DESIGNING FOR RESILIENCY: NYC S NEW LOCAL LAWS Version 1: April 8, 2014
SUPERSTORM SANDY Breezy Point Queens, New York
OVERVIEW OF THE LAWS Local Law! Description! Effective! 96/13! Survey Data and Flood Maps! November 19, 2013! 29/13! Raising and Moving Buildings! April 2, 2013! 83/13! Preventing Sewage Backflow! October 2, 2013! 99/13! Cable Length and Fuel Oil Storage! November 19, 2013! 109/13! Temporary Flood Shields! December 2, 2013! 111/13! Emergency and Standby Power! December 2, 2013! 95/13! Protecting Patient Care Areas! November 19, 2013! 82/13! Providing a Flood Manual! October 2, 2013!
SURVEY DATA AND FLOOD MAPS LOCAL LAW 96/13: Amends the New York City administrative code and building code, requiring use of the most current and accurate flood maps
DETERMINING FLOOD ZONES Survey Data and Flood Maps: Local Law 96/13
FEMA MAPS VS. NYC EVACUATION ZONES FEMA Flood Maps for NYC NYC OEM Evacuation Zones
REQUIREMENTS 1. Designers are required to specify elevations using the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988. To convert from NGVD 29 to NAVD 88, visit National Geodetic Survey 2. All new projects must comply with the more stringent of either the current 2007 FIRMS or the 2013 Preliminary FIRMS. Applies to initial permits issued on or after January 6, 2014. Visit the FEMA Map Service Center to determine your building s FIRM. Survey Data and Flood Maps: Local Law 96/13
RAISING AND MOVING BUILDINGS LOCAL LAW 29/13: Amends the New York City administrative code and building code to ensure elevation work is completed to the correct standards FLOOD INSURANCE PREMIUMS
REQUIREMENTS 1. Indicate elevation work on the title page of construction plans 2. Give 48 hours notice to DOB before beginning elevation work 3. Note that elevation work is subject to periodic special inspection The special inspection requirements of the law are explained in more detail in DOB Bulletin 2013-013. Raising and Moving Buildings: Local Law 29/13
PREVENTING SEWAGE BACKFLOW LOCAL LAW 83/13: Amends the New York City plumbing code, requiring backwater valves to prevent the backflow of sewage
REQUIREMENTS 1. Install backwater valves in buildings located in flood-prone areas. At the point of exit from building and downstream from building trap Preventing Sewage Backflow: Local Law 83/13
CABLE LENGTH & FUEL OIL STORAGE LOCAL LAW 99/13: Amends the New York City administrative code, building code, and mechanical code, removing barriers to essential equipment locations
UPDATES AND REQUIREMENTS For buildings in flood-prone areas: 1. Optical fiber cables entering buildings may exceed 50 feet. 2. The maximum fuel oil storage capacity is increased to 3,000 gallons on the lowest story above the design flood elevation (DFE). Each tank is limited to a 24-hour supply for emergency generator operation or 1,500 gallons (whichever is less) Tanks must be enclosed in a 3-hour fire-rated vault The vault must be located in a room separated from other areas by 2-hour fire-rated construction and protected by an automatic fireextinguishing system Cable Length & Fuel Oil Storage: Local Law 99
TEMPORARY FLOOD SHIELDS LOCAL LAW 109/13: Amends the New York City administrative code and building code, removing barriers to temporary flood shield use
UPDATES AND REQUIREMENTS 1. In flood-prone areas, temporary flood shields, stairs, ramps, footings and supports are permitted to be installed. Can extend up to 12 inches beyond the street line Must be removed in a timely manner 2. Designers may also include permanent flood shield supports on building facades. Can extend up to 6 inches beyond the street line Temporary Flood Shields: Local Law 109/13
EMERGENCY AND STANDBY POWER LOCAL LAW 111/13: Amends the New York City administrative code, building code, and mechanical code, in relation to emergency and standby power systems and natural gas usage
UPDATES & REQUIREMENTS Optional standby systems must power the following loads: 1. Emergency lighting 2. Fire alarm systems 3. Elevators Multifamily buildings greater than 125ft All other buildings greater than 75ft Emergency and Standby Power: Local Law 111/13
UPDATES & REQUIREMENTS Natural gas is permitted as the sole fuel supply for: Emergency systems in multifamily buildings Standby systems in all buildings Emergency and Standby Power: Local Law 111/13
PROTECTING PATIENT CARE AREAS LOCAL LAW 95/13: Amends the New York City building code, requiring the elevation of patient care areas and sleeping areas
PROVIDING A FLOOD MANUAL LOCAL LAW 82/13: Amends the New York City administrative code, requiring the creation of a manual describing flood construction and protection standards Visit the Department of Buildings Rebuilding After Sandy webpage for additional resources.
UPCOMING LOCAL LAWS These laws will largely be effective when the new NYC construction codes come into effect, on October 1, 2014. Local Law! Description! Effective! 143/13! Safeguard Toxic Materials Stored in Flood Zones! March 30, 2014! 98/13! Create Emergency Plans! May 18, 2014! 79/13! Ensure Toilets & Sinks Work Without Power! October 1, 2014! 100/13! Relocate and Protect Building Systems! October 1, 2014! 101/13! Preventing Wind Damage to Buildings & Systems! October 1, 2014! 108/13! Hookups for Temporary Equipment! October 1, 2014! 110/13! Supply Drinking Water Without Power! October 1, 2014!
CONCLUSION Want to learn more? Visit www.nyc.gov/buildings Questions? Email ConstructionCodes@buildings.nyc.gov