Kate Orgera

All about the new default cancellation request deadline and attending hearings during COVID. The Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) has an intimate relationship with the DOB as the enforcer of code rules, providing hearings on…

On October 7, 2021, the Elevate Transit: Zoning for Accessibility initiative was approved by the NYCC and MTA. The Zoning for Accessibility program will support greater accessibility for more transit stations across all MTA railways, offloading the…

On October 7, 2021, the NYC Department of Buildings approved a major overhaul to the NYC Construction Code. Due to go into effect starting in 2022, this includes 600 major updates and thousands of smaller code changes spread across the NYC…

If your large event is expected to have 75+ people indoors or 200+ people outdoors for less than 30 days somewhere outside of a Place of Assembly, then yes, you will need to apply for a Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) permit. This is also known as…

As of September 14, 2021, the NYC Department of Buildings will not require fees for filing and permits for Hurricane Ida-related damage. After the September 1, 2021 storm broke the record for most rainfall in an hour, inundating the sewer system and…

In 2020, we talked quite a bit about what the future of work would look like. We discussed distancing between desks, air ventilation, and yes, even reducing the in-person workforce while the virus was still circulating. Now that we are almost through…

Be advised: As of September 7, 2021, all FDNY services must now be filed exclusively online. The FDNY Business portal will now be home to all Technology Management and Emergency Planning and Preparedness applications and withdrawals, as well as…

From redesigns to online license applications, here’s the latest on the NYC Buildings website. The Department of Buildings has slowly been building its online resources as it moves many of its filing processes online to the DOB Now platform. The…

In May 2021, the Open Streets program, which converted 83 miles of NYC roadways into pedestrian walkways to better accommodate pandemic outdoor dining, was made permanent for neighborhoods that chose to keep it. The effects of this decision are only…

Common issues to avoid to stay in the NYC Open Restaurants program. The Open Restaurants program has changed the landscape of New York City streets. It has helped many businesses stay afloat throughout the time indoor dining was banned, and offered a…

Learn what this means for NYC construction going forward. With vaccination rates up, New York is loosening many COVID-19 restrictions. And the construction industry is no different. As of July 8, 2021, the NYC Department of Buildings has rescinded…

Earlier in 2021, two of New York City’s major transportation hubs, Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal, released plans to the public for a major overhaul of the current infrastructure. Both buildings, now over 50 years old, have long been in…

Back to Articles Learn more about the DOB’s pioneering effort to better address existing building repairs and alterations. Every three years, New York City revises its building code to better reflect the most current version of the International…

In Spring 2021, several zoning changes to improve transit accessibility and to lower barriers for small and independent health-focused businesses were proposed and put under public review. These potential changes seem to signal a push for growth in…

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated existing trends in remote work, as well as the pivot away from big box and department stores, leaving many buildings and storefronts unused and empty. What can be done with these blank spaces? Quite a lot,…

The new code will go into effect on May 12, 2020. While NYC construction may be currently disrupted, the Department of Buildings is still looking ahead and planning for the city’s future. Buildings are a city’s biggest polluters – according to…

Your waterfront project may need permits from an unlikely source. The New York City waterfront features beautiful walkways, parks, shops and restaurants. Many developers want to take advantage of the scenic views and warm-weather foot traffic that…

In our last post, we defined employee engagement, and outlined the many benefits of making this a central focus in the workplace, with benefits in employee retention, productivity, and workforce well-being, especially in the millennial market. But…

In our last post, we talked about cause marketing, and why getting employees involved in Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns increases their engagement in the company through inside-out marketing. But keeping on top of employee engagement…

After posting job listings on multiple platforms, sharing great social posts on your company culture, and conducting multiple interviews, you’ve finally found a candidate to fill your job opening. But the next 90 days, the onboarding process, must be…