In early 2016, the New York Department of Buildings released 1 RCNY 3301-02 – new regulations that directly affect construction sites and operations. These rules specifically address construction superintendents, and they expand the role of the superintendent at job sites. This is believed to be one of the first regulatory changes to be rolled out following the fatal crane collapse of 2016 in an effort to make construction sites safer for workers and the general public.
Changes to Construction Superintendent Duties
The recent construction superintendent changes were rolled out in two phases. The first took effect on May 30, 2016, at which time the 1 RCNY 3301-02 expanded the duties of the construction superintendent. Per the law, construction superintendent duties are to include:
- Assure compliance with Building Code Chapter 33
- Assure work conforms to all plans
- Designate a qualified and competent person to provide full-time jobsite safety supervision
- Contact the Department to report any accidents, damage to connecting properties, and other issues by contact the required BEST-SSM/SSC/CS hotline (212-393-2128)
- Correct any unsafe conditions promptly
- Inspect the entire work site upon each visit. This includes maintaining a jobsite log
A construction superintendent will no longer be required on 1-, 2-, or 3-family private residences (NBs).
Changes to On-Site Construction Superintendent Presence
The second phase of the revision took effect on August 30, 2016, and it altered the types of jobs that required a construction superintendent on site. As of that date, any of the following work situations will require a superintendent, so long as the job doesn’t fall within a Site Safety Program:
- Alterations of over 50% of existing building floor area that requires special structural stability inspection
- Demos of over 50% of existing building floor
- Complete removal of at least one entire floor (story)
- Horizontal or vertical enlargement
- Any type of work that requires special inspection for support of excavation (SOE) or underpinning
The law also requires that a superintendent be on site for any new building construction or full demolitions to existing buildings.
Other Changes
The 1 RCNY 3301-02 provided some other important guidelines, specifically in terms of permit eRenewals. If the new criteria released by the DOB require a renewal permit change, this must be completed at a Borough Office and not online. The DOB will also not require construction superintendent removal from the PW-2 for any NB private residence upon renewal.
The new regulations also provide stipulations for an alternate construction superintendent. If the primary (who is listed on the PW-2) is unable to perform any required duties, an alternate may fill the position for up to two weeks. This temporary change doesn’t have to be reported to the Department of Buildings, but the PW-2 does need to be amended to reflect any permanent change. Likewise, the Department of Buildings needs to be notified whenever an alternate superintendent will be substituting for longer than two weeks so that appropriate documentation can take place.
You can read the official New York City service update here for more information.
