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2022 Code Updates for Buildings and Work Sites in NYC

construction site

In February of 2022, new construction regulations will go into effect for buildings and worksites in New York City. 600+ significant updates to the construction and building regulations of NYC. These updates marked the first holistic update to NYC’s Administrative, Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes since 2014, according to the DOB’s press release. These regulations are aimed at improving safety for both workers and the public. Here’s a look at what you need to know about the Code updates and how they’ll impact your business or workplace.

Revision Highlights

With over 600 important updates, there are hundreds of things for NYC construction professionals to keep up with as they go into effect in 2022. Here, we have included some highlights of the revisions to NYC’s Construction Codes that capture the most significant changes of the 600+ updates.

Emergency Response

The three highlighted revisions to emergency response requirements are increasing the minimum required dimensions for an elevator’s hatch, permitting batteries as a secondary power source in Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (ARCS) endorsed by FDNY and NY/NJ lifting canal companies, respectively – which will allow firefighters better communication during emergencies such as those involving high rise buildings. Finally, increasing the number of residential high-rise buildings requiring emergency voice communication systems provides greater flexibility when tackling alarms from different floors or apartments within one building.

Fire Protection

The one major highlight to NYC’s fire protection requirements is a mandate that states whenever an emergency exit leads directly outside — rather than to a protected area — that the FDNY must be provided access to the exit stairway from the protected area or within a minimum distance from it.

Vertical Transportation and Accessibility

The new code ensures greater accessibility and usability for occupants with physical or intellectual/developmental disabilities, with two notable revisions. First is an update on elevator systems that requires clear compliance criteria so everyone can enjoy their experience no matter what circumstance they are in when riding one! The second revision also involves monitoring door locking in LULA (limited-use, limited-application elevator) elevators which have been shown time after again to reduce risks involved, especially if anything caught within its mechanism like hair bands etc., leading up until someone gets seriously hurt.

Elevator and Broiler Safety

With recent updates to elevator safety codes, it is now required that all buildings, the elevator-in-readiness services all floors in case of emergencies. Building occupants will not have any problems accessing different levels if there’s been a lockdown or natural disaster because they can utilize one elevator without having to change between floors-this could reduce panic and time during evacuations! The second revision requires more frequent safety inspections for elevators and boilers. Three months after installing new hardware like cables/linkages and the official Category 1 inspection, these preliminary inspections will help prevent fires from happening before we even know something went wrong.

Protecting Tenants, Building Occupancy, and Affordable Housing

There are three main revisions in this section to highlight.

The first revision is a new requirement that buildings undergoing construction must have an inspection for the protection of tenants. The second clarifies what documents are needed before receiving COs, and thirdly reduces how high you can build your basement from 8 feet down to 7 – still allowing some flexibility but lowering costs on larger homes with basements where space may not always permit an extra story above ground level (i e: stacked townhouses). This change works towards increasing affordable housing opportunities in our city in the future.

Construction Safety

With three key revisions, construction safety is now much more advanced. First of all, materials such as netting and low barriers can now be used instead of solid plywood fencing (which creates blind tunnels) to create passageways for pedestrians. Secondly, a new license has been introduced, ensuring that these new technologies—like roto-telehandlers or articulating boom cranes– operate safely under pressure while still providing unparalleled strength with their unique features. Lastly, there will be an improvement in the consistency within the foundations of preexisting buildings.

Building System Construction and Inspection

The new construction and inspection requirements for parking structures are very comprehensive. First, smoke tests on special gas vents in buildings must be conducted to ensure the safety of building occupants. Second, all pipes fittings or tubings within mechanical systems must meet applicable safety standards (including elevator cables). And third, it has been made clear that maintenance deficiencies identified during condition assessments must be codified reports. This update can bring greater accountability and safety when there’s an issue with your car park!

Sustainability and Resiliency

There are four significant updates to highlight in the Codes’ sustainability and resiliency requirements. 

The new sustainability requirements for flood-risk buildings include expanding the applicability of these laws. The first revision extends protection to all critical facilities within a 500-year flood zone, including fire stations and rescue vehicles–even if they’re located outside that area’s boundaries! Annual visual inspections will now be required, along with special agency reviews every three years as well, so you can rest assured knowing your building is up to date on vital information needed when it comes time for an emergency.

The third update to this section states that builders can utilize alternative energy production processes like hydrogen fuel cells on-site. This code update ensures that builders are mindful of their sustainability and their environment. 

In addition, builders have access to an increased number of choices for building materials that are both sustainable and resilient. This includes materials such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) or structural composite lumber, which is composed of several layers of kiln-dried lumber boards stacked in alternating directions, bonded with structural adhesives.

 If you want help ensuring that your business or site is compliant with the new regulations, our team is here to assist you. We have years of experience helping businesses comply with NYC building codes, and we can make sure that your property is up to code before the deadline. Contact us today to learn more about our services! We at AAA Group are dedicated to providing our NY clients with a high-quality but affordable experience as well as outstanding customer service.

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