NYC Construction Compliance FAQ

Local Law 196 requires all workers on major construction sites to hold Site Safety Training (SST) cards. A 40-hour SST card is required for most construction workers, while a 62-hour card is required for supervisors. Sites must designate a competent person for safety oversight.

FISP (formerly Local Law 11) requires buildings over 6 stories to have their exterior walls and appurtenances inspected by a qualified exterior wall inspector (QEWI) every 5 years. Results must be filed with DOB. Facades are rated as Safe, SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program), or Unsafe.

Unsafe conditions must be corrected immediately with protective measures (sidewalk sheds, netting). SWARMP conditions must be repaired within the filing cycle. Failure to file the FISP report results in penalties of $1,000 per month. DOB may issue violations and require emergency repairs.

NYC heavily regulates crane operations. Tower cranes and mobile cranes over 100,000 lb capacity require DOB-licensed operators, crane use permits, engineered lift plans, and DOB inspections. Crane accidents can result in criminal charges, and regulations have been tightened significantly after several fatal incidents.

Scaffolding requires DOB permits, licensed riggers, and regular inspections. Sidewalk sheds (protective structures over sidewalks) are required during certain construction and facade repair activities. Properties with standing sidewalk sheds may face DOT fees and community complaints.

LL152 requires periodic inspection of gas piping systems in buildings. Inspections must be performed by a licensed master plumber and filed with DOB. Non-compliance results in violations and fines. The law was enacted after several gas-related explosions in NYC.

NYC requires licenses for general contractors, plumbers (master and journeyman), electricians (master), fire suppression contractors, riggers, sign hangers, and other specialty trades. Unlicensed work is a violation that can affect both the contractor and the property owner.

DOB requires a licensed construction superintendent on major construction sites. The superintendent is responsible for ensuring work complies with approved plans, maintaining safety, and coordinating inspections. The superintendent must be present during all active construction.

Different work types require different DOB inspections: foundation, structural, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, elevator, and final inspections. Work must not proceed to the next phase until required inspections pass. Skipping inspections can result in violations and permit revocation.

NYC requires specific safety measures for excavation work including shoring, underpinning of adjacent buildings, protection of utilities, and monitoring. Properties adjacent to excavation sites have rights to protection under the Building Code. DOB monitors excavation through the Technical Support Unit.

RegWatch includes DOB permit data, active construction filings, violation history, FISP status, and other compliance information in property profiles. Portfolio monitoring alerts you to new construction activity near your properties.