Let's Continue to Build Safe
To keep moving projects forward while protecting public health, Merritt Engineering continues to follow all New York State and New York City DOB guidelines to build safe and pursue best practices. This includes:
- Establishing effective on-site safety plans for all personnel involved
- Complying with Social Distancing Protocols
- Wearing face coverings
- Providing hand hygiene stations
- Posting COVID-19 signage throughout the work site, reminding workers about public health protocols.
A reminder to all building Owners and Managers that sites found out of compliance will be subjected to violations that carry fines of $5,000 per violation with the potential for a Stop Work Order.
For more guidance, please read DOB Reopening Guidance.
Pictured above is one of our Project Managers, Michael Biordi, following safety protocols while on site.
License and Permit Expiration Dates
Now that regular construction work has resumed, licenses/registrations and permits will no longer be automatically extended.
Here's what you need to know:
- Licensees/registrants will be subject to all requirements for renewal applications.
- All required insurance policies must be maintained during the extended period.
- Applications to renew licenses/registrations and permits must be submitted on time in accordance with their original term.
- The expiration of licenses/registrations affects permit expiration dates.
- You must renew your licenses/registrations prior to renewing permits.
- You can submit a renewal application for a license/registration or permit prior to the new expiration date.
- Licenses/registrations expiration dates will be based on their original expiration dates on the next renewal.
For additional information, continue reading here.
October 1 Deadline for
Building Energy Efficiency Grade
Starting October 1, 2020, NYC buildings larger than 25,000 square feet will receive a rating on their energy efficiency in the form of a letter grade. Local Law 95 amends the ranges for how energy efficiency grades are calculated as required by Local Law 33 of 2018. NYC buildings are required to display energy efficiency scores and grades that annually benchmark their energy and water consumption. The energy label will be displayed near a public entrance.
The letter grade must be displayed near a public entrance. Failure to display will result in a violation from the DOB and an annual fine.
It's important to note that building energy efficiency ratings are based on
energy performance, not emissions. Having a high letter grade does not necessarily translate to Local Law 97 compliance, which mandates building emissions limits.
To read more about the Climate Mobilization Act, continue reading here.
Project Case Study
Merritt Engineering designed a full replacement of the roofing system at Southridge Co-op Section 2, totaling 54,000 sq. ft. and utilized Sika's R-50 Vacuum Insulated Panel (VIP) insulation. This reduced the height of the roof system and saved costs associated with building alterations while meeting the NYC Energy Code. To read more about this project, continue reading here.
REMINDER: Local Law 11/98 (FISP) 9th Cycle Compliance
Whether your previous LL11/98 FISP report was filed as Safe, SWARMP, or Unsafe, now is the time to ensure your building has addressed all necessary repair items and is ready for the current 9th Cycle Inspections.
AMNESTY PROGRAM
Good news for Building Owners who missed the 8th Cycle FISP deadline: From July through September 2020, the DOB is allowing Owner's to file their 8th & 9th Cycle reports together to avoid further violations and fines. To view the official NYC DOB Service Notice and Program Rules, please continue reading here.
CYCLE 9 CHANGES
As of February 20, 2020, the newly amended rule governing exterior wall inspections and repairs has officially been put into effect. Continue reading our published article in NYREJ.
Hurricane Season Preparedness
After Hurricane Isaias, buildings and residents were hit with power outages and leaks. To add insult to injury, hurricane season has only just begun.
As many building owners and managers know, this type of weather means water damage, mandatory roof repairs, and a whole range of building envelope problems. While these conditions often demand an immediate reactive response, it is critical for owners & managers to incorporate proactive measures as well, such as maintenance and planning programs which will ensure that the building and its tenants are protected in the future. By being proactive and budgeting for a routine repair and maintenance program, owners and managers can protect themselves against unnecessary emergencies and unforeseen expenses.
If you need immediate assistance, or would like to schedule a building survey to determine existing areas of concern, please feel free to contact us.
DOB COVID-19 Response Page
For essential and non-essential construction updates, including current and upcoming service changes, continue to check the DOB Covid-19 response page.
We wish you all the best during this time and hope everyone is staying safe. Should you need any assistance or have questions for our team regarding essential vs. non-essential work, please feel free to contact us. You can reach us at our main office line at (718) 767-0923 or by email at info@merrittengineering.com.
How can we help you?
We are currently helping several of our clients get their buildings in shape, coordinating inspections and testing, leak investigations, façade and roofing restoration projects. All projects are managed efficiently by our team from beginning to end and are designed to provide sustainable, cost-effective results. We believe in providing our clients with the quality service they deserve. We would be happy to do the same for you.
Call us today at (718) 767-0923.
About Us
Established in 1986, Merritt Engineering has become a leading Engineering firm specializing in Building Restoration and Structural Design. We have extensive experience in Façade Restorations, Roofing & Waterproofing, Historic/Landmark Preservation, Design/Rehabilitations and Construction Administration.
For over 30 years, we have delivered customized, practical and cost-effective engineering solutions to properties throughout the United States including commercial, residential, healthcare, government and educational facilities. Today, Merritt continues to build a strong reputation through its commitment to preserving and enhancing our city’s skyline.
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