Efforts to Bring NYC Building Code into the 21st Century Underway
By James C. Bifulco, CSP

In an attempt to standardize outdated codes and create updated guidelines with respect to the latest technological advances, best practices, and the post 9/11 realities, an aggressive effort is underway within the construction community of New York City for the Department of Buildings to adopt the International Building Code.

Approximately one year ago, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Patricia Lancaster issued an executive order to study the feasibility of adopting the International Building Code (IBC). The objective was clear: by using and adopting a continuously updated Building Code, while not sacrificing the effectiveness of the regulations, more affordable housing will be generated in the city and it will make New York City a more attractive place to do business, thus creating a boon to both construction professionals and the DOB. If accomplished, this task will also accomplish the creation of a living document easily updateable to the latest safety and security changes safeguarding building constructors and users alike.

The current code is the largest and most complex in the country. As such, it often is an impediment to new construction and drives up the cost of building in New York City. It also, in some instances, incorporates outdated practices and technologies. Furthermore, as noted by Patricia Lancaster, with the staff of the International Code Commission drafting and updating the Code, the City receives the benefit of a powerful public/private partnership with a staff of more than 350 building professionals dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the most exhaustive and technologically sophisticated building code available.

As a result of the feasibility study and four months of deliberations, the Commission recommended the adoption of the International Code Council's IBC and systems were put in place to get the process underway.

The IBC New York City Model Code Program Committee was assembled with industry thought leaders representing both the private and public sectors to drive this effort. The committee is comprised of 13 technical panels and subcommittees formed in an effort to develop a model building code. Sub-panels made up of several committee members with designated panel leaders to guide the panel review process further define each subcommittee.

With these technical committees in place and actively moving forward, the first charge of the committee was to review the current NYC Building Code and the IBC to incorporate the New York code into the IBC format.

The Safety and Demolition Subcommittee, Chaired by Mr. Louis J. Coletti, President and CEO of the Building Trades Employers Association, reviewed the applicable code provisions and based on conventional knowledge of the applicable codes and standards, it was determined that the following be reviewed: 13 Articles in Subchapter 19 of the Building Code, the applicable Rules of the City of New York and the Reference Standards RS 191-3.

For this subcommittee, the extensive examination of the code will involve evaluating the code provisions for applicability relative to current and modern practices, for inconsistencies and incorrect items, unnecessary redundancies, unclear or ambiguous items and suggested improvements.

There's an 18-month timeframe in place with the goal of having the committeeÕs work completed by June or July 2004.

It is a monumental task put forth to be accomplished in an extremely aggressive time frame, however, if achieved it will have a tremendously positive impact on building construction, building management and public safety and security for not only the foreseeable future of the City of New York but for centuries to come and obstacles not even yet imagined.

James C. Bifulco, CSP, is an active member of the IBC Safety and Demolition Technical Committee acting as Panel Leader for the Major Buildings Panel. Mr. Bifulco, a Certified Safety Professional with more than 15 years experience in construction safety, is Managing Safety and Loss Control Consultant for TSC, Total Safety Consulting, the leader in effective safety management and loss control services.

Story ©2003 New York Real Estate Journal.