The NYC compliance code means the city’s landlords always need to stay on top of the game. You have to make sure you’re not missing any important deadlines or breaking any laws or you risk being issued a violations and paying heavy fines.
Lucky for you, Jack Jaffa & Associates is here to make sure you never let any part of the NYC compliance code slip through the cracks.
Today, our friendly reminder is all about Local Law 26 of 2004.
It’s been a long time since this law was established – nearly a full 14 years. Local Law 26 requires a full system of automatic sprinklers to be installed in all office buildings and buildings classified in Occupancy Group E over 100 feet in height. Hopefully, you’re in full compliance with this part of the law and you have an efficient sprinkler system installed in all your buildings that fall within the above category.
There’s another part of the law that you may not remember: Sprinkler Compliance Reports must be submitted by all owners of buildings subjected to Local Law 26 of 2004 after 14 years. The deadline for this report is July 1, 2018.
With the deadline fast approaching, it’s time to brush up on Local Law 26 and file your report.
Here’s all you need to know about the Sprinkler Compliance Reports:
A Quick Review of Local Law 26
In October 2004, Local Law 26 went into effect. This law governed retroactive compliance with sprinkler, exit signs and photo-luminescent lighting in buildings. All upgrades are required to be completed by July 1, 2019.
As mentioned, the law requires a full sprinkler system to be installed in any building that is greater than 100 feet in height by July 2019. If there are plans to renovate a building within the year, the owner may install a temporary sprinkler loop and still be compliant with the law.
The only exceptions to this law are buildings that fall into the following categories:
- Structural conditions make it impractical to install an automatic sprinkler system.
- A part of the building is an interior landmark designated by the New York City Landmarks Preservations Commission.
The 14-year Reports
Every 14 years, all owners of NYC buildings that fall within the parameters of Local Law 26 must submit a report on their buildings’ sprinkler systems.
This is what your report needs to include:
- Certification by an architect or engineer detailing the percentage of the building in which sprinklers have been installed as of the date listed on the report.
- An implementation plan prepared by the architect or engineer specifying when and how the remaining portions of the building will be made fully compliant with Local Law 26.
If you’ve submitted a sprinkler report before the July 1st deadline, you need not submit one again.
If You Need an Extension
If you haven’t installed a sprinkler system and you don’t have conclusive plans for installing one yet, you can still be on the right side of the law. You simply need to apply for an extension by providing evidence of undue hardship that is preventing your compliance with the law. Just make sure to file for an extension before July 1st, 2018.
If you’re ready to submit your report, don’t delay; the deadline is almost here! You can email your report or your application for an extension to NYCDOBLL26@buildings.nyc.gov
Still worried about compliance with Local Law 26? Here at Jack Jaffa & Associates, we’re always ready to assist you with NYC compliance issues of any kind. Give us a call and we’ll guide you through the process, today!
