Volume 2 | Issue 9: New Requirement: DOB NOW: BUILD
DOB NOW: Build is a new platform designed to replace the current Building Information System (BIS) and eFiling systems. The use of this program is now REQUIRED for the filing of sidewalk sheds, supported scaffolds, construction fences, signs, curb cuts, and façade repair applications. The program will continue to incorporate more filings in the future.
Stakeholders, including...
* Professional Engineers
* Registered Architects
* Licensed Special Inspectors
* Owners
* Filing Representatives
...are all REQUIRED to participate in the filing, permit, and signoff processes and are all REQUIRED to create online accounts to access DOB NOW: Build.
Owners, Professionals and Contractors must follow the required steps to register - including confirmation via emails and mailing in required documents.
The eFiling Registration Form is the portal to register for DOB NOW: BUILD, however because of the limitations of the system at the present time, we recommend working with RPO to develop a strategy for registration so we can best assist you with the filings that require stakeholder involvement as well as the maintenance of the required on-line accounts.
After registering for an account in eFiling, stakeholders will then be able to use DOB NOW: Build.
The RPO staff is available to assist in the initiation and maintenance of the REQUIRED online accounts. Please contact our office if you would like assistance with this process.
Volume 2 | Issue 8: Site Safety Plans Mandatory On All Work Scopes Requiring A Registered Construction Superintendent
Effective November 11, 2017, all jobs requiring a Registered Construction Superintendent (CS) will also require a Site Safety Plan (SSP). Currently, only Major Buildings require a Site Safety Plan.
The SSP must be kept on site at all times and available upon request, until all work is completed and signed off.
Failure to have an adequate SSP on site and readily available may result in a full stop work order and/or the issuance of a Summons.
NOTE: This requirement is not retroactive to jobs initially permitted prior to the effective date of this new SSP requirement.
RPO is ready to prepare Site Safety Plans for your projects as required by this new law. Please call or email us with any questions you may have.
Volume 2 | Issue 7: NYC DOT 2017 Holiday Construction Embargo Notification
Please be advised that the Department of Transportation Holiday Construction Embargo will be in effect from 6:00 AM - 11:59 PM every day beginning Wednesday, November 15, 2017 through Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Roadway and sidewalk construction activities will be restricted during the embargo period on the streets within the embargo area, although some projects have already been granted waivers.
The deadline for submission of embargo waiver requests is Tuesday, October 31, 2017. After that applications will only be accepted for special circumstances that would have prevented a timely application.
RPO will notify its clients with projects within the Embargo and process waiver requests on their behalf. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Volume 2 | Issue 6: RPO 30th Anniversary - Special Edition
RPO, Inc. is extremely proud to be marking its 30th anniversary. In 1987, after leaving his position as the Director of the Mayor's Traffic and Construction Coordinating Council at the New York City Department of Transportation, Richard J. Pressel, P.E. founded RPO Incorporated.
Richard's attention to detail, unconventional problem solving skills, and reputation as an honest guy who is a straight shooter served him well starting out. Business leaders and friends supported him, and contractor clients flocked to RPO to have his watchful eyes on their projects. Shortly thereafter, Ginette Celestin, a former colleague of Richard's at the Department of Transportation, joined him bringing her vast knowledge of the DOT procedures into the fold. Together they focused on creating new systems to streamline their performance of DOT services to contractors City-wide.
Meanwhile, Richard's son, Michael Pressel, had been cutting his teeth in the construction business. Three years after Richard founded RPO, Michael joined him upon graduating college with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with dual majors in Finance and Management. At this point the business expanded into other agencies, began broadening its repertoire of services, and recruited the brightest and best minds in the business.
The RPO team of engineers, lawyers and highly experienced industry experts applied their collective knowledge and successfully took on numerous challenging projects - along the way gaining a reputation for being a shop that can handle all matters of all levels of complexity. That recognition has led to Michael and other staff members being invited as guest lecturers and speakers at the Columbia Graduate School of Engineering, NYS Bar Association, and numerous corporate seminars.
Fast forward 30 years, and many of the familiar faces that our clients have come to depend on at RPO are still at it. Richard has since retired, but from time to time he takes on assignments as an independent consultant. Ginette is still reliably acting as a liaison for DOT matters, and the rest of the firm has continued to offer more and more services while honing the tools and procedures that create the efficiencies and dependability our clients have come to depend on. RPO now offers a broad array of services including zoning/code consulting, filing all types of projects at the DOB, DEP, DOT, FDNY, DSBS and other agencies, obtaining all types of permits and renewals, performing T/CO services, and representing our clients to answer construction violations. We also prepare and file Temporary Places of Assembly, Site Safety Plans, Occupant Protection Plans and more.
This milestone provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our past and to look forward to the future. RPO is rooted in Richard Pressel's values of combining the most industrious solutions with the best possible client service and the highest level of integrity. He set the bar high and the entire team tries hard to meet his standards every single day. We are grateful for Richard's guidance and leadership, and for our exceptionally bright and motivated team. But most of all we are grateful to our friends and clients who entrust us with their important projects and who have made RPO the success it is today - 30 years after it was founded.
NOW, A NOTE FROM MICHAEL PRESSEL.
It is incredible how quickly time passes. When I chat with my dad, our conversations invariably turn to business. We discuss the jobs of the day and then reminisce about the countless jobs we have been involved with in the past. There have been so many problems and a corresponding number of solutions. Over the years there were growing pains and many changes on the road to building our "A-Team." Along the way we developed tools and protocols to mesh with our service philosophy that have helped us earn the trust, respect and repeat business of our many clients.
Reflecting back over the past few decades it is clear to me that the success of this company stems from:
(First and foremost) The values, guidance, leadership and hard work instilled by the company founder and my dad - Richard Pressel, PE,
Assembly of a team that appreciates and holds his values to a high standard,
The collective support we receive from our families,
Investing back in the business to acquire the best tools and attract the best talent, and
The trust and respect of our loyal clients.
If I had to add a sixth point, it would definitely be "luck." We have been lucky to enjoy a booming economy and lucky to have an excellent team.
So, on this very auspicious occasion I would like to congratulate my father and the entire RPO team on many jobs well done, and to thank them, our families and our clients for contributing to the success of RPO during the past 30 years.
Cheers,
Michael Pressel
Volume 2 | Issue 5: New Earthwork Notification Requirement & Changes In Requirements About Reporting Incidents Are In The Work!
NEW EARTHWORK NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT
In addition to the required standard notification, the Department of Buildings, D.O.B, now also requires Earthwork Contractors to provide the 811 (Call Before You Dig) One Call ticket number when making normal notification of the commencement of earthwork.
The ticket number can be obtained through the 811 One Call phone number or online at www.newyork-811.com.
Notification is not considered complete unless the 811 ticket number is provided to the Department. Once the Department receives the required ticket number, the information will be recorded in the Department's notification database. All documents related to the notification must be kept on-site and available upon request.
NOTE: The 811 ticket number must address all street frontages associated with the excavation.
To complete the Department's Earthwork Notification, please call (212) 393-2550.
The staff at RPO is available to answer any further questions you may have about this.
CHANGES IN REQUIREMENTS ABOUT REPORTING INCIDENTS ARE IN THE WORK!
The Administrative Code has been amended to require reporting to OSHA as detailed below:
§ 28-103.26. Reporting to the federal occupational safety and health administration.
As soon as practicable after the issuance of (i) an immediately hazardous or major violation of chapter 33 of the New York city building code or (ii) a violation of section 3310.10.2 of the New York city building code, the commissioner shall report such violation to the federal occupational safety and health administration. This local law takes effect in 120 days after it becomes law.
Furthermore, Local Law 78 of 2017 will mandate many other new requirements with respect to reporting incidents and will also increase minimum and maximum penalties. However, an aspect of great interest to our clients will be the mandate of the D.O.B to publicly post reported incidents starting on January 2018.
Here is a link to the legislation: Click to View
RPO will continue to keep you up-to-date with all the changes that are relevant to our clients' business.
2017 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at
(212) 566-5110 to receive yours.
Volume 2 | Issue 4: Physical Examination Form Required For Licensees
Pursuant to 1 RCNY §104-01 (f), as of June 5, 2017, original applicants for licensure, as well as license renewal applicants, are required to provide proof of fitness to perform the work authorized by their license.
This rule requires that the following licensees must provide evidence of physical fitness by filing a completed LIC61 application for initial licenses and renewals:
Electricians (Master/Special)
Master Plumbers
Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractors
High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineers
Oil Burning Equipment Installers
Sign Hangers (Master/Special)
Site Safety Managers
Site Safety Coordinators
Construction Superintendents
Concrete Safety Managers
Private Elevator Inspection Agency Directors & Inspectors
Welders
The form must be completed and signed by a physician within the 90 days prior to submitting license application. In addition, the Department may also require the applicant to take a substance abuse test.
Here is a link to the LIC61 form: Click Here
Hoisting Machine Operators, Riggers and Welders must continue to comply with the fitness requirements outlined in 1 RCNY Sections 104-09, 104-10, and 104-11.
An RPO Staff member can assist you with any questions you may have concerning this rule.
2017 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at (212) 566-5110 to receive yours.
Volume 2 | Issue 3: NYC Building’s Gas Piping Work, Civil Penalty Amnesty Program
NYC BUILDING'S GAS PIPING WORK
CIVIL PENALTY AMNESTY PROGRAM
A six month amnesty program will start on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in which the Department will waive the civil penalties associated with certain previously issued violations for work without a permit on gas piping systems, provided that the owner obtains the proper DOB permit in the form of an Limited Alteration Application (LAA) and completes the job.
Any associated Department of Buildings civil penalties for legalization of fuel gas piping systems or a violation for work performed without a permit associated with fuel gas piping systems will be waived if:
The work was performed or the violations were issued prior to April 5, 2017 and civil penalties have not been paid; and
Applicants obtain a permit to resolve the improper work between April 5, 2017 and October 5, 2017; and
Applicants have the job signed off by the Department one year from the day the permit is issued.
Gas Piping Work Civil Penalty Amnesty jobs may only be submitted as an LAA filing and be limited to the gas work only. Your Licensed Master Plumber will be able to autonomously handle this process for you.
Larger gas work jobs (non-LAA or other non-gas work) included in the violation must be filed separately and are not eligible for the Gas Piping Work Civil Penalty Amnesty Program.
2017 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at (212) 566-5110 to receive yours.
Volume 2 | Issue 2: DOT 24/7 Emergency Permit Call Center & Construction Superintendents - What You Should Know
DOT 24/7 EMERGENCY PERMIT CALL CENTER
RPO is very pleased to announce that its 24/7 DOT Emergency Permit Call Center is now live.
This service will enable your field staff to phone our call center from the job site and have an e-permit issued when they are ready to commence work. This service provides numerous benefits to clients, such as:
* Ease of use - field staff need only call our center. Our trained consultants will work with them to ascertain the detailed requirements of the job to ensure they obtain the proper permit.
* Timing- no prior planning is needed on the part of your staff. The proper permit can be obtained at the exact time it is required and after verifying the field conditions.
* Automatic permit conversion - once e-permits are processed through the call center, permit conversions will occur automatically and on time. This will reduce or eliminate the need for clients' middle office management of these permits.
* Reduction of violations - proper timing will eliminate violations for not beginning work within the prescribed time frame, and more detailed information will yield better stipulations on permit conversions. This will makes it easier for contractors to lawfully perform work, thus reducing the risk of incurring these types of violations.
CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENTS -
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
We have had numerous inquiries about the licensure and limitations of Construction Superintendents.
One of the questions we were recently asked is:
"Can I use a Site Safety Manager to perform the duties of a Construction Superintendent (CS) for a project that requires a CS?"
The answer is NO. You must use a registered CS for these projects.
Furthermore, the Department of Buildings (DOB) is stepping up its enforcement of the limit of 10 active jobs for Construction Superintendents. They are working to add an automatic stop at permit issuance if a CS is already registered for 10 active jobs. Some ways to manage this problem are:
* Obtain sign-offs or letters of completion expeditiously for jobs that are completed; or
* Request a waiver of the CS requirement when all construction/demolition work that triggered the requirement is completed in accordance with the approved construction documents. Once submitted, reviewed and approved, the DOB may remove the CS requirement and disassociate the CS from that project allowing her/him to be eligible to register for other project(s).
Please contact our office for more information about what types of projects require Construction Superintendents or to assist you in obtaining a CS waiver.
2017 CONTRACTOR CALENDARS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Please contact our office at (212) 566-5110 to receive yours.
Volume 2 | Issue 1: Cycle 8 Facade Inspection Due Soon! & Proposed Regulation Change For Sign Filings
CYCLE 8 FAÇADE INSPECTIONS DUE SOON!
RPO would like to remind clients that the Cycle 8 Façade inspections for sub-cycle A buildings (buildings within blocks that end in 4, 5, 6, or 9) are due on February 21, 2017.
These inspections are required for buildings greater than six stories and entail inspection of the façade and exterior appurtenances.
We can assist in providing guidance of the various inspections and how to file deficiency reports. We can also refer clients to an inspector, if needed. Be mindful that this is a set deadline that may result in issuance of violations if the report is not properly and punctually filed.
PROPOSED REGULATION CHANGE FOR SIGN FILINGS
The Department of Buildings (DOB) proposes a change that would allow licensed sign hangers (Master Sign Hangers and Special Sign Hangers) to file applications to install certain wall-mounted, accessory signs and related structural elements.
Previously, it was required to have a licensed design professional to act as applicant of record for these filings. Of course, all of the design requirements would still need to be met, but the licensed sign hangers could act autonomously in filing and obtaining permits for the types of signs indicated under the proposed legislation.
RPO is equipped to provide guidance to sign hangers and to prepare sign installation plans for its clients. We will provide updates about proposed changes as they occur. Here is a link to the proposed legislation: Click Here
Volume 1 | Issue 9: Changes To Elevator Door Monitoring System - Permit Inspection
It all begins with an idea.
CHANGES TO ELEVATOR DOOR MONITORING SYSTEM - PERMIT AND INSPECTION
Modifications to the New York City Building Code mandate that by January 1, 2020, all automatic passenger and freight elevators must provide a system to monitor and prevent automatic operation with faulty door contact circuits.
Work done to comply with this requirement will need an Elevator Application under an EBN (Elevator Buildings Notice) - a permit from the Elevator Unit - and department inspections. Design and/or controller modifications for such jobs must be approved by the controller manufacturer or a Professional Engineer or a Registered Architect.
Inspection agencies must include inspection/testing of door monitoring circuit in their Maintenance Control Program and checklist when performing CAT1 test subsequent to satisfying the requirement. All work performed for the addition of door monitor circuits including all reports submitted to the Department of Buildings are subject to audit.
While this work is not required to be complete until 2020, it is advisable to be mindful of this requirement when performing elevator work between now and then. If you require further consultation about this requirement, please contact our office.
MANHATTAN GAS FINISH / GAS AUTHORIZATION MAY NO LONGER BE SELF-CERTIFIED
As we mentioned in an earlier newsletter, effective Tuesday, November 22, 2016, Gas Test and Gas Finish self-certifications will no longer be allowed for work done in Manhattan. A physical inspection by the Department of Buildings will now be required.
This will also apply for all emergency work requiring Gas Finish inspections in Manhattan.
Emergency Work Notifications shall be processed through the LAA Unit by the Licensed Master Plumber, with all required notifications to be sent to the appropriate utility company. Final inspections and sign-off requests will be processed by the LMP through the DOB Now: Inspections.
Please contact our office if you require further consulting or assistance in processing these requests.
Volume 1 | Issue 8: NYC DOT 2016 Holiday Construction Embargo Notification & Gas Test And Gas Finish Self-Certification Ending In Manhattan
It all begins with an idea.
2016 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HOLIDAY CONSTRUCTION EMBARGO – STARTING NOVEMBER 18, 2016
The DOT Holiday Construction Embargo will be in effect for the period of Friday, November 18, 2016 from 6:00 AM to 11:59 pm and from 6:00 AM Monday, November 21, 2016 through 11:59 PM Monday, January 2, 2017.
All routine work shall be suspended during the embargo period unless approval for the work is granted by the Department's Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination (OCMC). Suspension of work does not apply to emergency work for which an emergency number is obtained by the permittee.
Any permits issued into or through the embargo period that do not include permit stipulation "410," which specifically allows work through the embargo, are suspended during the embargo. All permittees must comply with this embargo unless a waiver is granted by the DOT permit office.
Waiver requests are not required for ongoing Construction Permits that already include the "410" permit stipulation. RPO Inc. has already negotiated waivers for some of its clients which will eliminate the need for them to apply for waivers and permit renewals related to the embargo.
All other RPO projects that fall within the embargo area are being carefully reviewed, we will contact clients to discuss specific construction needs through the embargo and we will prepare waiver requests accordingly.
Waiver requests may be filed through November 11, 2016.
Prior to this embargo period all necessary measures must be taken so that all roadways and sidewalks are in proper condition to allow for the expeditious and safe movement of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
Additionally, on all holiday season gridlock alert days lane closures are prohibited from 6:00 AM to midnight on many highways (and their service roads), including East and Harlem River Bridge Crossings with the exception that work behind permanent barriers, not impacting vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic flow may continue.
The holiday season gridlock alert days are as follows:
Friday, November 18
Wednesday, November 23
Wednesday, November 30
Friday, December 9
Wednesday, December 14
Thursday, December 15
Friday, December 16
Wednesday, December 21
Thursday, December 22
Friday, December 23
GAS TEST AND GAS FINISH SELF-CERTIFICATIONS ENDING IN MANHATTAN
Effective November 1, 2016 gas self-certifications will no longer be available for work done in Manhattan.
Beginning November 1, 2016 all Gas Test and Gas Finish inspections in Manhattan will no longer be allowed to be self-certified. These inspections will be required to be witnessed by a Department of Buildings plumbing inspector.
All inspections must be requested using DOB NOW: Inspections. When requesting an inspection you will be required to select one of the following inspection types so that DOB can schedule an appropriate amount of time for your project:
PL - Up to 3 Requested Floors - for inspections covering 1, 2 or 3 floors.
PL - Up to 9 Requested Floors -for inspections covering 4 - 9 floors.
PL - More than 10 Requested Floors - for inspections of 10 or more floors.
When requesting an inspection you must specify whether the inspection will be for:
Gas - Test
Gas - Finish
For Advance Notices for Gas Test and Gas Finish inspections in Manhattan submitted prior to November 1, 2016, you will still be able to submit certifiable results in DOB NOW: Inspections 24 hours from the time you indicated on your Advance Notice.
Please contact our office if you need any additional information about this policy change.
Volume 1 | Issue 7: 2016 New York Energy Conservation Code & 14+ Foundation Annual Cocktail Benefit
It all begins with an idea.
2016 NEW YORK ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
The Department of Buildings has adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 as the NYC Energy Conservation Code. This code will go into effect on October 3rd, 2016.
The following policy changes are as followed:
-Applications filed on or after October 3rd, 2016 will be subject to the 2016 NYCECC.
-Complete applications filed on or before October 2nd, 2016 will be subject to the 2014 NYCECC.
NOTE: Complete applications are those that meet the submittal requirements of the NYC DOB Plan Examination Guidelines and include a complete energy analysis.
-Incomplete applications filed on or before October 2nd, 2016 may be subject to the 2016 NYCECC.
14+ FOUNDATION ANNUAL COCKTAIL BENEFIT
Rarely do I reach out and ask clients to participate in philanthropic endeavors. No doubt we all receive numerous solicitations each year and we all have our own priorities about which causes to support.
Having said that, I would like to bring to the 14+ Foundation to your attention. This foundation was established to develop, build and operate schools and orphanages in rural African communities. It was co-founded by someone who I know personally and have much admiration and respect for - Joe Mizzi. Knowing Joe and participating in many past events, I know first-hand the passion and care that has gone into this cause.
I am proud to support the good work of the foundation and I ask that you read about it and support it along with me. Here is a link to the website (14+ Foundation) and an exciting up-coming event on October 6. I hope you will be able to join me there.
Thursday, October 6th, 2016
Cocktail Benefit: 6:00PM - 8:30PM
After Part: 8:30PM - 11:00PM
Vandal | 199 Bowery, NYC
Thank you,
Michael Pressel
Volume 1 | Issue 6: ECB Violation Amnesty Program - Act Fast! & Construction Superintendent Rule Revision: Reminder Of Expanded Scope Of Work and Duties
It all begins with an idea.
ECB VIOLATION AMNESTY PROGRAM - ACT FAST!
The City Council has approved a measure for the NYC Department of Finance to offer amnesty on outstanding Environmental Control Board (ECB) violations.
The amnesty program will be in effect for only 90 days beginning on September 12, 2016 and it has the potential to yield significant savings to those with outstanding violations.
Here is how it works:
For violations that are in default, the program allows respondents to pay only the base penalty and will waive the default fee and interest. Typically the default penalty is double to triple the base penalty, so together with the waiver of accrued interest, amnesty could present significant savings on defaulted violations.
For violations that have been adjudicated and found in violation, the DOF will accept 75% of the stipulated penalty and will waive accrued interest.
The program has some restrictions.
1. Violations that are the subject of a prior settlement may not be included
2. Respondent must settle ALL violations in their name; this is an all or nothing stipulation
3. Participation constitutes an admission of guilt for the all of the violations
4. If a violation requires certificate of correction, respondent must sign an agreement committing to correction within six months
5. Respondents who are the subject of criminal investigations may not participate
RPO, Inc. is ready to assist clients in yielding the significant savings under this program, but planning and action should begin immediately.
For further information contact:
Kevin Danielson, Esq. at RPO, Inc.
(212) 566-5110 extension 1113
CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENT RULE REVISION:
REMINDER OF EXPANDED SCOPE OF WORK AND DUTIES
RPO, Inc. wishes to remind its clients that the second phase of new Construction Superintendent responsibilities will take effect on August 30, 2016.
The first phase of changes under 1 RCNY 3301-02 already took effect on May 30, 2016 to invoke the following changes with respect to Construction Superintendents:
- Assure compliance with Chapter 33 of the Building Code
- Assure work conforms to plans
- Designate a competent person to provide full-time safety supervision at the jobsite
- Notify the Department of accidents, damage to adjoining property, and certain other conditions by contacting the BEST-SSM/SSC/CS hotline at (212) 393-2128
- Promptly correct any unsafe conditions discovered
- Upon each visit to the jobsite, inspect the entire work area and maintain a job site log
1-, 2-, or 3-family NBs will no longer require a Construction Superintendent
- All other job types requiring a Construction Superintendent will continue to do so
Beginning August 30, 2016, the second Phase of the expanded law will add the following requirements:
The Construction Superintendent must visit the jobsite each day work occurs
Alteration permits issued or renewed on or after August 30, 2016 will require a Construction Superintendent if the job is not a site safety job under a Site Safety Program and the work includes one of the following:
- Vertical or horizontal enlargement
- Demolitions of more than 50% of floor area of the existing building
For on-going projects administered by RPO, Inc., our staff will notify clients affected by these changes. If you would like additional information please contact our office.