You asked, we answered.

Our expert team of architects, engineers, technical specialists, and building systems specialists offer expertise in the adaptive reuse of existing buildings, exterior envelope, forensic investigation and MEP. In addition, we are also advisors for new construction, applying our years of experience to assist in meeting clients’ new design needs and we are always here to answer your questions.

FAQs

Can HLZAE do a pre-inspection visit prior to project commencement?

Yes. We will perform the pre-inspection visits as required/requested.

What are the FISP Cycle 9 Windows, Deadlines & Openings?

• The Cycle 9 Window A Deadline is February 21st, 2022. This applies to building block numbers ending in 4, 5, 6 or 9 
• Cycle 9 Window B is open and accepting inspection reports through February 21, 2023. This includes block numbers ending in 0,7, or 8 
• Cycle 9 Window C will open February 21, 2022 for blocks ending in 1, 2, or 3

How can HLZAE assist me with FISP?  

HLZAE provides our clients with a thorough evaluation and analysis of building façades upon which you can base construction and rehabilitation decisions and maintain compliance with FISP requirements. Our goal is to consistently provide the highest quality professional architectural and engineering services for preserving a facade’s integrity while factoring in logistics and the reality of your budgets and goals.

How does Local Law 92 & 94 affect me?  

Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019 require sustainable roofing systems for new constructions, existing roof expansions and roof replacements. Under these laws, sustainable roofing is defined as a solar photovoltaic system, a green roof, or a combination of both. As of November 15, 2019, all new applications involving a new building roof, or a new roof deck or roof assembly, must comply with the provisions of Local Laws 92 and 94. In addition to new applications, the law also applies to already-filed applications not in “approved” status. 

Working with the code and zoning experts at HLZAE can help developers and owners navigate the new requirements.

What are the latest DOB’s latest changes, upcoming deadlines, and fine increases?

New York City’s Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP)  

Requires that owners of buildings greater than six stories must inspect their exterior walls and appurtenances periodically by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI)   

• Failure to file = $5k/year (previously $1k)
• Late filing = $1k/month (previously $250)   

Local Law 126 – Parking Garage / Retaining Wall Inspections 

NYC has mandated new periodic inspection requirements for owners and operators of parking structures, facilities, and garages across all five boroughs. Effective January 1, 2022, Local Law 126 for 2021 dictates that parking structures undergo condition assessments performed by a New York State licensed and registered professional engineer at least once every six years. Subsequently, the inspection results must be filed with the Department of Buildings (DOB).

Unsafe conditions must be corrected within 90 days of filing a report with an Unsafe status. An amended report must then be filed within two weeks of completing the repairs. If the repairs are not completed and an amended report is not filed within this timeframe, time extension requests are to be filed with the Department and are subject to review and acceptance.  

• Initial Report – $305.00  
• Amended/Subsequent Report – $85.00  
• Extension Request – $65.00  

The following penalties apply after the filing period ends:  

• Late Filing (initial report) – $1,000 per month  
• Failure to File (initial report) – $5,000 per year  
• Failure to Correct Unsafe Conditions – $1,000 per month  
• Failure to Correct SREM Conditions – $2,000 (one time)

Local Law 152 – Gas Piping Inspections 

Requires the periodic inspection of gas piping systems of all buildings at least once every four years. For multifamily properties, this includes exposed gas piping outside and inside the building, in boiler rooms, in all amenity and common spaces, rooftop mechanical spaces and publicly-accessible areas. Local Law 152 requires the periodic inspection of gas piping systems of all buildings at least once every four years. For multifamily properties, this includes exposed gas piping outside and inside the building, in boiler rooms, in all amenity and common spaces, rooftop mechanical spaces and publicly-accessible areas. 

Failure to file the GPS2 certification form by the due date will incur a $5,000 civil penalty.

Local Law 97 – Energy Efficiency

A regulation set out by the New York City council as part of the Climate Mobilization Act. It came into effect in November 2019 and is a citywide law placing carbon caps on all buildings larger than 25,000 square feet, as part of an ambitious plan to drastically reduce the city’s carbon emissions.

 This goal includes reducing carbon emissions to the following:  

• By 2030 – reduction goal = 40%    
• By 2050 – reduction goal = 80%   

By May 2025, any building that is impacted by Local Law 97 will have to file an annual Greenhouse Gas Emission report. This will state whether the building either complies with regulations, or how much it exceeds the specified limits. This report will have to be filed every following May.

For most affected buildings, this will mean active steps will need to be taken to get a better understanding of your energy usage, and to reduce these carbon emissions fast.  When a building fails to meet the required emission reduction goals, they must pay annual fines of $268 per metric ton that their carbon footprint exceeds the limit. There are also fines for not submitting a report (.50 per building square foot, per month). 

How do I ensure my teams handle the necessary Local Laws and deadlines for their buildings?  

With our team of experts at HLZAE, we aim to be a one-stop shop for your team to help make their lives easier by managing and being the go-to for all of their building needs. We encourage you to sign up for our newsletters to stay informed about upcoming deadlines.