NYC Building Code References

o Sidewalk Sheds:

- Sect 3307.3.1: A sidewalk shed that meets the requirements of section 3307.6 shall be erected as follows:

1. When a structure higher than 40 feet is to be constructed and the horizontal distance from the top of the structure to the inside edge of the sidewalk, walkway, or temporary walkway is equal to one half or less of the height of the structure.

2. When a structure higher than 25 feet is to be demolished and the horizontal distance from the top of the structure to the inside edge of the sidewalk, walkway, or temporary walkway is equal to one half or less of the height of the structure, or when a structure 25 feet or less is to be demolished and a sidewalk shed is required by the commissioner as part of a safety zone per section 3306.2.1.

3. When, regardless of the height of the structure or the horizontal distance between the structure and the sidewalk, walkway, or temporary walkway, material or debris is to be moved by a hoist, crane, derrick, or chute over a sidewalk, walkway or temporary walkway that is not closed to the public.

4. When a portion of a façade over 40 feet above curb level is being altered or repaired and the horizontal distance from the portion of the structure being altered or repaired to the to the inside edge of the sidewalk, walkway, or temporary walkway is less than one-half the height of the structure being altered or repaired.

- Sect 3307.6.1: Sidewalk Shed required. When a sidewalk shed is required for the construction or alteration of a structure, the work shall stop at a height of 40 feet unless, and until, the sidewalk shed has been completed. Such shed shall remain in place until the structure is enclosed, all exterior work completed and the sash is glazed above the second story, the exterior of the façade is cleaned down, and until completion of all outside handling of material, equipment and machinery, and all dismantling of material hoists, or climber or tower cranes including use of a derrick in their removal, above the second story.

o Fences:

- Sect 3307.3.2: All new construction or demolition sites, regardless of the height of the building to be constructed or demolished, shall be enclosed with a fence that meets the requirements of section 3307.7. A fence may be used in lieu of a sidewalk shed when a structure higher than 40 feet is to be constructed, or a structure higher than 25 feet is to be demolished, and the horizontal distance from the structure being built or demolished to the inside edge of the sidewalk, walkway, or temporary walkway is between one half and three-quarters of the height of the structure.

- Sect 3307.7: When required by this code, fences shall be at least 8 feet high, and constructed of wood or other suitable material. They shall be built solid for their entire length, except for openings with solid sliding or in swinging gates as are required for the proper prosecution of the work, and for viewing panels, which shall be blocked with plexiglass or equivalent non-frangible material. The fence shall be constructed along the inside edge of the sidewalk, walkway or temporary walkway. If permission to close the sidewalk has been obtained from the Department of Transportation, such fence may be erected along the curb or outside of the curb to such extent as approved by the Department of Transportation. The fence shall be returned by its ends to the extent necessary to effectively close off the site.

o Scaffolds:

- Sect 3314.2: Permit. Supported scaffolds 40 feet or more in height, outrigger scaffolds, and suspension scaffolds, including all supports, fastenings, connections and details, shall not be erected or installed unless and until a written permit has been issued by the commissioner on the basis of plans, drawings, and specifications. Copies of the permit shall be posted in a conspicuous location at the site visible to the general public. Copies of the approved plans shall be maintained at the site and made available to the commissioner upon request.

- Sect 3314.4: Installation. Scaffolds that require a permit or design shall be erected and installed in accordance with the construction documents, drawings, and specifications for the scaffold. Upon completion of the installation of the scaffold, an inspection report verifying that the scaffold has been installed in accordance with the design drawings, construction documents and specifications shall be prepared by the designer, installer or approved inspection agency designated by both the designer and installer.

o Temporary Elevators or Hoists:

- Sect 3303.12: Whenever construction or demolition work reaches a height greater than 75 feet, at least one elevator meeting the requirements of Chapter 30, or a hoist meeting the requirements of Section 3318 shall be kept in readiness at all times for Fire Department use.

- Sect 3318.2: Permit. The equipment user or his or her designated representative shall obtain a written permit issued by the commissioner on the basis of construction documents, drawings and specifications prior to erecting or installing all power operated, material hoists, including any runback structure or supports.
- Sect 3318.3: Design and inspection. Personnel hoists and their components shall be designed and inspected in accordance with rules promulgated by the commissioner.
- Sect 3318.4: Construction. Personnel hoists and their components shall be constructed in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications, this code, and rules promulgated by the commissioner. If there is a discrepancy, the stricter requirement shall be met. Upon completion of the installation of the hoisting equipment and/or its runback structure, an inspection report verifying that the hoist has been installed in accordance with the design drawings, construction documents and specifications shall be prepared by the designer, installer or third-party designated by both the designer and installer and acceptable to the commissioner.