NYC DOB Updates Certification Exceptions for Buildings Under Local Law 158/2017
In an important update, the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) announced a new exception under Local Law 77 of 2023, impacting restrictions on professional certifications for buildings affected by Local Law 158 of 2017. This exception allows specific projects on mixed-use buildings to proceed with professional certification, provided certain conditions are met.
Previously, if a building was flagged under Local Law 158/2017, certain filing restrictions prevented professionals from self-certifying projects. Now, this exception applies when work without a permit occurred on a residential section of the building, but the proposed work will only affect the commercial portion. This adjustment brings added flexibility, particularly beneficial for mixed-use properties, aiming to streamline the certification process in specific cases where residential and commercial spaces overlap.
For those submitting job filings in the DOB NOW system, you’ll need to include specific information in the PW1 Plan/Work section. Here’s a quick summary of the steps:
- In the Comments field, provide the reason for requesting the exception.
- Upload all required documentation labeled as LL158/2017 Pro Cert Supporting Documentation.
- After submitting payment and the application, monitor the status bar; it will indicate LL 158/2017 Pending Plan Examiner Assignment while under review.
If approved, your application will move forward to the Pending Prof Cert QA Assignment stage. However, if denied, the DOB will notify the applicant and building owner, and the application must be withdrawn and refiled under a standard plan review process.
For projects submitted through the Building Information System (BIS), applicants must complete a Project Advocate Service Request form specific to the borough where the work is proposed. On this form, select “Compliance with Local Laws and 158 of 2017” under Section 4 and detail the reason for your exception request. Additional project information should be noted in Section 5. The completed form, along with supporting documents, should be sent to the designated borough office email.
To ensure your application process is smooth, the NYC DOB offers additional resources through the DOB NOW Help Form available on their website. This support is designed to assist applicants with any questions about the system or submission process, helping professionals and building owners navigate the updated certification requirements effectively.
Stay tuned for more updates and information on this and other NYC DOB initiatives.
Please visit the official notice on the NYC for all the requirements and details. Stay informed about the most recent changes and regulations.
