DOB NOW

The NYC Department of Buildings announced the launch of DOB NOW. The online service will make it easier to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of an application or inspection, pull permits, and make renewals. DOB NOW will be gradually released throughout 2016 and 2017. It has four components: Inspections, Build, Safety, and Licensing.

Pulse Points

• The new energy code takes effect on 10.03.16! Make sure you are prepared. AIANY is hosting a number of the Urban Green Council’s “Conquer the Code” training courses to help architects and engineers. Find dates and registration information here.
• The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) voted to extend the New York State amnesty program for unregistered lobbyists by three months. Adopted by a unanimous vote of the 14-member commission, the change allows companies that never registered their lobbying activities to disclose their activities and pay appropriate fees, but escape penalty. Please note that this does not affect the Amnesty Program applicable to New York City, which was determined by law.
• According to a report by the New York Building Congress, in 2015, New York City construction industry employment reached its highest level in more than 40 years. The construction industry also created more jobs than it did during the previous boom in 2008. The average annual wages earned by workers increased by about 3%, the largest year-to-year increase since 2008.
• The NYC Department for the Aging released the first version of the Aging in Place Guide for Building Owners: Recommended Age-Friendly Residential Building Upgrades. The AIANY Design for Aging Committee was contracted to complete the guide for the city. Updates to the guide will come late this summer.