Structural

NYC Admin. Code tit. 28, ch. 12, art. The New York City Existing Building Code, ch. 7

in effect

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 701 General

Section EBC 701: General 701.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern structural alterations of existing buildings, structures and parts thereof as a result of or in connection with repairs, alterations, partial demolition, change of occupancy, additions, removal, relocation, raising or moving of buildings and parts thereof and all other structures. Structural considerations related to alterations shall be performed according to this chapter. Exceptions: 1. Where the structural alteration resulting from in-kind replacement of façade elements does not result in modifications to the load path, stiffness or strength of the existing buildings, structures and parts thereof, the provisions of Chapter 7 do not apply. 2. One- and two- family dwellings 3 stories or less in height where the existing building is of conventional light frame construction, excluding buildings with nogging walls, are not required to comply with the provisions of Sections 703.4, 703.5, 703.7, 704, and 705.6. 701.2 Conformance. Structural alterations of existing buildings, structures, or parts thereof shall be made to comply with this code. Structural alterations of existing buildings, structures, or parts thereof shall not decrease the structural stability or the load carrying capacity of existing buildings, except as allowed by this code. 701.3 Applicability of the New York City Building Code. Structural analysis, design and construction work in existing buildings shall be in accordance with the New York City Building Code requirements unless otherwise noted in this code. For purposes of calculating demand-capacity ratios, the demand shall consider applicable load combinations in the New York City Building Code. Where this code requires comparison of demand or capacity, all calculations will be in accordance with the current New York City Building Code, all loads applied to both existing and new portions of the structure shall be in accordance with Section 705 of this code and capacity evaluation in accordance with Section 707 of this code. 701.4 Relevant time period. For purposes of this chapter, structural alterations not yet signed off, and structural alterations signed off within the previous 5 years, shall be considered as part of the current structural alteration. Exception: Where the commissioner determines the physical construction work for such a signed-off structural alteration was completed more than 5 years prior to the approval of construction documents for the current structural alteration. 701.5 Responsibility to report. Any dangerous condition observed shall be reported to the department as required by Section 28-301.1 of the Administrative Code. Such dangerous condition shall also be conveyed to the owner of the building and shall be immediately remedied.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 702 Construction Documents

Section EBC 702: Construction Documents 702.1 Requirements. Construction documents shall be in conformance with Article 104 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code as well as Sections 107 and 1603 of the New York City Building Code and Chapter 7 of this code. 702.2 Additional drawing requirements. For all structural elements within the area of structural work that are altered or that have their demand increased or stability decreased, drawings are required to include, where applicable to the scope of work, the information below. Where element sizes and any other required information is not known it shall be indicated as such and the requirements for field verification shall be stated. Notes on the drawing shall indicate the source of the information. 1. Existing structural element sizes and types where known. 2. The material properties used in design and analysis and the source of the values. 3. Foundation sizes and types. 4. Subsurface capacities. 5. Details for the repair of structural elements. 6. Existing detailing of the structural elements within the area of the structural scope. 7. Any assumptions made about the building permitted in accordance with Section 704.2 to be confirmed in accordance with Section 704.3.1.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 703 General Design Requirements

Section EBC 703: General Design Requirements 703.1 General. All structural alterations shall comply with this section and Sections 704 through 710, as applicable. All new structural elements and their connections shall comply with the New York City Building Code. 703.1.1 Underpinning and alternative methods of support of buildings and adjacent property. Underpinning and alternative methods of support of buildings and adjacent property shall comply with the requirements of Chapters 18 and 33 of the New York City Building Code. 703.1.2 Separated buildings and structures. Where the structural alteration is completely separated from an existing building or structure by a joint, only this isolated part shall be made to comply with the New York City Building Code as a new building. Unless determined by calculations, the joint shall be twice of that indicated in Section 1613.4 of the New York City Building Code. 703.1.3 Repairs due to accidental events. Unless otherwise specified in this code, where damage to structural elements was the result of fire, vehicular impact, extreme environmental events or adjoining construction, structural repairs are permitted to only restore the structure to the condition prior to the event provided a registered design professional submits a report that such damage has not affected more than 20 percent of the structure. 703.2 Buildings required to comply as hereafter erected. For buildings subject to structural alterations that increase existing floor surface area of an existing building by more than 110 percent as described in Section 302.7 of this code, the structure of such entire building shall be made to comply with the structural provisions of the New York City Building Code as if it were a new building hereafter erected. 703.3 Entire buildings required to comply with loading provisions. For buildings subject to structural alterations that meet any of the criteria listed below, the structure of such entire building shall be made to comply with the structural loading provisions of the Section 705: 1. Structural alterations in which gravity load-carrying structural elements are affected by work that involves a change to the gravity load path that supports more than 55 percent of the total floor and roof area of the building or structure. The areas to be counted toward the 55 percent shall include mezzanines, penthouses, and in-filled courts and shafts tributary to the altered structural elements. 2. Where a building or portion greater than 10 percent thereof, or greater than 20,000 square feet, is subject to a change of occupancy that results in the building being assigned to a higher Risk Category, based on Table 1604.5 of the New York City Building Code. For buildings with an SDS less than 0.33, increased seismic loads due solely to an increase in Risk Category, where the change in Risk Category is to Risk Category II or III, need not be considered. 3. Where the total dead and live load of the entire building increases by more than 50 percent, unless the applicant demonstrates that the increased load is less than the original design load for the existing building or that the building demonstrates the existing capacity to withstand the new loads. 4. Where the wind base shear or overturning in either orthogonal direction increases by more than 50 percent, unless the applicant demonstrates that the increase in total wind load is less than the original design load for the existing building or that the building possesses the existing capacity to withstand the new loads. 5. Where the seismic base shear or overturning in either orthogonal direction increases by more than 50 percent, unless the applicant demonstrates that the increase in total seismic load is less than the original design load for the existing building or that the building possesses the existing capacity to withstand the new loads. 703.4 Increased demand on existing structural elements and foundations. Alterations not meeting the criteria in Sections 703.2 or 703.3 shall comply with Sections 703.4.1 and 703.4.2. 703.4.1 Effects on structural elements. Any existing structural element for which a structural alteration causes an increase in demand, or causes a decrease in capacity, including stability, shall be made to comply with the structural loading provisions of Section 705. The effect of the additional loads or decreasing capacity shall be considered through the load path until resolved in the subgrade. Exceptions: 1. If the structural alteration does not increase the seismic mass of the building by more than 10 percent, nor decreases the lateral earthquake load resisting capacity of the building by more than 10 percent in either orthogonal direction, additional earthquake loads on the building’s lateral load resisting system due to the alteration need not be considered. 2. If the structural alteration does not increase the wind sail area of the building in each orthogonal direction by more than 10 percent, nor decrease the lateral wind load resisting capacity of the building by more than 10 percent in any direction, the additional wind loads need not be considered beyond the point that they have been delivered to the building structure’s main wind force resisting system. 3. Where a change in occupancy of less than 10 percent of a building area, or less than 20,000 square feet (1858 m2), requires a building to design for an increased snow, wind or seismic load due solely to being assigned a higher Risk Category, other than Risk Category IV, based on Table 1604.5 of the New York City Building Code, such change to the loads need not be considered. 4. Increased seismic loads due solely to an increase in Risk Category, where the change in Risk Category is to Risk Category II or III need not be considered. This exception shall not apply to buildings with an SDS greater than 0.33. 5. An increase in demand on an element due to an increased dead load effect within the element due solely from the addition of a second layer of roof covering weighing 3 pounds per square foot (0.1437 kN/ m2) or less over an existing single layer of roof covering need not be cause to alter the element. 703.4.2 Effects on foundations. Effects on foundations shall comply with Sections 703.4.2.1 and 703.4.2.2 of this code. Bearing values shall be as required by Chapter 18 of the New York City Building Code. 703.4.2.1 New foundation elements. New foundation elements shall comply with Chapter 18 of the New York City Building Code. 703.4.2.2 Existing foundation elements. Any existing foundation element subjected to an increased load shall be made to comply with Chapter 18 of the New York City Building Code with the following exceptions. Exceptions: 1. Where the existing foundation design capacity is not known, structural alterations which increase the gravity load by 5 percent or less need not be made to comply. Where the gravity load is increased between 5 and 10 percent the registered design professional of record shall consider the impact of potential additional building movement. 2. Structural alterations which increase the wind or seismic load by less than 20 percent need not be made to comply. Exceptions 1 or 2 shall not be applicable a) where settlement or foundation movement is observed or has been documented, or b) where the proposed work reduces the bearing capacity of the soil strata providing support. 703.5 Stability. Structural alterations shall comply with Sections 703.5.1, 703.5.2, and 703.5.3, as applicable. 703.5.1 Stability index. Where a structural alteration reduces the lateral stiffness of a building by more than 10 percent, the building’s lateral system or the altered elements of its lateral system shall have a stability index less than 0.25. Where the stability index is between 0.1 and 0.25, structural analysis and design shall include second order effects. The stability index shall be determined as follows: Using factored loads or service loads Q = α (Σ P) Δ Vh Where: Δ = horizontal inter-story drift at a given story Σ P = total vertical gravity loads at and above a given story V = horizontal shear at a given story associated with Δ h = story height α where using factored loads and α = 1.5 where using service loads Exception: Where a structural alteration is performed on an unreinforced masonry building with wood-framed floors constructed prior to 1903, apply Section 703.5.3. 703.5.1.1 Reduction of stiffness. No structural alteration shall reduce or modify the lateral stiffness of a building, or story within a building, unless it is demonstrated that the altered building structure, or story as applicable, has a stability index less than 0.10 or the altered building structure is made to comply with the structural provisions of the New York City Building Code. 703.5.2 Buildings or stories initially out-of-plumb. Where a structural alteration increases the lateral loads on a building or story, or reduces the lateral stiffness of a building or story, the analysis of the altered building or altered story shall include the effects of pre-existing horizontal out-of-plumbness in excess of 1 percent in the existing structural system. The initial out-of-plumbness shall be reported in accordance with Section 704 as appropriate and be evaluated to ensure the existing building is capable to sustain it prior to the alteration design. The pre-existing horizontal out-of-plumbness values shall be analyzed for their effect on the altered lateral system and their effects shall be additive to the drifts and forces due to wind and earthquake loading calculated in accordance with Section 705. Out of plumbness for each floor shall be measured from the floor elevations above and below to the most out-of-plumb location in the floor. 703.5.3 Structural alterations of unreinforced masonry buildings with wood-framed floors constructed prior to 1903. Structural alterations of unreinforced masonry buildings with wood-framed floors constructed prior to 1903 shall comply with Sections 703.5.3.1 through 703.5.3.6: 703.5.3.1 Reduction to in-plane stiffness. Where a perimeter wall of a building is altered such that its in-plane stiffness is reduced by more than 30 percent, the building’s lateral system shall be made to resist a load of 20 psf in any direction. This notional 20 psf load shall be used in allowable load combinations in lieu of the earthquake and wind with a multiplier of 1 and should not be considered applied simultaneously on parallel walls. 703.5.3.2 Walls. Where the front or rear walls, or side walls fronting the public right of way, of a building are altered resulting in a final ratio of total horizontal length of opening area to total horizontal length of 50 percent or greater at any floor, the building’s lateral system shall be made to resist a load of 20 psf in any direction. This notional 20 psf load shall be used in allowable load combinations in lieu of the earthquake and wind with a multiplier of 1 and should not be considered applied simultaneously on parallel walls. 703.5.3.3 Calculations. For purposes of calculating reduction of lateral strength or stiffness of an existing building only, all existing bearing and non-bearing, interior or exterior, partitions shall be considered as part of the structure of the building. Where an interior wood stud or masonry or terra cotta cross wall of a building is removed, the building’s lateral system shall be reinforced with a structural system equivalent in stiffness and strength capacity to that of the removed wall calculated using the methods indicated in ASCE 41. 703.5.3.4 Floor-to-floor heights. Where the floor-to-floor heights of a building are increased as a result of an alteration such that the ratio of floor height to wall thickness exceeds 10, such walls shall be evaluated in accordance with TMS 402 including the effect of a 20 psf (LRFD) out-of-plane environmental load. 703.5.3.5 Verification of connections. Where any of the provisions of Sections 703.5.3.1 through 703.5.3.4 are triggered, it shall be verified that there are connections of the floor and roof framing to the posts and surrounding walls, including to the unreinforced masonry walls parallel to joists. Where no connections are present, connections shall be installed to provide a tensile capacity of 200 plf. 703.5.3.6 Exposed walls. The review of the structural stability of any exposed wall, including party walls after the neighboring structure has been removed, shall consider the engagement of perpendicular elements such as walls, floors and roofs. If the attachment of perpendicular elements is not anchored, connections shall be provided as required in Section 703.5.3.5. 703.6 Exceptions from detailing requirements. Exceptions from detailing requirements are permitted as allowed by Sections 703.6.1 and 703.6.2. Drawings shall include a statement as to non-compliant elements. 703.6.1 Exception from continuity detailing requirements. Notwithstanding the requirements of Sections 703.2 and 703.3, existing structural elements need not comply with the continuity detailing requirements of the New York City Building Code unless required by Section 708 of this code. 703.6.2 Exception from seismic detailing requirements. Notwithstanding the requirements of Sections 703.2 and 703.3, existing structural elements need not comply with the seismic detailing requirements of the New York City Building Code unless required by Section 708 of this code. 703.7 Seismic separation requirements. For altered buildings that must comply with Section 703.2 or 703.3 and are adjacent to or sharing unreinforced masonry walls, the structural requirements for seismic separation between the altered and existing structures shall be as follows: 1. For alterations erected adjacent to lot line unshared unreinforced masonry bearing walls, the structural separation shall comply with Section 1613.4.1 of the New York City Building Code, except that existing lot line unshared masonry walls that are otherwise allowed to remain need not be demolished to provide for seismic separation. 2. Where an existing building shares an unreinforced masonry party wall, there shall be no building separation between the altered and existing structure. The entire altered structure shall be designed to include an additional seismic load to account for the support of the party wall with connections capable of carrying a service (ASD) horizonal tension or compression load of 200 plf applied along each floor level, or a service (ASD) or 20 psf area load applied onto the party wall, whichever is larger. The connections shall be at the level of the floors of the adjoining building and shall not be set a distance larger than 8ft horizontally. Where floors do not exist, the distance between connections shall not exceed 15 ft vertically. 3. No structural separation is required where: 3.1. The neighboring structures are capable of transferring forces resulting from impact through diaphragms located at the same elevation. 3.2. The structures are capable of resisting all required vertical and lateral forces considering the loss of any elements or components damaged by impact of the structures. 3.3. An altered building, including its extension, is not required by this code to comply with seismic design. 3.4. A party wall is shared by buildings less than 3 stories regardless of whether the design is governed by seismic demands.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 704 Condition Assessment

Section EBC 704: Condition Assessment 704.1 General. Condition assessments shall be performed in accordance with Section 704 for all structural alterations. 704.1.1 Area of structural condition assessment. The condition assessment shall include the area where structural work is being performed and all structural elements that may be affected by the alteration as required by Section 703. 704.1.2 Visual assessment. For all buildings 7 stories or less, a visual assessment from the exterior of the building shall be performed. Such visual assessment may be performed from the adjacent ground and need not require the use of magnifying devices. 704.2 Structural alterations requiring data collection and an initial condition assessment. An initial structural condition assessment shall be performed for all structural alterations, where an increase in the demand capacity ratio is introduced to an existing structure, or where required by Sections 907.2, 1007.2 or 1103.3, by the registered design professional of record prior to the submission of the application for construction document approval. During the initial structural condition assessment, the registered design professional of record shall collect and verify accessible data needed for performing the design. 704.2.1 Data collection and initial structural condition assessment. The initial structural condition assessment shall cover the readily accessible and visible portions of the area of structural assessment specified in Section 704.1.1. The registered design professional of record shall identify the existing elements and verify if the available information sufficiently describes the existing structure and shall supplement such information with accessible observations. The initial structural condition assessment shall document any deteriorations, deficiencies, or potentially unsafe conditions that may have to be addressed during the development of the application for construction document approval. Where required information for the design is inaccessible, assumptions shall be included on the drawings required by Section 702.2. All assumptions are required to be confirmed during the detailed structural condition assessment required by Section 704.3. 704.2.2 Initial structural condition assessment. The registered design professional of record shall produce a document that includes the following at a minimum, as applicable: 1. Material types of structural elements and strength. 2. Size, spacing and geometry of the structural elements within the area of the structural condition assessment. 3. Continuity of load paths with observations to the lowest level of the building. 4. The physical condition of the existing primary and secondary structural elements in the load path of the alteration where accessible and visibly observable. 5. Any deterioration of structural elements, including but not limited to rot, corrosion, loss of cohesion, displacement and cracking, plumbness, alignment and displacement. 6. Signs of moisture infiltration and related damage, or deformations due to possible overloading. 7. Presence of bowing; or building lean or deflections in excess of 1 percent. 8. Elements with significant unbraced lengths. 9. The remediation items enumerated in Section 708 that are potentially relevant to the building and work in question and a plan to investigate such conditions. 10. Indications of settlement in the building. 11. A list of documents consulted during the course of the condition assessment. 12. Notation of any assumption to be verified during performance of the detailed structural condition assessment in accordance with Section 704.3. Such assumptions shall also be noted on the drawings required by Section 702.2 and filed with the department. 13. Identification of the need for any further testing, surveying or monitoring. The document shall be maintained at the site for the duration of the job and made available to the commissioner upon request. 704.3 Structural alterations requiring detailed structural condition assessment. A detailed structural condition assessment shall be performed by the registered design professional of record for all structural alterations where existing structural elements are to be altered or an increase in the demand capacity ratio is introduced to an existing structure. 704.3.1 Detailed structural condition assessment. The detailed structural condition assessment shall include the area of assessment specified in Section 704.1.1 or other elements as specified in Section 702.2 that are to be identified in the submittal to the department. The detailed condition assessment shall confirm all design assumptions including those of the initial structural condition assessment. The detailed structural condition assessment shall be performed and filed in accordance with Section 704.3.2 at a point before, and revised as needed during, the construction phase of the project, when structural elements or support systems are exposed such that they are accessible for detailed assessment. Structural elements shall be exposed where indicated on the drawings and as needed to satisfy the requirements of Section 703. 704.3.2 Investigation and detailed condition assessment. The registered design professional of record shall submit a document containing the detailed structural condition assessment to the department after the relevant structural elements or support systems are exposed for detailed assessment but before the structural alterations are begun. The document shall be amended if required by the registered design professional of record after the completion of the construction phase. Where during the alteration process any immediate life/safety condition of concern is observed, such condition shall be communicated to the department as required by Section 28-301.1 of the Administrative Code. Such immediately hazardous condition shall also be conveyed to the owner of the building and shall be immediately remedied. The document shall include: 1. Description of structure and materials. 2. Identification of structural elements reviewed. 3. Description of physical condition of structural elements, including the location of deterioration. 4. Identification of methods used for the condition assessment, such as but not limited to visual observations, probing, borings, test pits, nondestructive testing and laboratory testing of materials. 4.1. Any documentation produced as a result of the investigation described in item 4 shall be included in the document. 5. Identification of deficiencies and causes of deficiencies. 6. Identification of elements and conditions different from the assumptions used in the design. 7. Life/safety conditions of concern should be addressed immediately. The timing of all other repairs should be discussed. 8. The remediation items enumerated in Section 708 that were investigated and the determinations of such investigation. 9. List of all design assumptions previously made from Sections 702.2 and 704.2 with confirmation or change to plans as required. 10. Any information from the initial condition assessment required by Section 704.2 not otherwise included. 704.3.2.1 Observed deficiencies outside the scope of work. Where, in the course of the alteration, deficiencies not related to the scope of work are observed, the detailed document shall provide a discussion of the severity of any observed deficiencies. 704.4 Use of assessment. The results of the condition assessments shall be used in the design of the work. Deterioration of structural elements shall be analyzed for conformance with this code and repaired as required. A revised document shall be filed with the department when structural changes or observations differ from the originally submitted documents.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 705 Loads

Section EBC 705: Loads 705.1 General. Loads shall comply with the New York City Building Code unless otherwise noted in Sections 705.2 through 705.6. 705.2 Dead loads. The existing dead loads shall be confirmed by a rational approach relying upon accepted references, available information including design documents, in-situ and non-destructive testing, or design codes and standards of practice. 705.3 Live loads. Uniform and concentrated live loads shall be in conformance with Section 1607 of the New York City Building Code. Exception: For buildings or portions thereof designed to live load criteria in effect prior to July 1, 2008, that are not being modified or structurally altered, design uniform live loads shown in Table 705.3 shall be permitted. Table 705.3 Minimum Design Live Loads for Buildings Constructed in Accordance with 1968building Code or Building Code Predating 1968 (Occupancy classifications are as defined by the New York City Building Code) LIVE LOAD OCCUPANCY MINIMUM DESIGN LIVE LOAD (PSF) Commercial Space - Corridors (Above Ground Floor) 75 Manufacturing 100 Marquees 60 Storage (Light) 100 Storage (Heavy) 150 Wholesale Stores 100 705.4 Evaluation of snow, ice and rain loads. Snow, rain on snow, ice loads including snow drift, sliding and unbalanced snow conditions shall be calculated according to the New York City Building Code and ASCE 7. 705.4.1 Snow sliding. Where a vertical or horizontal alteration is performed, the altered building shall be designed to limit displacement of snow through sliding. 705.4.2 Special consideration. Where existing buildings adjacent to a vertical or horizontal alteration have roofs with wood, steel truss or cold formed steel joists spanning 25 ft or less, a visual condition assessment of such adjacent building, as relevant to snow, ice or rain loading, shall be performed. Such visual assessment may be taken from the adjacent altered building’s roof and from the adjacent ground and need not require the use of magnifying devices. The owner of the building causing the vertical or horizontal alteration shall provide the results of the condition assessment to the owner of such adjacent building. 705.5 Wind loads. Wind loads shall be determined in accordance with the New York City Building Code. 705.6 Seismic loads. Seismic design shall be in accordance with either the New York City Building Code or ASCE 41, with each code followed in its entirety, as specified below: 1. Demand and capacity determined in accordance with the New York City Building Code. 2. Demand and capacity determined in accordance with ASCE 41, using a Tier 3 procedure and the two-level performance objective indicated in Table 705.6 for the applicable Risk Category. Site Class shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of the New York City Building Code. Liquefaction evaluation shall be performed in accordance with Chapter 18 of the New York City Building Code. Table 705.6 Performance Objectives for Use in ASCE 41 for Compliance with New York City Building Code-Level Seismic Forces RISK CATEGORY (Based on New York City Building Code Table 1604.5) STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR USE WITH BSE-1N EARTHQUAKE HAZARD LEVEL STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE LEVEL FOR USE WITH BSE-2N EARTHQUAKE HAZARD LEVEL I Life Safety (S-3) Collapse Prevention (S-5) II Life Safety (S-3) Collapse Prevention (S-5) III Damage Control (S-2) Limited Safety (S-4) IV Immediate Occupancy (S-1) Life Safety (S-3)

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 706 Flood Hazard Areas

Section EBC 706: Flood Hazard Areas 706.1 General. Within areas of special flood hazard in accordance with Section 28-104.9.4 of the Administrative Code, all work for any activity regulated by Appendix G of the New York City Building Code shall be governed by such Appendix.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 707 In-Place Material, Component Properties and Archaic Structural Systems

Section EBC 707: In-Place Material, Component Properties and Archaic Structural Systems 707.1 General. Methods of design and properties of in-place structural materials, components, and assemblies, including archaic structural systems, shall be determined according to Appendix H or other requirements specified in this code.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 708 Remediation Work

Section EBC 708: Remediation Work 708.1 General. Remediation work shall be performed within the work area as required by Section 708.1.1 and for conditions identified during the course of work independent of work area as required by Section 708.1.2. 708.1.1 Requirements within the work area. Where during the project structural elements and systems within the work area are exposed by the removal of finishes from walls or floors and applicable structural elements, the following shall be verified and remedied within the work area: 1. Ceilings, flooring or sub-floor removals in unreinforced masonry structures. In structures with unreinforced masonry bearing walls and wood-framed or cold-formed joist floors, where ceilings or floorings are removed and the connection of the joist to the wall is exposed, or where anchors are added to party walls as required by Section 703.7, it shall be verified that there are connections of the wood framed or cold-formed joist floor to the wall including to the unreinforced masonry walls parallel to joists. Where no connections are present, connections shall be installed that comply with the requirements of the New York City Building Code, or Chapter A1 of Appendix A of this code. 2. Ceilings or sheathing removals in wood-framed structures. Where ceilings or sheathing are removed in wood-framed structures, it shall be verified that there is fastening of the wood-framed floor to the wall, including walls parallel to joists. Where no fastening is present, connections shall be made to comply with Chapter 23 of the New York City Building Code. 3. Sill plates in light-frame construction. Where a sill plate in light-frame construction is exposed, it shall be verified that the sill plate is connected to the foundation in conformance with the New York City Building Code. Where the condition does not conform to the New York City Building Code, connections shall be installed to provide 200 plf tension and shear capacity, or in accordance with Chapter A3 of Appendix A of this code. 4. Cripple walls in light-frame construction. Where the work on a light-frame building exposes the cripple wall, it shall be verified that the cripple wall is in conformance with Chapter 23 of the New York City Building Code. Where the condition does not conform to the New York City Building Code, it shall be made to conform, or a connection shall be installed in accordance with Chapter A3 of Appendix A of this code. 5. Headers and trimmers in stair openings. Where headers and trimmers around existing stair openings within the work area have deteriorated or have deflected 2 inches (50.8 mm), they shall be reviewed for compliance with the strength provisions of the New York City Building Code, and brought into compliance if required. 6. Soft stories in unreinforced masonry structures. Where a first floor exterior street or rear wall in an unreinforced masonry bearing wall structure is found to not be present, or if this street or rear masonry wall has been removed in the past, the structure shall be reinforced as required at the soft story to provide adequate gravity and lateral capacity. The altered structure shall be designed for wind loads of Section 705, or be made to conform with Chapter A4 of Appendix A of this code. 7. Existing openings in masonry bearing walls. Where existing openings in masonry bearing walls located at the lot line are exposed by architectural removals in the course of the work, the openings shall be checked for compliance with the structural provisions of the New York City Building Code. If found non-compliant, the conditions shall be addressed. 8. Areas with water piping. Where areas with existing water piping exist within the work area, and the structure is wood framed, the joists and deck beneath the area shall be reviewed for moisture-related or plumbing-related damage, and repaired as required. 9. Bearing of wood structural elements including beams, stair headers, joists and trusses. Where the wood structural element ends that are bearing in masonry pockets are exposed during the project, the condition of the structural elements that are bearing shall be verified, and repaired as required. 10. Sills at foundations. Where sills at foundations are exposed within the work area by removals during the project, the sill conditions shall be verified, and repaired, in accordance with the New York City Building Code, or Chapter A3 of Appendix A of this code. 11. Brick nogging walls. Where a brick nogging wall is exposed while opening the siding or interior finishes of a building and rot or other deterioration is found, that stud, or header as applicable, shall be replaced or sistered. Remedial work shall include all studs or headers placed within 2 feet of a deteriorated wood stud or header. The remediation shall continue until non-deteriorated studs or headers are found. All observed deteriorated mortar between nogging bricks or bricks and wood stud shall be pointed in a manner sufficient to prevent smoke or fire transmission. Facades of wood shingles shall not be covered with other materials without an examination of the condition of underlying studs. 708.1.2 Requirements independent of work area. The following remediation work shall occur subject to the requirements and conditions of each item: 1. Roof sheathing removals in unreinforced masonry structures. In unreinforced masonry bearing wall and wood-framed floor structures where the sheathing of the roof is removed and the connection of the joist to the wall is exposed, or where anchors are added to party walls as required by Section 703.7, it shall be verified that there are connections of the roof to the wall including to the unreinforced masonry walls parallel to joists. Where no connections are present, connections shall be installed within the area of roof sheathing removal that comply with the requirements of the New York City Building Code, or are installed in accordance with Chapter A1 of Appendix A of this code. 2. Sheathing removals in wood-framed structures. Where sheathing is removed in wood-framed structures, it shall be verified that there is connection of the roof to the wall including walls parallel to joists. Where no connection is present, connections within the area of roof sheathing removal shall be made to comply with Chapter 23 of the New York City Building Code. 3. Bracing of unreinforced masonry parapets. Where a permit is issued for reroofing or roof replacement of more than 25 percent of the roof area, or the repair of a parapet, on a building that has parapets constructed of unreinforced masonry greater than 24” high above the roof plane, the remediation work shall include installation of parapet reinforcing on all such parapets to resist the lateral forces as specified in Sections 703.5 and 703.6 unless an evaluation demonstrates compliance with such requirements. The remediation shall be based on calculations using loads and methods indicated in Chapter 16 of the New York City Building Code, or prescriptive methods in Chapter A1 of Appendix A of this code. Exceptions: 1. Parapets abutting an existing building wall. 2. The parapet abuts an adjacent roof not greater than 6 feet lower than the base of the parapet. 4. Bond-breaking flashing in masonry parapets. Where horizontal thru-wall flashing is exposed by removals in masonry parapets greater than 24” high above the roof plane, the bond-breaking effect of existing or new horizontal flashing within the parapet shall be structurally evaluated, and if found insufficient, the parapets within the area of removals shall be remediated. 5. Brick chimneys. Where reroofing includes more than 50 percent of area of the roof, the portions of all chimneys above the roof plane shall be examined and repaired or repointed as necessary in accordance with the New York City Building Code, or Chapter A1 of Appendix A of this code. 6. Cornices framed with wood. Where roofing is removed at wood-framed cornices with sheet metal or wood enclosure, it shall be verified that the wood or sheet metal enclosure has not decayed or deteriorated and fasteners are adequate and in good condition. If bracing for the portion above the top of the facade wall is found not present or adequate, it shall be installed within the area of roofing removal unless it can be demonstrated that it is not needed. 7. Bowstring wood trusses. Where a building with bowstring wood trusses is undergoing an alteration, the tension demand-capacity ratio of bottom chord and web members shall be confirmed for all bowstring trusses in the building using wood allowable values in accordance with Chapter 23 of the New York City Building Code, even when the loads are the same or decreased. It shall be confirmed that no damage exists at end bearing or other connections. It shall be confirmed that a continuous, structurally sound lateral bracing of trusses is secured and in place. The structure shall be repaired or strengthened as required. Exception: Where bowstring trusses have already been previously evaluated and reports accepted by the department, the tension demand-capacity ratio of bottom chord and web members need not be re-evaluated as long as no new loads are added to the truss.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 709 Peer Review

Section EBC 709: Peer Review 709.1. General. When required, peer reviews shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of Section 1618 of the New York City Building Code for structural peer review, and Section 1818 of the New York City Building Code for geotechnical peer review. 709.2 Structural peer review – where required. A structural peer review of the primary structure shall be performed for the following: 1. Where the alteration meets the requirements for peer review pursuant to Section 1618.2 of the New York City Building Code. 2. When the altered building is required to meet the structural requirements for a new building in accordance with Section 703.2 of this code, and the altered building meets the requirements of Section 1618.2 of the New York City Building Code. 3. Altered buildings taller than 7 stories where the work involves transferring a column or a column transfer removal that supports in aggregate more than 15 percent of the building area, or where the work involves transferring on 1 element a portion of a wall that portion of which supports more than 25 percent of the building area. In this case, only the design and sequence of the transfer and related load path, including the method of load transfer to the subgrade, shall be subject to peer review. 4. Buildings where a structural peer review is requested by the commissioner. 709.3 Geotechnical peer review - where required. A geotechnical peer review shall be performed for the following: 1. Where a structural peer review is required pursuant to Section 709.2; 2. When the altered building is required to meet the structural requirements for a new building in accordance with Section 703.2, and the structure is of Risk Category III or IV where the Seismic site class is determined to be Site Class F. 3. Where performance-based foundation design is utilized in the design of the alteration. 4. Buildings where a geotechnical peer review is requested by the commissioner.

NYC Existing Building Code § EBC 710 Structural Integrity

Section EBC 710: Structural Integrity 710.1 Prescriptive requirements. Prescriptive structural integrity requirements of Section 1616 of the New York City Building Code shall be followed for all new structural elements. 710.2 Key Element Analysis. A Key Element Analysis in accordance with Sections 1617 and 1618 of the New York City Building Code shall be performed for the following: 1. Where the alteration meets the requirements of Section 1617.1 of the New York City Building Code. 2. When the altered building is required to meet the requirements for a new building in accordance with Section 703.2 of this code, and the altered building meets the requirements of Section 1617.1 of the New York City Building Code. 3. Altered buildings taller than 7 stories where the work involves transferring a column or a column transfer removal that supports in aggregate more than 15 percent of the building area, or where the work involves transferring on 1 element a portion of a wall that portion of which supports more than 25 percent of the building area. In this case, only the design and sequence of the transfer and related load path, including the method of load transfer to the subgrade, shall be subject to key element analysis. 4. When specifically ordered by the commissioner.

Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-241581Fetched: 10/24/2026