2021 Buildings Bulletins

The Department of Buildings publishes Buildings Bulletins which represent the official policies of the Department to assist our customers and employees. These bulletins are currently sorted by date of issuance. New ways to browse and search this data will be coming in the near future.

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2021 Buildings Bulletins

Issuance
Date

Type/
Bulletin #

Relevant Code Sections

Purpose

October 7, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-020

Bulletin Highlights


To clarify 1RCNY §4000-01 in relation to 2011 NYC Electrical Code Section 110.2(B), regarding electrical installations 1000kVA or greater, and installations above 600V, which are required to be filed for Electrical Review.

October 5, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-019

Bulletin Highlights

Local Law 97 of 2019,
AC 28-320,
AC 28-320.3.7

This Bulletin clarifies the treatment of electricity load associated with electric vehicle supply equipment for compliance with the annual Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting established in Local Law 97 of 2019 (LL 97/2019).

October 1, 2021

OTCR/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-018

AC 28-105,
AC 28-113

This document establishes guidelines for installation and maintenance of space heating distribution energy management systems.

October 1, 2021

OTCR/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-017

AC 28-113,
MC 1207

This document establishes acceptance criteria, installation, and maintenance requirements for heat transfer nanofluids used in hydronic closed-loop HVAC systems.

October 1, 2021

OTCR/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-016

AC 28-113,
BC 1704.14,
BC 1911,
BC 1912,
BC 3308

This Bulletin clarifies design, inspection, use, adjustment, maintenance, and repair for cast-in-place threaded anchors (J-bolts with exposed threaded ends) used for unenclosed perimeter protection in accordance with the NYC Building Code.

October 1, 2021

OTCR/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-015

MC 403,
ASME A17.1,
NYCECC C403,
NYCECC C405,
AC 28-113.2.2

This document recognizes the use of self-contained air circulating sanitization systems in elevator cars.

October 1, 2021

OTCR/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-014

AC 28-105,
AC 28-113,
BC Chapter 8

This document establishes guidelines for installation of transparent window insulation panels.

October 1, 2021

OTCR/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-013

AC 28-302,
1 RCNY 103-04,
BC 3302, BC 3316

This document recognizes the use of imaging robots to aid in the critical examination requirements for compliance filings for the Façade Inspection Safety Program.

October 1, 2021

OTCR/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-012

AC 28-302,
1 RCNY 103-04

This document establishes the acceptable use of artificial intelligence in detecting façade defects and deterioration.

July 21, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-011

Bulletin Highlights

Bulletin FAQs

Technical Policy Procedure Notice (TPPN) 5 of 1998; Zoning Resolution (ZR) 22-21, 32-15, 32-31, 42-12, 42-31; Building Code (BC) 3202.2, 1704.10, 1704.32; Fire Code (FC) 504.4.1; Administrative Code (AC) 28-105.4.2; Section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (‘Spectrum Act’).

This bulletin clarifies the applicability and limitations of TPPN 5 of 1998 to cellular antennas.

July 16, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-010

SUPPORTING INFORMATION FOR: Article 320 of the Administrative Code, Building Energy and Emissions Limits.

This bulletin clarifies the applicability of adjusted building emissions limits approved for Not-for-profit Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities related to the annual Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting established in Local Law 97 of 2019 (LL 97/2019).

July 8, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-009

RESCINDS: DOB’s Phase 1 Reopening Guidance and Buildings Bulletins 2020-006, 2020-010, 2020-015, 2021-008

This bulletin rescinds one guidance document and four Buildings Bulletins that are no longer applicable.

May 28, 2021

Operational/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-008

Supersedes:
BB 2020-020

Rescinded by:
BB 2021-009

Related Bulletin:
BB 2021-005


This bulletin describes when a DOB permit application is not required and how to determine the number of occupants for the reopening of indoor food services and dining in restaurants and establishments in New York City.

May 28, 2021

Operational/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-007

Supersedes:
BB 2020-019


This bulletin focuses on natural gas as a power source for outdoor heaters, and describes the process of installing, permitting, and operating such heaters.

May 28, 2021

Operational/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-006

Supersedes:
BB 2020-018


This bulletin focuses on electricity as a power source for heaters and describes the process of installing, permitting, and operating such heaters.

May 28, 2021

Operational/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-005

Supersedes:
BB 2020-017

EO 126,
EO 128,
EO 200

This bulletin describes when a DOB permit application is not required for the safe New York City reopening of restaurants and bars.

May 17, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-004

Bulletin Highlights

BC 3307.6.4.10,
BC 3307.9,
BC 3307.10,
AC28-103.8,
15 RCNY §19-01

This bulletin provides guidance to owners, contractors, and designers for placing sidewalk sheds near green infrastructure.

April 26, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-003

Bulletin Highlights

AC I 318,
AC 28-105.12,
BC 1704.1.2,
BC 1905.9,
BC 1905.10.3,
BC 3310.9.1,
1 RCNY 101-06.

Clarify the role of the Special Inspector during concrete placement.

March 10, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-002

Bulletin Highlights

Supersedes:
BB 2020-014

BC 102.4
1 RCNY §908-01
NFPA 720 Sections 6.3.3.2, 6.4.1.1, 6.5, 6.6

To clarify visible occupant notification appliances requirements in Section 6.4.1.1 of NFPA 720, a reference standard adopted by 1RCNY §908-01, and fire markings requirements for notification appliances in Section 6.3.3.2 of NFPA 720.

March 1, 2021

Technical/
Buildings Bulletin
2021-001

Bulletin Highlights

FGC 502.1
FGC 503.7
UL 1738

This bulletin clarifies the applicability of section FGC 502.1 that mandates the use of listed and labeled plastic pipe as vent pipe serving category IV appliances.