Local Law 147 of 2021: New Definition of Major Building

The definition of "major building" in New York City is set to change. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued a Service Notice stating that starting December 11, 2024, the height criteria for what qualifies as a “major” building will be reduced.

Currently, a building is classified as “major” if it has 10 or more stories or is at least 125 feet tall. The new definition will lower this to 7 or more stories or a height of at least 75 feet. This classification affects site safety requirements, making it crucial for building owners to determine if their properties will be redefined as “major”:

• The new criteria will apply to initial permits issued and requests submitted on or after December 11, 2024.
• It will not apply to permits issued or requests submitted before this date.
• Beginning December 11, 2024, site safety requirements will be enforced for any project on a building that meets the new “major” definition.
• DOB NOW: Any project filed before December 11, 2024, for which an initial General Construction (GC), Structural (ST), Foundation (FO), Support of Excavation (SE), or Earthwork (EA) permit has not been requested or issued by that date will need to comply with the new site safety requirements.
• Facade Work: The updated definition of a major building will not affect facade work. The site safety requirements for façade projects will still apply only to buildings that are over 14 stories or 200 feet tall.

For more information please check NYC DOB Service Notice

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