The City Planning Department began the formal review process this week for Zone Green code changes that will allow walls to exceed FAR limits for insulation, and allow rooftop solar installation to go over height limits, as part of a comprehensive plan to remove zoning obstacles to energy efficiency.
Is your new building or major alteration application stalled in a Dept. of Buildings borough office? If you are ready to resubmit the plans electronically you can now transfer the application to the new Development Hub and get a full team review with City examiners, your architect or engineer and yourself in a virtual meeting online. DOB is ready for the 21st century. Are you?
While the US Attorney continues Fair Housing cases against NY developers who complied with local accessibility codes but didn’t meet federal standards, a Texas district court judge has ruled in United States v. JPI Construction that compliance with the federal safe harbor standards is not mandatory and that developers can attempt to prove to a jury that their buildings are accessible within the spirit of the law and that they had no intent to discriminate.
Mayor Bloomberg signed legislation Wednesday allowing property owners to pay a $250 fine and certify heat violations are corrected within 24 hours of notice being affixed to a building — tolling daily fines. The local law also created a new $200 inspection fee when a third or subsequent violation is issued in the same heating season.