reflect updates introduced in the 2025 NYCECC, including any changes to exemption provisions for landmarked or historic buildings. A revised memo addressing 2025 NYCECC requirements will …Read More
The local laws for lighting upgrades and submetering are coming into effect, January 1, 2025. Per Local Law 88 of 2009, and Local Laws 132 and 134 of 2016, buildings over 25,000 square feet must have the following: Lighting that is compliant with current energy code. Submetering for all tenant …Read More
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (NYC HPD) first created 421-a in 1971 to grant partial tax exemptions to developers in exchange for the creation of affordable housing. Since its inception, HPD has opened, closed, and modified the 421-a program serval times. On April 20, 2024, …Read More
The New York City Building Code contains several different sections regarding smoke management features and building stair enclosures. There is often some confusion over which aspects of these code sections apply to specific projects. The three primary means of smoke management within stair enclosures are listed below: Stairwell …Read More
As of the 2014 NYC Building Code, buildings with occupied more than 120’ above fire department vehicle access height must be provided with at least one fire service access elevator (NYC Building Code 403.6.1). This elevator allows trained fire department personal to utilize the elevator during a …Read More
Buildings account for the bulk of New York City’s greenhouse gas emissions. As part of its commitment to reduce citywide emissions by 80 percent in 2050, the city passed Local Law 97 of 2019. It affects buildings over 25,000 square feet. These “covered buildings” must report their …Read More
OverviewIt’s 2024, and time to expand on our previous article about New York City’s Local Law 154! On December 22, 2021 New York City approved Local Law 154 in an effort to mitigate the major sources of carbon emissions in new building construction. The law provides a schedule …Read More
New York City has proposed rules for its greenhouse gas emissions law, Local Law 97 of 2019, that would allow for “Good Faith Efforts” to mitigate penalties for exceeding emissions limits. Good Faith Efforts would require submitting the building emissions report on time on May 1, 2025, …Read More
The New York City Department of City Planning now has an Office Conversion Accelerator program to act as a single city government contact for owners that are considering office-to-residential conversion projects. This applies to conversions that would provide 50 units of housing or more, and is in …Read More
On June 10, 2023 NYC enacted Local Law 77 of 2023 which revises the 2022 versions of the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. Keen eyed readers may have already noticed the following note at the top of the NYC DOB’s online versions of the building …Read More
