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Limited Alteration Applications
The Limited Alteration Application (LAA) is used for plumbing work, fire suppression piping replacement and repairs, and oil burner installations that do not include construction work. Generally, with the exception of some minor new installations, LAA work is restricted to repair and/or replacement of existing equipment and does not require a Professional Engineer (P.E.) or a Registered Architect (R.A.).
The following Skilled Trades may submit an LAA filing in DOB NOW: Build:
- Licensed Master Plumbers
- Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractors
- Licensed Oil Burner Installers.
Licensed Master Plumbers can use the LAA1 Form to install minor plumbing work for repairs and replacement appliances.
New Installation Guidelines
Replacement Installation Guidelines
On occasions when a licensee cannot file a LAA, but has to respond to an emergency or hazardous condition, the Contractor may file an Emergency Work Notification (EWN) in DOB NOW: Build. When emergency work is necessary, Licensed Master Plumbers, Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractors, and Licensed Oil Burner Installers may file an EWN and perform the work prior to filing a Limited Alteration Application.
Emergency work includes
- Repairs to address an emergency or hazardous condition that needs immediate attention
- Restoration of gas for cooking purposes in 9 or more residential dwelling units
- Restoration of heat and hot water
- Maintain sanitary conditions
- Restore fire suppression systems to proper working conditions
Licensed Contractors seeking to perform minor plumbing and oil burner installations/repairs or sprinkler and standpipe work can obtain a LAA if the job meets the criteria as a Category 1 or Category 2 limited alteration.
NOTE: Only one category and one work type can be filed per LAA.
With the implementation of the 2014 Code revision the LAA1 now includes:
Category 1 – Limited to an estimated cost of $35,000 per licensee within a 12 month period.
Category 2 – No estimated cost limitation or time period restriction.
Limited Plumbing Alteration
An alteration to a plumbing or fuel gas piping system that is limited in scope which a plumbing contractor can perform. These alterations fall into one of the following categories:
CATEGORY – 1
There is a $35,000 cost limitation in any 12 month period and only the following work can be done:
| CATEGORY 1 $35,000 cost limitation per building including appliance and labor in any 12 month period |
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CATEGORY – 2
No cost and time period limitation, but only the following work can be done:
| CATEGORY 2 No cost limitation, must include all appliance and labor costs |
|
For use only with LAA Applications submitted on or after June 18, 2018.
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Category 1 & 2 LAA Fee & Penalties Chart for 1, 2, 3 Family
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Category 1 & 2 LAA Fee & Penalties Chart for all other
Limited Sprinkler
An alteration to a sprinkler system that is limited in scope that a licensed Fire Suppression Piping Contractor can do, falling into one of the following categories:
CATEGORY – 1
There is a $35,000 cost limitation in any 12 month period and only the following work can be done:
| CATEGORY 1 $35,000 cost limitation per building including appliance and labor in any 12 month period |
|
CATEGORY – 2
No cost and time period limitation, but only the following work can be done:
| CATEGORY 2 Estimated cost of unlimited work, must include all appliance and labor costs |
|
For use only with LAA Applications submitted on or after June 18, 2018.
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Category 1 & 2 LAA Fee & Penalties Chart for 1, 2, 3 Family
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Category 1 & 2 LAA Fee & Penalties Chart for all other
Limited Standpipe Alteration
An alteration to an existing combined standpipe system that a licensed Fire Suppression Piping Contractor can do:
CATEGORY – 1
There is a $35,000 cost limitation in any 12 month period and only the following work can be done:
| CATEGORY 1 $35,000 cost limitation per building including appliance and labor in any 12 month period |
|
CATEGORY – 2
No cost and time period limitation, but only the following work can be done:
| CATEGORY 2 Estimated cost of unlimited work, must include all appliance and labor costs |
N/A |
For use only with LAA Applications submitted on or after June 18, 2018.
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Category 1 & 2 LAA Fee & Penalties Chart for 1, 2, 3 Family
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Category 1 & 2 LAA Fee & Penalties Chart for all other
Limited Oil-Burning Alterations
An alteration to an oil burner/boiler system that is limited in scope that a licensed Oil Burner Installer can do, falling into one of the following categories:
CATEGORY – 1
There is a $35,000 cost limitation in any 12 month period and only the following work can be done:
| CATEGORY 1 $35,000 cost limitation per building including appliance and labor in any 12 month period |
Replacement Tanks must have a UL listing or labeling or meet the alternative tank design and construction standards contained in section 1305.14 of the NYC Mechanical Code |
CATEGORY – 2
No cost and time period limitation, but only the following work can be done:
| CATEGORY 2 Estimated cost of unlimited work, must include all appliance and labor costs |
|
For use only with LAA Applications submitted on or after June 18, 2018.
-
Category 1 & 2 LAA Fee & Penalties Chart for 1, 2, 3 Family
-
Category 1 & 2 LAA Fee & Penalties Chart for all other
Note: Please read 28-101.5 of the Administrative Code for complete details.
Registering Replacement Appliances
Include the following when registering the replacement of an appliance such as a boiler and a hot water heater on a LAA:
- Provide the Appliance’s specification (Make, Model, BTU’s, Certified Listing Agency Name and Identification number)
- Indicate how the appliance(s) will be vented
- Provide the location of where the appliance will be installed
- The estimated cost must include the cost of the unit being registered
- An ACP5 Asbestos report is required for buildings built prior to April 1, 1987
NOTE: The applicable filing fees are required for all LAA submissions.