N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 1601: Section BC 1601: General

1601.1 Scope.

The provisions of this chapter shall govern the structural design of buildings, structures and portions thereof regulated by this code.

1601.1.1 Referenced standards.

Where this code makes reference to the nationally recognized standard ASCE 7, such standard shall be as modified for New York City in accordance with this chapter.

1601.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings.

The provisions of Sections 1601.2.1 through 1601.2.4 shall apply to structural work on prior code buildings.

1601.2.1 Use of this code.

Notwithstanding the applicant's election to use the 1968 Building Code or prior code, the structural calculations shall be permitted to be performed in accordance with this code provided that the structural safety of the prior code building is not reduced. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 28-101.4.4 of the Administrative Code, the use of Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) engineering calculations shall not be deemed to reduce structural safety provided the properties of the existing materials are determined using accepted engineering principles.

1601.2.2 Live loads.

Loads indicated in the applicable prior code shall be permitted for structural calculations using engineering formulas from this code provided that the structural safety of the prior code building is not reduced.

1601.2.3 Seismic loads.

The determination as to whether seismic requirements apply to an alteration shall be made in accordance with the 1968 Building Code and interpretations by the department relating to such determinations. Any applicable seismic loads and requirements, including for the bracing of architectural, mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, fire suppression and electrical systems and equipment, shall be permitted to be determined in accordance with this Chapter or the 1968 Building Code and reference standard RS 9-6 of such code.

1601.2.4 Wind loads.

All alterations, minor alterations, and ordinary repairs, to the extent of such work, shall be permitted to be performed in accordance with the wind load requirements set forth in the 1968 Building Code, or where the 1968 Building Code so authorizes, the code in effect prior to December 6, 1968.

Exceptions:

1. Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with Section 1609.

2. Wind loads on glass shall not be permitted to be calculated in accordance with the code in effect prior to December 6, 1968.

3. When the wind surface area of a prior code building or structure is increased by more than 5 percent in any direction or there is a permanent decrease of the lateral force capacity by more than 20 percent in any direction, the entire building or structure shall be designed to resist the design wind load as calculated pursuant to the applicable code, but not less than 5 psf (0.24 kN/m

2

).