2022 NYC Construction Code: What’s Changed?
Throughout 2022, the NYC Department of Buildings has been gearing up for the release of the latest NYC Construction Code update. With the most significant portion of this having rolled out on November 7th, it’s a good time to take a look at what these changes are, and what they mean for you going forward.
How many changes are in the 2022 Construction Codes?
There are over 600 major changes, and thousands of updates to individual codes. These touch almost every aspect of the construction industry, including plumbing, fuel gas, building codes and administrative tweaks.
The changes bring the NYC Code into line with the International Building Code, and have been in development since 2017. They are the first substantial update of NYC Code since 2014.
What Sections of the 2022 NYC Construction Code Have Changed?
As noted, with over 600 major changes, very few sections of the code have not seen a substantial overhaul. In the coming weeks, we’ll highlight some of the more notable changes we’ve seen by area, which we’ll link below. For the time being, here is an overview of some key updates to be aware of:
Combustible Exterior Walls
One of the most significant updates in the 2022 code relates to fire prevention in exterior walls. Specific provisions include:
Required testing to NFPA 285 standards for all exterior walls made from combustible materials.This applies on all sizes and locations of construction.
Stricter filing requirements and post-construction review for buildings using combustible exterior walls.
Requirements for internal sections of non-combustible fire blocking in combustible exterior walls.
Restriction of combustible materials in the immediate vicinity of balconies or other accessible outdoor spaces.
Requirements for a 3-foot horizontal band of brick between floors when retrofitting buildings without modern fire safety equipment.
Construction Superintendent Requirements
One significant change for contractors relates to a relaxing of construction superintendent requirements. With the 2022 Code now in effect, work on 1-, 2- or 3- family buildings does not require a Construction Superintendent–provided the permit holder is registered with the NYC DOB as a General Contractor. This includes work on new buildings, enlargements, alterations, and demolition.
Special Inspections
The new Code contains several additions related to special inspection requirements, including:
Type IV construction with cross laminated timber or structural composite elements
Expansion of the EIFS special inspection on combustible exterior wall coverings. The new Code now requires verification that the installation complies with submitted documents, and requires the special inspector to confirm installation of thermal barriers and fireblocking.
New special inspection of existing chimney lining when new heating system appliances are installed.
Elevator Safety
In addition to specific requirements related to inspections and licensing for elevator agency technicians and directors, the 2022 building code contains a number of elevator safety updates. These include:
Larger minimum dimensions for the elevator emergency hatch to improve firefighter access in an emergency.
Requirement that an elevator-in-readiness serves all floors in an emergency, to prevent occupants from having to switch elevators to exit the building.
An additional update raises the allowable height for elevators serving a single dwelling unit from 50-foot to 75-foot in rise. This allows for private elevators to be installed in place of standard passenger elevators in applicable buildings.
Construction Safety
A large number of changes to construction site are reflected in the 2022 Code, including:
Ability to use netting and low barriers instead of solid plywood fencing to create passageways for pedestrians. This will help to eliminate blind tunnels.
Mesh parapets allowed for sidewalk sheds except those installed for demolition projects.
Angled parapets eliminated.
Open sheds to be required for major new building construction projects–must have a horizontal span of at least 10 feet between vertical members, and must comply with building code requirements.
Sustainability and Resiliency
Several of the changes outlined in the Code relate to climate change preparedness, including:
Expanding the applicability of flood zone requirements of the 100-year flood hazard area to all critical facilities (including fire, rescue, ambulance, police stations, and designated emergency shelters) located in the 500-year flood zone.
Mandated annual visual inspections of dry floodproofing systems and triennial full-scale deployment of dry floodproofing in the presence of a special inspection agency.
Permitting and supporting the use of alternative energy production processes, including hydrogen fuel cells.
Increasing the use of sustainable building materials such as cross-laminated timber and structural composite lumber.
Worried about staying ahead of the changes to keep your project on schedule? Talk to an expert at Green Light Expediting to learn how we can assist you with permitting on any aspect of your project.
