Code Development

Code Development

The Construction Industry is ever-changing and our Codes must work in tandem with these advances while staying up-to-date with the latest version of the International Code Council (I-Codes). The New York City Construction Codes consist of the technical volumes: Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code, and Energy Conservation Code; and an administrative volume, the General Administrative Provisions (Title 28), which contains permitting, licensing, fees, and other provisions that apply universally to the technical volumes.

The City’s Construction Codes are periodically revised and updated by the Department’s Code Development Unit to ensure safe and compliant development. To that end, the Department organizes a series of committees to review the technical and administrative provisions of the Codes and help draft Code Revisions to the New York City Construction Codes.

Recognizing the critical role the City’s waterfront continues to play in the evolution of our built environment, the Department of Buildings has identified a need to develop, adopt, and implement a Code for waterfront construction. DOB has organized technical and advisory committees to develop this new Code, which will supplement the existing land-based construction regulations, and work in tandem with requirements at the State and federal level.

The New York City Energy Conservation Code is revised to align with the International Energy Conservation Code and the  Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS) – learn more about the unique process for Energy Conservation Code revision efforts.

The New York City Electrical Code is also updated periodically by the Department and technical experts to align with innovative technologies and updated practices found in the latest edition of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

For additional information regarding the Code Revision processes, please refer to the 2023 Code Revision Handbook and the 2018 Electrical Code Revision Handbook

Helpful Links