I previously discussed the proposed New York City Existing Building Code, and it’s time for an update. When I wrote the previous blog post, in September, we were waiting for the proposed legislation to make it to debate and voting by the City Council, so everything was theoretical and in the future.
The news – the reason for today’s post – is that the bill, Introduction 1321-2025 in NYC government-speak, was approved by the Council. It is not law quite yet – its status as of the moment is “Enacted (Mayor’s Desk for Signature)” but there are two good reasons to believe that last step won’t take long. First, the Council vote was 47 to 1 in favor, which seems like a reasonable majority. Second, the bill was introduced “by request of the Mayor” and that means mayoral support is assured.
When the bill is signed into law – hopefully this week – then I can finally stop talking about it in expectation. When that happens, it will be law, but not immediately effective. The effective date will be in the future – I think, but am not certain, in 2027 – to give everyone time to catch up. I will do my small part by discussing here the implications of some of the structural provisions.
I was one of several dozen people (both in private practice and in the city government) on the structural committee; that committee was one of many working on the draft code; the technical committees were one part of the Department of Buildings effort; the DoB was one of several city agencies involved. All of those people deserve credit.
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