COVID 19 DOB Essential Waiver And FDNY NEW Online Services Update
NYC Department of Buildings
The Department of Buildings has released several updates concerning the essential waivers and the process to apply for the waivers on 4/29/20. This update comes on the heels of ESDC expanding the parameters for the essential construction and their subsequential auditing process of the waiver applications.
On April 15th the additional scopes from this expansion were released to apply for waivers through the DOB portal. These scopes were to protect the safety of occupants, work in support of an essential business, and work limited to a single worker. The Department determined that a number of applications exceeded what was allowed for in the guidance and as a result emails were sent to applicants informing them that their approval is no longer valid.
In addition to these permits being revoked there were a number of Essential Construction Requests that had been approved to perform work to safely shut down and secure sites. The Department has deemed that sufficient time has been alloted for certain scopes of work to achieve this goal. They have also sent emails to the design professionals that these approvals have lapsed.
In both cases, applicants who received these emails were instructed to suspend construction operations in accordance with Buildings Bulletin 2020-006. If such work needs to continue, applicants can resubmit for approval, please note that during the application period work on the sites should be suspended.
FDNY New Online Services
FDNY has announced that beginning May 11th 2020, the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention will begin offering Technology Management services online through FDNY Business.
New online services for Technology Management will include:
- ARCS Commissioning Test Report New/Amendment/Re-certification
- Auxiliary Radio Communications System New/Amendment
- Certificates of Approval Application New/Renewal/Amendment
- Concept Proposal Tech Document
- Engineering Application/Amendment
- Fire Alarm Variance
- Fire Code Variance
- Performance Based Design Document
- Rangehood Application New/Amendment
- Rooftop Access Variance
Please Note: Applications will no longer be accepted via email after Friday May 8th, 2020. Effective May 11th, 2020 all of the above applications must be filed online.
FDNY has also announced that the following applications with be offered through the online services in the near future:
- Fire Alarm Application New /Amendment
- Request for Rangehood Inspection / Test (late 2020)
Please know that we will keep the updates sent out as this situation develops, and as we gain more clarity on the situation. Call us at 212- 825-1205 or email us at cahill-construction-division@cahillstrategies.com with any questions or concerns.
Cahill Strategies is a construction solutions firm specializing in government and communications crisis problem-solving.
Cahill Welcomes Bob D’Alessio
Robert “Bobby” D’Alessio, is a former New York City Department of Buildings Senior Executive Director of Construction Safety. Mr. D’Alessio’s focus is predominately in the areas of construction code and safety analysis for our clients’ major new building and renovation projects in the New York City and surrounding regions.
As Cahill Strategies’ Construction Code and Safety Consultant, Bob brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and practical experience to our growing construction solutions practice area.
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Cahill Strategies has experience representing large general contractors, construction management firms, owners, and developers. A key to our success is our vast network of decision makers that we have the ability to reach on your behalf. Additionally, our team is involved in the legislative and regulatory processes at the Federal, State, and Local levels which affect the construction industry in New York State, New York City, and the surrounding regions. We possess the knowledge of industry standards and trends, along with key relationships that will bring your projects to fruition.
