Construction Superintendent NYC Guide: 2026 One-Job Rule & Careers

What Does a Construction Superintendent Do? Roles, Duties, and Skills Needed

A Construction Superintendent is the general contractor's on-site leader, responsible for keeping a project safe and compliant. In New York City, superintendents must act responsibly to maintain site safety, ensure work follows approved documents when no other professional is assigned, fulfill the duties of a superintendent of construction under the Administrative Code, and visit the site each day active work is taking place.

Safety is one of their most important responsibilities. Superintendents must enforce OSHA and NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations at all times. They conduct daily safety inspections, document conditions in the required DOB logbook, and stop unsafe practices immediately if hazards are found. This vigilance prevents accidents, violations, and costly project delays.

Core Duties of a Construction Superintendent

• Maintain a Safe Site: Act in a reasonable and responsible way to keep the jobsite safe and ensure compliance with all Chapter 33 safeguards and DOB rules.
• Enforce Approved Plans: Where no design professional or special inspection agency is responsible, confirm that construction follows approved documents.
• Fulfill Administrative Code Duties: Carry out the responsibilities of a superintendent of construction as defined under the Administrative Code.
• Daily Site Presence: Visit each active jobsite every day while work is underway. Presence is not required only during limited low-risk activities such as surveying without disturbance, enclosed hoist use, finish trowelling, temporary utilities, or certain controlled deliveries.
• Inspect Active Work Areas: On each visit, inspect all floors and work zones to verify:
  • Work is performed using safe construction or demolition practices.
  • Work complies with approved documents.
  • Work complies with Chapter 33 and DOB rules.
• Notify DOB of Serious Conditions: Report conditions listed in Section 3310.8.2.1 (e.g., unpermitted crane use, missing sidewalk sheds, standpipe issues, or serious accidents) directly to the Department of Buildings.
• Report Accidents and Property Damage: Immediately notify DOB of any accidents on-site or damage to adjoining property.
• Designate a Competent Person: Assign a competent person for each site who is present whenever work occurs. This person must carry out the superintendent's orders, identify unsafe conditions, take corrective measures, and report accidents or property damage.
• Keep a Detailed Logbook: Complete and sign a daily log before leaving the site. The log must record presence, inspections, unsafe conditions, corrective actions, violations, accidents, and the name of the competent person on duty.

Skills Needed for Success

Construction Superintendents need both technical and leadership skills. They must understand structural plans, blueprints, permits, trade work, and the NYC Building Code sufficiently to identify issues and ensure quality. Strong communication skills are essential for leading crews, giving safety instructions. Other critical skills include:

• Problem-solving under pressure (resolving scheduling conflicts, unforeseen site conditions, or compliance issues).
• Time management and organization to keep projects on track.
• The ability to remain calm, decisive, and safety-focused during high-pressure situations.

Construction Superintendent vs. Site Safety Manager in NYC

It's important to distinguish between a Construction Superintendent and a Site Safety Manager (SSM) in New York City.

• A Construction Superintendent oversees overall project operations on smaller projects (generally buildings under 7 stories), balancing safety and quality.
• A Site Safety Manager is required on major building projects in New York City, as defined by the NYC Building Code §202 effective December 11, 2024. A major building is any structure that is seven or more stories, 75 feet or more in height, or has a building footprint of at least 100,000 square feet. Under Section 3310.5, the owner, contractor, or construction manager must designate a certified Site Safety Manager. For smaller major buildings that are under seven stories, under 75 feet in height, and have a footprint below 100,000 square feet, a Site Safety Coordinator may be designated instead.

Projects that require a Site Safety Manager and a full site safety plan might not be exempt from needing a Construction Superintendent. On some large projects, both roles may be present: the SSM handles intensive safety management, while the superintendent oversees broader project coordination. In general, the superintendent's scope is comprehensive across project management, while the SSM's scope is specialized in safety oversight.

Construction Superintendent Requirements in NYC: Licensing and Registration Process

Becoming a Construction Superintendent in New York City requires meeting strict experience and training standards, followed by registration with the Department of Buildings (DOB). Unlike many other construction roles, superintendents are licensed professionals, which means they must demonstrate hands-on experience, complete approved safety courses, and pass a background review before being allowed to oversee a jobsite.

Eligibility Criteria

To register as a Construction Superintendent in New York City, applicants must meet the Department of Buildings' (DOB) general requirements and also qualify through one approved experience pathway.

General Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be able to read and write in English.
• Be medically fit to perform superintendent duties (LIC62 form required).
• Demonstrate good moral character.
• Complete a DOB-approved 40-hour Site Safety course within one year before applying.
• Hold a valid Site Safety Training (SST) Supervisor card.

Experience Pathways

Applicants must qualify through one of the following:

• 3 years as a full-time project supervisor with on-site responsibility in NYC (within the last 5 years).
• 5 years as a full-time project supervisor with on-site responsibility in the U.S. (within the last 8 years).
• Hold a valid Site Safety Manager (SSM) or Site Safety Coordinator (SSC) certificate.
• Hold a valid Concrete Safety Manager registration.
• Be a Registered Design Professional (New York State Professional Engineer or Registered Architect).
• Hold a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) designation.
• 5 years (within the last 10 years) as a NYC Building Code enforcement official conducting inspections on construction or demolition sites.
• 5 years (within the last 10 years) of full-time field experience in the U.S. as either:
  • a safety official for a government entity or construction firm, or
  • a safety manager/engineer for a construction safety consulting firm.
• 5 years (within the last 10 years) working with construction plans in a relevant trade, such as new construction, enlargements (vertical or horizontal), or full demolition projects.

Educational Credit

Formal education in construction, engineering, or a related field may be applied toward certain experience pathways. One year of education (college, technical, or trade school) may count as one year of required experience, up to a maximum of three years of credit.

Required Training

Before applying, candidates must complete DOB-approved training courses, including:

• 8-hour Site Safety Coordinator course (or the 40-hour Site Safety Manager course for certain applicants).
• A valid OSHA Construction Safety course certificate (minimum 10-hour course, taken within the past 2 years).
• Full NYC Site Safety Training (SST) as required for supervisors: 62 hours of safety training, which includes OSHA coursework.

These courses ensure superintendents are familiar with NYC building codes, safety requirements, and hazard control practices.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the DOB NOW: Licensing portal. Candidates must upload supporting documents in PDF format, including:

• Proof of qualifying experience (employment verification letters, LIC4 employment history form).
• Course completion certificates.
• Social Security earnings report to verify employment history.
• Identification documents and affidavits (such as LIC50/LIC51 for non-NYC residents).
• Physical exam report (LIC62 form) confirming fitness for duty.
• Child support certification form, a standard NYC licensing requirement.

Applicants must also submit the LIC2 license application and pay a $100 registration fee. Once approved, they are scheduled for an in-person appointment to pick up their official Construction Superintendent registration card.

License Renewal and Continuing Education

In New York City, superintendents must renew their registration regularly and complete ongoing training to stay current with safety standards and DOB requirements. This ensures that every licensed superintendent remains qualified, up to date, and accountable for the evolving demands of the job.

• Registration is valid for three years.
• Renewal is filed via DOB NOW with a $50 renewal fee.
• Superintendents must complete an 8-hour Site Safety Refresher course within one year before renewal.
• A new physical exam form is also required at renewal.

If you fail to renew within one year of its expiration, you must reapply as a new applicant.

Accountability and Enforcement

Being a registered Construction Superintendent is a serious responsibility. The DOB holds superintendents directly accountable for site conditions. Violations, such as falsifying logs, neglecting safety enforcement, or failing to maintain presence on-site, can result in suspension or permanent revocation of the registration.

NYC Construction Superintendent Laws: Building Code and DOB Compliance Overview

New York City has specific laws outlining when a Construction Superintendent is required and what duties they must perform to keep a project safe and code-compliant. These requirements are set by the NYC Building Code (Chapter 33, Section 3301.13) and Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations. In recent years, the rules have become stricter to close safety gaps.

When Is a Construction Superintendent Required?

Under Section 3301.13, a registered Construction Superintendent must be designated for most construction or demolition projects that are not classified as “major buildings.” In practice, this includes:

• New building construction and full demolitions up to - 6 stories in height.
• Significant alterations, such as enlargements (adding floors or extending the footprint), removing more than 50% of a building's floor area, or excavations like underpinning, may affect structural stability.

Exceptions include:

• Ground-up construction and alterations of one-, two-, or three-family homes, unless unusual hazards exist.
• Major buildings are now defined as those that are 7 stories or 75 feet or taller (or with a footprint of 100,000+ square feet). These projects require a Site Safety Manager (SSM) and a full Site Safety Plan under Building Code Section 3310. This updated definition, effective December 11, 2024, lowers the threshold from the previous 10 stories or 125 feet requirement, which means more projects will be classified as “major buildings” and subject to stricter site safety rules.

For most jobs under 7 stories, a permit cannot even be issued until a registered Construction Superintendent is assigned.

DOB Oversight and Daily Presence

Once designated, a Construction Superintendent must maintain strict oversight of the site:

• Daily Visits: The superintendent (or a qualified alternate) must visit the site once per day when active work is occurring. Since 2016, DOB rules require that these visits be logged daily.
• Site Inspections: During each visit, the superintendent inspects work areas for compliance with approved plans, permits, and safety regulations. They check for proper fall protection, scaffolding, hoists, and other temporary structures.
• Corrective Action: If unsafe conditions are found, the superintendent must take immediate action—whether that means stopping work, notifying the contractor, or contacting the DOB about an imminent hazard.

Logbook Documentation

Building Code Section 3301.13.13 requires superintendents to maintain a daily logbook on-site. This record must include:

• Results of daily inspections.
• Unsafe conditions and corrective actions taken.
• Accidents, incidents, or DOB notifications.
• Dates, signatures, and details of all site visits.

The logbook must be available for DOB inspectors at any time. Failing to maintain or falsifying the log is a violation that can result in penalties or license suspension.

Compliance With Plans and Permits

Superintendents must also ensure that all work conforms to DOB-approved construction documents. If conditions in the field require changes, the revised plans must be resubmitted for approval. Additional responsibilities include:

• Verifying that all site workers have the required OSHA and Site Safety Training (SST) certifications.
• Ensuring all required permits and safety postings are displayed.

DOB Notifications and Violations

Superintendents serve as the DOB's primary point of contact on-site. Their responsibilities include:

• Incident reporting: Any accident must be immediately reported to the DOB and logged.
• Site Inspections: If a superintendent resigns or is no longer supervising, they must formally withdraw from the project. Work must pause until a replacement is assigned.
• Corrective Action: The DOB may issue violations directly to the superintendent for unsafe work, insufficient site presence, or failure to perform duties. In serious cases, this can lead to a Stop Work Order or even license suspension.

With the 2026 one-job rule (Local Law 149 of 2021), enforcement will be even stricter. Superintendents will be required to dedicate their full attention to a single job, reducing the risk of stretched oversight.

Int. No. 2276-A Explained: NYC's 2026 One-Job Rule for Construction Superintendents

Int. No. 2276-A (Local Law 149 of 2021) was passed as part of a broader construction safety reform package. Its goal is to strengthen oversight by ensuring that Construction Superintendents are no longer stretched across too many projects at once. The law's core provision, the “one-job rule,” requires each Primary Superintendent to dedicate themselves to only one project at a time, effective January 1, 2026.

Here are the key provisions of the law:

1. Gradual Reduction of Allowed Jobs

Before this reform, a superintendent could oversee up to 10 projects simultaneously (since 2017). Local Law 149 phased in stricter limits:

• June 1, 2022 → maximum of 5 active jobs per superintendent.
• January 1, 2024 → maximum of 3 active jobs. The DOB began enforcing this cap by rejecting permits if a superintendent already had three active designations.
• January 1, 2026 → no individual may serve as the primary Construction Superintendent on more than one active job. The law allows the Department of Buildings Commissioner to set a later enforcement date, but no later than January 1, 2027.

2. Major Buildings Clause

For major building projects (7+ stories, over 75 feet, or more than 100,000 square feet), the one-job rule applies immediately. Even during the 3-job phase in 2024, if a superintendent was designated on a major building, they could not oversee any other jobs concurrently. By 2026, this restriction will extend to all projects that require a superintendent.

3. Jobsite Presence Requirement

The law amends Building Code Section 3301.13.6 to require that the superintendent be dedicated to one job, present on-site during all active work. This effectively shifts the role from making a daily visit to maintaining a full-time site presence.

4. Elimination of the “Competent Person” Stand-in

Previously, a superintendent could designate a “competent person” (such as a foreman) to oversee work in their absence. Under the one-job rule, this is no longer permitted. If the primary superintendent is unavailable, contractors must assign an alternate licensed superintendent to cover the site. Work cannot proceed without a registered professional present.

5. Stricter Documentation Requirements

The law reinforces recordkeeping rules:

• Superintendents must sign and date each daily log entry in real time.
• Logs may need to include the time of arrival and departure, ensuring proof of on-site presence.
• These requirements create a stronger paper trail to verify compliance.

6. Enforcement and Penalties

The DOB has wide authority to enforce the one-job rule. Penalties may include:

• Denying permits if a superintendent exceeds the job limit.
• Issuing violations or Stop Work Orders.
• Suspending or revoking a superintendent's registration for repeated or willful violations.

The law explicitly places responsibility on licensed superintendents to stay within limits, and DOB has issued service notices as each phase has taken effect

How the 2026 One-Job Rule Impacts Superintendents and Contractors

The one-job rule will significantly reshape how Construction Superintendents work in NYC and how contractors staff their projects.

Here's what it means for different stakeholders:

Impact on Construction Superintendents

For years, many superintendents, especially at smaller firms, juggled multiple jobs at once, such as a few townhouse builds or renovation projects. Starting in 2026, that model will end. Superintendents will be expected to:

• Dedicate themselves to one site full-time, present whenever active work is occurring.
• Shift from multitasking to site immersion, spending the entire day solving problems, and enforcing safety.
• Plan carefully for time off, since they cannot leave a site in the hands of a foreman. Only another licensed superintendent can substitute during absences.

While this will intensify focus on a single project, it may also reduce the stress of being pulled in multiple directions. Many supers may find the role more rewarding, with greater influence on safety and quality outcomes.

Impact on Contractors and Developers

For construction firms, the one-job rule means rethinking staffing strategies:

• Companies that relied on one superintendent to cover three jobs will now need three separate supers.
• Payroll and overhead costs for site supervision will increase.
• Smaller contractors may face tighter budgets, needing a full-time super for each job regardless of size.
• Some may adjust schedules so projects don't overlap, avoiding the need for multiple supers at once.

Contractors will also need contingency planning. If a primary superintendent is unavailable, they must assign a licensed alternate before work can continue. This may lead to firms building a “bench” of backup supers—something uncommon in the past.

Operational Adjustments on Job Sites

A superintendent anchored to one site brings clear advantages:

• Consistent oversight: Issues can be addressed immediately instead of waiting for the supervisor to return from another site.
• Stronger coordination: Subcontractors get faster answers to questions.
• Improved safety: Continuous enforcement of PPE, fall protection, and other requirements reduces risk.
• Better recordkeeping: With more time on-site, supers can maintain thorough DOB logbooks and compliance paperwork.

Safety Outcomes

The DOB rule's ultimate purpose is to reduce accidents and violations. With one superintendent fully accountable for each site:

• Hazards are more likely to be caught early and corrected.
• DOB has a clear, dedicated point of responsibility for site safety.
• Recordkeeping and compliance should improve, leaving less room for oversight lapses.
• The excuse of being “busy at another job” will no longer be valid.

City officials expect these measures to produce safer worksites, with fewer injuries and emergencies.

Challenges and Industry Response

The transition is not without hurdles:

• Workforce supply: Demand for registered superintendents will increase sharply by 2026.
• Budget pressure: Smaller firms may struggle with higher supervision costs, potentially leading to delayed starts or higher bids.
• Industry adjustments: Larger firms have already adapted, while smaller ones are being urged by associations to plan ahead, stagger projects, and leverage assistant supers more strategically.

Job Demand and Opportunities

The 2026 one-job rule will significantly increase demand for registered Construction Superintendents:

• More projects will each require a dedicated super, creating hundreds of additional positions citywide.
• NYC's construction pipeline, including rezoning-driven housing, infrastructure upgrades, and large commercial projects, ensures steady demand.
• Even midsize projects that once shared a superintendent will now need one full-time.

This creates a strong opportunity for aspiring professionals. Contractors may even assign supers to projects not technically required by law, just to reduce risk and demonstrate compliance.

Career Growth and Advancement

The role of superintendent can lead to multiple career paths in construction management. Typical progression in NYC includes:

1. Assistant Superintendent → supporting daily coordination and paperwork.
2. Primary Superintendent → leading smaller projects, then scaling up to larger ones.
3. Senior/Lead Superintendent → overseeing multiple supers or serving as the field leader on complex, multi-tower projects.
4. Project Manager or Project Executive → moving into broader management roles, with responsibility for budgets, contracts, or entire divisions.

Other advancement options include:

• Specializing in safety management, by adding credentials like the NYC Site Safety Manager license or Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
• Starting a consulting or independent practice, leveraging experience to offer site supervision or compliance services to multiple firms.

Spotlight: Our Role at NY Super Safety — Your Partner in Compliance and Site Safety

As New York City construction moves toward stricter oversight, most notably the 2026 one-job rule under Local Law 149, our team at NY Super Safety is here to help contractors, developers, and owners stay ahead of compliance requirements. We specialize in ensuring projects across all five boroughs are safe, efficient, and fully aligned with DOB regulations from day one.

What We Provide:

• Licensed Construction Superintendents for Every Project: We provide registered Construction Superintendents who meet all DOB and OSHA requirements. Our supers are assigned with the current job cap in mind and are already prepared for the one-job rule standard, so your project won't risk violations or delays as the law tightens.
• Full-Spectrum Site Safety Management: Beyond superintendents, we staff licensed Site Safety Managers, Site Safety Coordinators, Fire Safety Managers, Concrete Safety Managers, and Competent Persons. This ensures coverage across all project types, from small residential builds to major developments.
• Engineering and Planning Services: We handle the paperwork and planning that go hand-in-hand with construction oversight, including:
  • Site Safety Plans (SSPs)
  • Tenant Protection Plans (TPPs)
  • Scaffold and Sidewalk Shed Plans
  • and much more…
• On-Site Oversight and Compliance Audits: Our professionals maintain a daily site presence, performing inspections, updating DOB logbooks, and taking immediate corrective action when unsafe conditions arise. With NY Super Safety, you gain proactive compliance management that reduces costly fines, stop-work orders, and delays.

Why Work with NY Super Safety?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a Construction Superintendent do in NYC?

A Construction Superintendent in NYC is responsible for the daily oversight of a construction site and safety compliance. They must perform daily inspections, keep a DOB logbook, and ensure all work meets NYC Building Code and OSHA standards

What are the requirements to become a Construction Superintendent in NYC?

To register with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), applicants need at least five years of qualifying construction or safety experience within the past 10 years, proof of OSHA safety training, and completion of DOB-approved courses such as the 8-hour Site Safety Coordinator or 40-hour Site Safety Manager course. Applicants must submit documentation through DOB NOW: Licensing and renew their registration every three years with an 8-hour refresher course.

What is the 2026 one-job rule for Construction Superintendents?

Under Int. No. 2276-A (Local Law 149 of 2021), beginning January 1, 2026, each Primary Construction Superintendent in NYC may oversee only one active job at a time. The Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner, however, has the discretion to delay this enforcement date, but not beyond January 1, 2027. This rule strengthens safety oversight by requiring full-time, on-site presence. It replaces the previous caps of 10 jobs (original limit), then 5 jobs (from June 1, 2022), and then 3 jobs (from January 1, 2024, or a later date set by the DOB, but no later than January 1, 2025).

How does the one-job rule impact contractors?

Contractors will need to hire more superintendents to staff their projects since one super can no longer cover multiple sites. This will likely increase supervision costs but improve safety compliance, accountability, and efficiency on every project. Contractors should plan ahead by securing qualified supers before 2026.

What laws and codes govern Construction Superintendents in NYC?

Construction Superintendents are regulated by NYC Building Code Section 3301.13 and the DOB's licensing rules. Local Law 149 of 2021 (Int. No. 2276-A) further amended these laws to tighten supervision limits and require stronger on-site presence. Supers must also comply with OSHA regulations and NYC safety training requirements.

What is the difference between a Construction Superintendent and a Site Safety Manager?

A Construction Superintendent oversees the overall progress, safety, and compliance of most projects under 7 stories. A Site Safety Manager (SSM) is required for major buildings (15+ stories, 200+ feet in height, or footprint of 100,000+ square feet) and focuses exclusively on implementing a Site Safety Plan and OSHA compliance. In some large projects, both roles may be required.