Use of 2008 NYC Construction Codes Required on July 1

The one-year interim period to use the 2008 NYC Construction Codes or the 1968 Building Code ends on July 1. On that date, the 2008 codes will be mandated by the New York City Department of Buildings for all new construction.

The change represents the first major modernization of the city’s building codes in nearly 40 years. The 2008 New York City Construction Codes are based on the International Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. The New York City Fire Code, which took effect on July 1, 2008, is based on the International Fire Code. The New York State codes also are based on the I-Codes.

“The new codes will help to ensure the highest level of safety for New Yorkers, bring uniformity to the city’s construction projects and make New York City’s buildings more energy efficient,” said Code Council CEO Richard P. Weiland. “Consistent codes throughout the state enhance public safety, help contain construction costs and may lower insurance rates.”

Architectural, engineering and other construction industry companies welcomed the new codes in part because many New York firms practice nationally. The 2008 NYC Construction Codes coordinate with codes used in jurisdictions nationwide.

The NYC Construction Codes, New York City Fire Code and the New York State Codes are available at www.iccsafe.org/NYCodes.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council.