What’s New
New York State Building Standards and Codes has announced that Notice of Proposed Rule Makings appear in the March 19, 2025 edition of the State Register. These proposed rule makings would amend the State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (the “Uniform Code”) and the State Energy Conservation Construction Code (the “Energy Code”).
One proposed rule would repeal the current version of the Uniform Code and adopt an amended and updated version of the Uniform Code.
Another proposed rule would repeal the current version of the Energy Code and adopt an amended and updated version of the Energy Code.
Public comments will be received through to May 27, 2025.
Please feel free to Contact Us with any questions you may have on how this or any other codes or regulations may impact any projects or properties you may have or be contemplating.
Recent Projects
- Forensic engineering consultation regarding the fatality of a worker on an Orange County, NY construction site who was performing his signaling and rigging duties in an attempt to move and set into place an approximate 6,000 pound truss with a telescoping boom/telehandler. The incident involved violations of Labor Law Sections 200, 240(1), and 241(6), as well as various supporting provisions of Industrial Code Rule Sections 12 NYCRR 23
- Structural engineering consultation regarding potential framing and excavation projects at a 1900’s vintage residential home in Rockland County, NY
- Forensic engineering consultation regarding a home inspector’s alleged breach of contract and violation of ethical duties concerning failure to report certain conditions in a home inspection report for a premises located on Long Island, NY
Council passes legislation to reduce NYC’s 400 miles of scaffolding
On March 27th 6sqft reported that “scaffolding may soon have less of a ubiquitous presence in New York City. The City Council on Wednesday passed a series of bills reforming sidewalk shed rules to shorten how long the barriers can remain up and allow for new, more appealing designs. The city currently has over 8,400 sidewalk sheds that take up roughly 400 miles of sidewalk. On average, the structures remain in place for over 500 days; over 300 sheds have stood for over five years…The five-bill package, sponsored by Council Members Keith Powers and Erik Bottcher, addresses New Yorkers’ frustration with the unsightly structures, which have also been shown to hurt business revenue…
The legislation requires the Department of Buildings (DOB) to study and recommend new shed designs to the City Council by September 30, 2025. Under the law, more color options for sheds would be allowed, construction fences would be required to match adjacent shed colors, lighting underneath would be increased, and the minimum height would be raised to 12 feet.
Another bill would shorten the time for shed permits for facade repairs from one year to three months, except for demolitions, building alterations, or new construction. The legislation would also establish new penalties for property owners who delay repairs to sheds that occupy the public right-of-way. These penalties would be enforced starting with the second permit renewal, increasing based on the age and size of the shed.
The legislation would require DOB to review the frequency of the Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) and recommend changes to the Council by December 31, 2025. It would also extend the time between inspections from every five years to every six to 12 years and delay the first required inspection of any new building from five to nine years.
Introduction 660-A doubles the required lighting beneath sheds and mandates using LED lights. It would also require lights within 20 feet of windows or glass doors to be adjustable or shielded to avoid disturbing nearby homes and businesses.
Intro 661-A would bolster enforcement of facade repairs by imposing penalties on property owners who fail to submit construction documents to the DOB within five months of completion, do not file proper permit applications within eight months, or fail to complete repairs within two years.”
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. makes it a priority to remain aware and knowledgeable of ongoing building code and industry standards updates, as well as other similar regulatory changes, so that we can inform our clientele regulations which might affect their properties and projects. Firm President, Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, maintains his certification as a NYS Code Enforcement Official to ensure same. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such site safety related matters.
Don’t Get Sidetracked: Prepare Your Jobsites for Severe Weather
On March 20th Construction Business Owner reported that “recent years have brought a rise in severe spring storms that pack stronger winds, increased hail and torrential rainfall. These destructive forces contributed to at least two dozen billion-dollar disasters in 2024 and a record number of such disasters in 2023. Flash floods turned construction sites into lakes, hailstorms pummeled equipment and materials, and spring winds, once considered manageable, now have the potential to cause considerable damage.
The impact of these storms can be devastating to construction projects. Beyond the immediate damage to property and equipment, they can lead to costly delays, worker injuries and even project shutdowns. With the added risk of repair and replacement costs having risen in recent years, commercial contractors face a confluence of risks.
The good news? By taking proactive steps, you can build resilience into your jobsites. With thorough preparation and the right financial protection, you can keep your project timelines on track and on budget.”
Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, as an OSHA certified Forensic Engineering consultant, and as a Past Chair of the National Society of Professional Engineers PE’s in Construction Interest Group, has helped to facilitate discussions between Professional Engineers across the country on important matters such as safety on construction sites. As a licensed Professional Engineer, State Certified Code Enforcement Official, and OSHA certified professional, Mr. Yarmus is credentialed to consult on site safety and incident investigation matters. Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to consult with business owners, operations managers, property managers, real estate developers, builders, attorneys, contractors, insurance professionals, adjusters, and other related parties regarding site safety issues. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding these periodic building inspection reports or any other building related matters.