N.Y.C. Admin. Code § EBC 701: Section EBC 701: General

701.1 Scope.

This chapter shall govern structural alterations of existing buildings, structures and parts thereof as a result of or in connection with repairs, alterations, partial demolition, change of occupancy, additions, removal, relocation, raising or moving of buildings and parts thereof and all other structures. Structural considerations related to alterations shall be performed according to this chapter.

Exceptions:

1. Where the structural alteration resulting from in-kind replacement of façade elements does not result in modifications to the load path, stiffness or strength of the existing buildings, structures and parts thereof, the provisions of Chapter 7 do not apply.

2.

One- and two- family dwellings 3 stories or less in height where the existing building is of conventional light frame construction, excluding buildings with nogging walls, are not required to comply with the provisions of Sections 703.4, 703.5, 703.7, 704, and 705.6.

701.2 Conformance.

Structural alterations of existing buildings, structures, or parts thereof shall be made to comply with this code. Structural alterations of existing buildings, structures, or parts thereof shall not decrease the structural stability or the load carrying capacity of existing buildings, except as allowed by this code.

701.3 Applicability of the New York City Building Code.

Structural analysis, design and construction work in existing buildings shall be in accordance with the New York City Building Code requirements unless otherwise noted in this code. For purposes of calculating demand-capacity ratios, the demand shall consider applicable load combinations in the New York City Building Code. Where this code requires comparison of demand or capacity, all calculations will be in accordance with the current New York City Building Code, all loads applied to both existing and new portions of the structure shall be in accordance with Section 705 of this code and capacity evaluation in accordance with Section 707 of this code.

701.4 Relevant time period.

For purposes of this chapter, structural alterations not yet signed off, and structural alterations signed off within the previous 5 years, shall be considered as part of the current structural alteration.

Exception: Where the commissioner determines the physical construction work for such a signed-off structural alteration was completed more than 5 years prior to the approval of construction documents for the current structural alteration.

701.5 Responsibility to report.

Any dangerous condition observed shall be reported to the department as required by Section 28-301.1 of the Administrative Code. Such dangerous condition shall also be conveyed to the owner of the building and shall be immediately remedied.