Apil 11, 2024

FDNY Email
via Arpad Baksa

To: FDNY's Public Certification Users,

We are writing to inform you about some significant procedural changes that will come into effect as of April 2, 2024, regarding all Certificates of Fitness. These changes are a result of the need for more streamlined processes.

Starting from April 2, 2024, ALL Certificate of Fitness applicants will be required to apply and pay online (fires.fdnycloud.org) for their certification prior to coming to the FDNY. It is important to note that without proof of application and payment, individuals will not be permitted to enter the building for testing. All Certificate of Fitness (COF) transactions (exam, renew and update) must be done online and payment before coming to FDNY Headquarters.

Here are the key points:

Online Application and Payment: COF applicants must complete their application and payment process online. This can be done on https://fires.fdnycloud.org/CitizenAccess

1. Proof of Application and Payment: Upon arrival for testing, applicants must provide proof of their application submission and payment confirmation. This could be in the form of an email (printed receipt or a digital copy on their mobile device).

2. Step-by-Step Guide and Video tutorial to fill out the Online Application: COF online application guide link; https://www.nyc.gov/assets/fdny/downloads/pdf/business/fdny-business-cof-individuals-short.pdf and Video tutorial link; https://www.nyc.gov/site/fdny/business/all-certifications/certificates-of-fitness.page

3. No Exceptions: Please be aware that there will be no exceptions to this new procedure. It is imperative that all applicants adhere to these guidelines. They will be turned away at the door if there is no proof of application.

4. Assistance: If anyone encounters difficulties or has questions regarding the online application and payment process, please do not hesitate to reach out to FDNY Business by calling 311. Our team will provide necessary assistance and support.

These efforts are necessary due to current fiscal constraints. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in implementing these new procedures.

Sincerely,

FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention
NYC Fire Department
FDNY Business Support
Customer Service Center
FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention
9 MetroTech Center | Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 311 | FDNY.BusinessSupport@fdny.nyc.gov | nyc.gov/fdny

April 10, 2024

Gothamist
via Robert Strong

“The head of New York City’s buildings department wants to grant inspectors the power to make arrests and even carry guns following complaints from agency staffers who say they’ve been attacked on the job, according to an email obtained by Gothamist.”

See full article by clicking on the link below.

March 29, 2024

AIA New York
via Mark Kaplan

“Dining Out NYC Presents 4 Prototypes for Outdoor Dining Structures”

See full article via the link below.

March 29, 2024

Article by Raymond T. Mellon
via Mark Kaplan

In New York State, litigated disputes between developers and adjoining property owners have been subject to Section 881 of the Real Actions and Proceedings Law since 1968. Since that time, a substantial body of caselaw has developed that further defined the intricacies of common issues that arise in such disputes. These precedents all had the common purpose of achieving a fair balance between the right of developers to nurture growth in an evolving city and the need to provide appropriate protection for neighboring property owners. Despite this homeostasis of over 50 years, the New York State Legislature is proposing amendments to RPAPL 881 that threaten to destroy this delicate balance.

Click on the link below for the full article in “New York Law Journal”.

March 28, 2024

DOB
via Robert Strong

Click on the link below for the March 2024 update on “DOB Now: Build Release Updates”, which includes information on the Job Filings Dashboard.

Amendment of Rules Relating to Property Tax Abatement for Installation of Solar Electric Generating System or Electric Energy Storage Equipment

March 27, 2024

DOB
via Mark Kaplan

The attached Proposed Rule - Amendment of Rules Relating to Property Tax Abatement for Installation of Solar Electric Generating System or Electric Energy Storage Equipment will take place remotely via Teams on Monday 4/22/24 at 11am.

The Proposed rule will be published in the City Record on 3/21/24.

Please note the Department’s rules are also available for viewing and downloading on the DOB website at http://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/rules.page (the attached rule will not be available for viewing/downloading for several days).

March 26, 2024

LPC
via John Scheschareg

LPC Launches Portico, a New Permit Application Portal that Makes Filing for Permits Easier and Faster

Portico will improve the customer experience for applicants by making it easier to file an application, allow multiple users to access the same application, and receive updates on application status.

March 13, 2024

DOB
via Robert Strong

We’d like to inform you that a new Construction Advisory has been posted on our webpage about Problematic Characteristic of Brick Façade.

Please see flyer at construction-advisories (nyc.gov) - Link below.

Eugene Krenitsyn, P.E.
Chief Compliance Officer
Facades & Local Law

February 29, 2024

via Ida Galea

Below please find the Brooklyn DOB Industry Meeting Q & A from February 22nd, 2024.

February 29, 2024

via Ida Galea

Please view PDF below for an updated ACPE/PE DOB list by borough.

February 16, 2024

Landmarks Preservation Commission
via Ida Galea

Click on the link below to get started.

February 15, 2024

via Mark Kaplan

The public comment period for Part 510 of Title 21 of the New York State Energy Code will close on February 26, 2024.

Please click on the link below for further information.

February 13, 2024

DOB
via Mark Kaplan

Please be informed the first bulletin of the year has been published. While superseding BB 2015-025, this Bulletin clarifies the types of work involving an existing fire alarm system, designed, and approved under the 2014 Building Code or prior codes which are subject to the 2022 Construction Codes. You can find it below.

February 11, 2024

DOB
via Mark Kaplan

The attached Final Rule – Rules Relating to Installation and Location of Natural Gas Alarms will be published in the City Record on 2/14/24.

The effective date is 3/15/24.

February 5, 2024

CityLand Article
via Mark Kaplan

Almost two years after the City Planning Commission’s zoning text changes, applications for the permanent program are expected to open next month. On February 2, 2024, the Department of Transportation released the final rules for the permanent outdoor dining program, “Dining Out NYC.” Through the new program, outdoor dining will be expanded citywide on sidewalks year-round and in roadways seasonally from April through November.

February 2, 2024

via AIA Staten Island

Please review materials below for the Adams Commission Development and Plan Examination Process.

Next Day Review (NDR) Program & Standardization Templates.

Click here for Next Day Review Presentation

Click here for Step By Step Guide Presentation

Click here for Next Day Review Program Overview

Next Day Review Submission Workflow

February 1, 2024

CityLand Article
via Mark Kaplan

On January 18, 2024, the Department of Buildings announced that over 400 property owners had received initial penalties for failing to submit required engineering inspection reports for parking structures located on their properties.

January 28, 2024

via Ida Galea

Below please find the Brooklyn DOB Industry Meeting Q&A from January 2024.

January 8, 2024

From the DOB
via John Scheschareg

Click on the link below for a 90 page DOB Building Bulletin 2023-021 which rescinds 10 Directives, 4 Letters, and 47 Memoranda.

January 5, 2024

Cityland Article
via John Scheschareg

On January 4, 2024, the Department of Finance launched its redesigned website. The website, designed in partnership with the Office of Technology and Innovation, focuses on an improved user-friendly experience.