Project Checklists for Owner:
Construction Fence

This section contains a list of questions/tasks to help Owners, who are responsible for hiring professionals to provide compliance with the NYC Construction Codes and other regulations discussed in the Project Guidelines.

The project design team should be hired and assembled by the Owner prior to beginning any construction. As an Owner, if you are unfamiliar with construction regulations, consult a Registered Design Professional or reference the NYC Construction Code and other regulations referenced in this guide for more information. The Owner’s responsibilities are listed in AC 28-301.1.

Checklists include:

Initial Project Checklist

DO

  • Pre-Project: When required hire a Registered Design Professional (a Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (R.A.)) or a registered Contractor to ensure your project is Code-compliant.
  • Project Drawings: Unless installed in connection with the construction or demolition of a one-, two-, or three-family building, only a Registered Design Professional (RDP) can submit construction documents, including drawings and other submissions, to the Department for approval.
  • Project Work: Hire a Licensed/Registered General Contractor to perform the work. When hiring a professional, have a written contract that includes the Contractor’s company name, address and license number(s).
  • Contractor Inspection and Maintenance: All fences shall be installed, adjusted, repaired, and maintained in a sound condition, free of protruding or loose nails, wood, or metal, and with posts in an upright position restrained to prevent the fence from leaning or overturning, as required by BC 3307.7.7.
  • DOB: NOW Requirement: Owner must provide their email address to the Department to obtain correspondence, inspections and final sign-off of the project.
  • Work Completion: Contractor must properly notify the Department prior to removal of the fence to close the project application. Please note the fence cannot be removed until the structure is enclosed and all exterior work has been completed, thereby ensuring safety for the pedestrians. However, the construction fence must be removed once the structure associated with the project work is complete.

DON’T

  • Work Without a Permit: Do not begin work without a NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) permit if there is any extension of the fence into a street roadway. Property Owners and the people performing work without a permit may face violations with penalties, court appearances, and civil and/or criminal penalties.

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Prior to Application Approval Checklist

  • Hire a Registered Design Professional (RDP), P.E. or R.A., to consult and finalize scope of work for the fence.
  • Provide and consent to project submission requirements, and authorize the Registered Design Professional, who is the Applicant of Record, to submit project plans (construction documents) for approval by the Department.
  • A Lot/Plot Plan must be submitted to verify fence location and scope of work.
  • Project approval is required prior to beginning work.

*Note: The Owner of the building/property is ultimately responsible for the project, and their signature/consent is required for submission of the project application by their Design Professional, and Department approval. The Owner may attend plan examination appointments only if accompanied by the Applicant of Record or the Filing Representative.*

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Pre-Permit & On-going Project Work Checklist

Pre-Permit

  • Licensed/Registered Contractor: Hire NYC Licensed/Registered Contractor to obtain work permit(s) in order to begin work.

On-going

  • Site Safety: Property Owners must maintain their properties in a safe condition during the course of work.

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Project Completion Close-out Checklist

  • Permit Sign-off: Confirm the Contractor has requested permit sign-off.

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Project Checklists for Owner Links

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