On January 21, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Commissioner LiMandri announced the winner of the urbanSHED International Design competition.  The winning design "Urban Umbrella" was developed by 28-year-old architecture student Young-Hwan Choi with assistance from Sarrah Khan, P.E., and Andres Cortes, R.A., of the New York-based design firm Agencie Group.

New standpipe and sprinkler piping laws go into effect beginning February 2010. Building owners and contractors must be sure their properties and projects comply with these new laws.

The Department now accepts documentation from the Crane Institute Certification (CIC) in addition to the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) for Class C HMO licenses.

There were 3 fatal construction accidents in 2009, an 84% decrease when compared to the previous year. The significant decrease in 2009 comes as the Department obtained expanded enforcement powers, increased its oversight of high-risk construction operations and implemented new programs and initiatives designed to raise safety awareness throughout the construction industry.

The Department's plumbing inspectors play a vital role in ensuring public safety by inspecting the construction of plumbing and fire protection systems throughout the City. In February 2010, Plumbing Inspector Anthony Thompson, who is in the U.S. Army Reserves, will take his skills overseas to help protect the health and safety of his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan.

The Department of Buildings had several major accomplishments in 2009, including the launch of new initiatives and programs designed to increase safety and improve accountability at construction sites across the City. Below are more details on our major accomplishments.

Beginning January 13, applicants must file the asbestos abatement ACP7 form to the A-TRU unit at the Department of Environmental Protection. While the Buildings Department will no longer accept the ACP7 after this date, applicants must continue to declare any asbestos work on the PW1.

Architects’ and engineers’ plans must comply with the Energy Code – and contractors must follow Energy Code-compliant drawings when they build. Read the overview on how to comply with the Energy Code and review the guidelines.

We’ve created a new page to help keep track of our monthly operation changes.

The deadline by which Special Inspectors must obtain all required certificates to conduct inspections has been extended until after December 31. Registration will begin in 2010. Keep reading Buildings News for more information.

All workers (as defined by the new Codes) are required to complete a 10-hour construction safety course approved by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Visit OSHA's website to locate an authorized training facility and for information on how to become an authorized trainer.