N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 507: Section EBC 507: Limited Home Improvement Alterations

507.1 Filing.

In a one- and two-family dwelling, the work specified in Section 507 shall be permitted to be filed as limited home improvement alterations and performed by a homeowner or home improvement contractor. The commissioner may promulgate rules to specify more types of work that can be filed as limited home improvement alterations.

Exceptions:

1. Buildings located in a special flood hazard area.

2. Where the scope of work includes any of the following:

2.1 Cutting away of gravity load bearing elements.

2.2 Removal of portions of fire walls or materials pertaining to them.

2.3 New flooring materials weighing more than 5 psf (24 kgf/m

2

).

2.4 Installation of any element weighing more than 100 lbs. (45 kg) and supported on an area less than 1 square foot (0.09 m

2

) or not more than 1 joist.

2.5 Partial removal of partition walls that exceed 6 feet (1.83 m), where work occurs in bearing brick masonry townhouses and where the distance between side walls is greater than 20 feet (6 m).

2.6 Removal without replacement of material pertaining to a fire separating wall or floor.

2.7 Removal of any portion of a nonload-bearing, nonfire-resistance-rated wall or partition exceeding 45 square feet (4.18 m

2

).

2.8 Removal and in-kind replacement of more than 1 individual deteriorated framing member of loadbearing studs or joists, or 1 unit of masonry in a wall, floor, or ceiling in any 10 foot (3 m) by 10 foot (3 m) area.

2.9 The temporary removal and replacement of a beam or header in a nonload-bearing partition having a clear span greater than 3 feet 6 inches (1 m).

507.1.1 Performance of work.

When filed in accordance with Section 507.2, all work subject to Section 507 shall be performed by the homeowner or a home improvement contractor. Work filed by the homeowner shall by performed by the homeowner. Where any other work is to be performed by a contractor, such other work shall be performed pursuant to a separate work permit or limited alteration permit.

507.1.1.1 Electrical work.

Electrical work associated with the home improvement shall be filed and performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with this code and the New York City Electrical Code.

507.1.1.2 Plumbing work.

Plumbing work associated with the home improvement shall be filed and performed by a licensed plumber in accordance with this code and the New York City Plumbing Code.

507.1.2 Changes in scope of work.

During construction, where a change in the scope of work results in work that is subject to additional permit requirements, work must stop until an amended limited home improvement permit or other applicable permit is issued.

507.2 Covered work.

Limited home improvement alterations shall be limited to the types of work set forth in Sections 507.2.1 through 507.2.3.

507.2.1 Alterations filed by homeowners or home improvement contractors.

Alterations, repairs and replacement work made to one- and two-family dwellings that are limited to the following:

1. Constructing a storage closet. Such closet shall not:

1.1. block an existing window;

1.2. include a window;

1.3. exceed 20 square feet in area (1.85 m

2

);

1.4. block a sprinkler head or smoke/carbon monoxide detector; or

1.5. reduce the minimum clear dimension of the habitable room to less than 8 feet (2438 mm) or reduce the area of the habitable room to less than 80 square feet (7 m

2

).

2. Adding insulation material to attics, provided the insulation R-values are in compliance with the New York City Energy Conservation Code.

507.2.2 Alterations filed by home improvement contractor.

Alterations, replacement and repairs made to one- and two-family dwellings filed and performed by home improvement contractors that are limited to the following work:

1. Construction of attached rear yard decks with a maximum projection of 8 feet (2438 mm) into rear yard from the rear face of the building wall and maximum height of 5 feet (1524 mm) above grade, complying with the New York City Zoning Resolution with regard to location and the New York City Building Code with regard to construction, including but not limited to structural strength, fire separation distance, stairs, handrails and guards.

2. Installation of a central air conditioning system in compliance with the New York City Energy Conservation Code with maximum capacity of 5 tons. The air conditioning equipment shall be located where permitted in accordance with the New York City Zoning Resolution. Separate electrical permits shall be obtained by a licensed electrician.

507.2.3 Alteration to existing kitchen, bathroom, or toilet room.

Limited home improvement alterations for the renovation or the replacement of a lawfully existing kitchen, bathroom, or toilet room shall be limited to one- and two-family dwellings in buildings not more than 3 stories, including a basement. The renovation or replacement of a lawfully existing kitchen, bathroom, or toilet room shall be limited to the following:

1. Removal and replacement of cabinets.

2. Removal and replacement of plumbing fixtures.

3. Removal and replacement of appliances.

4. Removal, replacement, and installation of wall, floor, and ceiling finishes and insulation materials.