NYC Department of Buildings

"This was an avoidable, preventable tragedy," DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo said as the city's investigation came to a close Monday. We sat down with Ali Bauman at CBS New York for a series to talk about the findings in our investigative report on the 2023 building collapse in Morris Heights, The Bronx. We believe this incident was preventable and we're taking action against the construction professionals who allowed it to happen. See interview 1: https://lnkd.in/enzSuHCE And 2: https://lnkd.in/eTgjHW8g

Team DOB was in Queens last week, where we got face time with staffers for elected officials, Community Board mangers, and other members of the public to discuss critical buildings-related topics that affect their constituents. ? During our visit, we provided guidance and answered questions on upcoming parapet observation and gas piping inspection deadlines, helping these community leaders better understand these important regulations impacting their districts so that they in turn can better arm their constituents with this important knowledge. ? DOB is holding these seminars in all five boroughs, to demystify city codes and promote safety in our communities. Thanks to everyone who turned out! We always appreciate the opportunity to get face time?

We're looking for industry experts, creatives and creators to help us innovate New York! Join our new Innovation Review Board to help select new technologies and methods that can be used to shape our city's construction industry and built environment! Applications are currently being accepted through December 14, 2024. Thanks to The Staten Island Advance for the coverage! https://lnkd.in/exKQHG6Q

The Worker Wallet is officially live!! ? Starting today, DOB is rolling out the new Worker Wallet—a single card that consolidates multiple training IDs into one! Designed for specialized roles like scaffold workers and riggers, this card packs convenience and security with an NFC chip that verifies all qualifications on the spot. Why the Worker Wallet? ? Say goodbye to carrying multiple ID cards for specialized workers ? Easily scan for all qualifications via smartphone ? Enhanced fraud protection ? Modeled after our highly popular Site Safety Training (SST) cards, the Worker Wallet will provide single card that will replace all existing non-SST training cards required for scaffold work, riggers, mast climbers, and gas piping inspectors. ? While rollout has officially only just started, the Worker Wallet will be required for workers in specialized roles by July 1, 2025. ? Get ready to streamline your credentials! ? Learn more from our Service Notice: https://lnkd.in/g2HjtABH

The New York City Council just approved a major update for the NYC Electrical Code, the first comprehensive revision of the Code since 2011!! Here’s what’s changing: ? Enhanced safety standards: Aligning with national best practices. ? Increased resilience: New rules for rebuilding/reconditioning electrical equipment and systems in the aftermath of flood events. ? Boosting EV infrastructure: More support for charging stations in garages. ? Facilitating fossil fuel phase-out: Regulations will point the way for newer buildings that use electricity for heating, hot water, and cooking. ? Better backups: Electric battery systems can meet the needs for emergency and standby systems as a cleaner, safer alternative to fossil fuels. ? Longer license terms: 3 years, reducing the hassle of frequent renewals. ? Better design requirements for energy storage systems: Building a more reliable, resilient city grid. Big thank yous are in order for the volunteers of the Electrical Code Revision Committee, DOB staff who worked on the new Code, the City Council, and Committee Chair Pierina Sanchez who sponsored the bill. These changes will go a long way toward making electrical work more efficient, cost effective, and safe!

Earlier this month, DOB staff visited Assemblymember Steven Raga’s office in Maspeth, Queens to meet with staff and members of the public to discuss constituent issues and provide one-on-one assistance with buildings-related concerns in the area. We are committed to partnering with elected officials to provide guidance to New Yorkers on how to keep their properties in a legal and safe condition, while demystifying important buildings regulations.?Thanks for the opportunity to talk about all things buildings!

At DOB, we’re always asking: How can we do better? And now, we’re inviting YOU to help us answer that question! We’re launching a new Innovation Review Board, and we need volunteers to join us in shaping the future of NYC’s construction and development industries. DOB receives pitches all the time from industry folks and construction professionals on new ideas for innovative new tech/best practices (which we think is great!) and this board will serve as a great way to review those ideas and help keep the industry on forefront of efficiency. As a volunteer, you’ll: ? Collaborate with government subject matter experts. ? Evaluate the latest innovations in construction and development. ? Help select top ideas for city-wide implementation and industry adoption. This is your chance to make a real impact on NYC’s built environment! Learn more and sign up to serve: https://lnkd.in/ehhXv4bM

? NYC #WeatherAdvisory ? The NYC metropolitan area is expecting severe weather starting Wednesday and continuing through Thursday, including rain and wind gusts of up to 35 mph. The forecast also calls for lighter but still elevated winds continuing through the weekend. DOB is reminding all builders and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings and equipment. Check out our Weather Advisory page to sign up for future alerts and to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e6Pz2BzP

Team work makes the dreamwork in creating a more sustainable future ?? ?? The DOB Sustainability Team recently joined with reps from Con Edison for a plant tour and an insightful discussion on discusses long-range planning for decarbonizing the steam systems. Together, we're tackling the challenge of decarbonizing our city, aligning with Local Law 97, and driving toward net-zero emissions by 2050. This collaboration is a shining example of how sustainability and partnership power a greener, cleaner future for all!

We’re Hiring Legal Experts! The NYC Department of Buildings is on a mission to make our city safer, more sustainable, and better for everyone. We're seeking passionate legal professionals to join us in enforcing building code and driving safe code compliance across NYC. Open Positions include: ?? Assistant General Counsel, Loft Board Step into a dynamic role resolving landlord-tenant disputes, conducting conferences, and helping to shape policy that protects our city’s vibrant loft spaces. You'll work closely with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, review and draft decisions, and drive impactful projects to support New York's creative spaces. ?? Sustainability Enforcement Attorney Be a force for climate action! Join our Bureau of Sustainability, helping NYC implement pioneering climate policies like Local Law 97. From managing case strategies to prosecuting cases, you'll play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a city where buildings account for nearly 75% of emissions. ?? Borough Enforcement Attorney Work on the frontlines of legal code enforcement! As part of our Borough Enforcement Unit, you’ll handle criminal court cases, draft access warrant applications, collaborate with the NYC Law Department, and provide essential guidance on civil litigation. ?? Enhanced Legal Action Attorney Lead special, proactive enforcement projects alongside the Department’s Enforcement Bureau. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on tackling complex cases with strategic impact and has a passion for making NYC safer and more compliant. Learn more about these position and others online: https://lnkd.in/eV_CCh_W We’re looking forward to building a better future with you!?