New E-Filing System for LAA’S

DOB will soon be implementing an online (E-filing) service for LAA applications for plumbing, oil burning, and fire suppression.

In conjunction with the E-filing system, DOB has also revised the LAA form (draft copy of the new form is enclosed). This E-filing system should revolutionize the LAA system process. It will allow contractors to submit most LAA applications from their own offices. This will eliminate the time and expense of trips to DOB and the need for “Emergency Work Notices,” as well as streamlining the LAA application process, and improving LAA recordkeeping. The E-filing system is totally voluntary but highly recommended. DOB will be holding workshops for the licensees and contractors’ clerical support staff. DOB will be posting notices with the workshop dates and registration details within the next week or so. (see article DOB LAA Workshops for details.)

Important aspects of the new LAA E-filing system:

Licensed contractors who are registered with the E-filing system can file LAAs from their office for most LAAs (see exceptions below).
The E-filing system will not allow you to process an application for: legalization, an illegal address, to correct a “Work Without Permit” violation on the property, gas dryer installation, or for applications involving direct venting. For these types of applications a hard copy submission of the NEW LAA form must be processed at DOB.
The Licensee must register for the E-filing and be issued a user ID and password. If you are registered for permit renewals you ARE automatically registered for E-filing.
The E-filing will work for “Emergency Work.” If E-filing is used for “Emergency Work” there is no need for a reference number to be issued.
Please note that if you are registered for online permit renewals you are already registered for LAA E-filing including payment.

Important aspects of the new LAA form:

The new form MUST be used starting late September/ early October (DOB is still working on the exact date of implementation. The Plumbing Foundation will keep you apprised of that date.). No LAA submissions on the current LAA form will be accepted by DOB after that implementation date.
The new form is not as lengthy as the current LAA form. Currently, the LAA is a 2 page form; the new LAA will be only 1 page.
Although the new form is shorter, DOB still wants all pertinent work description information (the space available under section 5F “Description of Work”) to be as detailed and precise as possible in that description. A more detailed work description lessens the possible problems that can be encountered, especially inspector’s objections.
DOB will no longer be accepting Asbestos forms. All ACP5s and ASB4s must be submitted directly to DEP (information on where and how to file ACP5/ASB4 forms with DEP will be explained at the DOB workshops.) However, please note if DOB conducts an audit on one of your jobs and you do not have a receipt from DEP stating that the ACP5 or ASB4 was submitted to them, DOB may take administrative action against the licensee. [Falsification of any statement is a misdemeanor under §28-211.1, 28.201.2.12 and 28-203.1.1. A licensee may also lose their license for providing false information to DOB.]

DOB LAA Workshops*

*The following article excerpts important information from NYC Department of Buildings

Later this year, our E-Filing service will expand to Limited Alteration Applications. To help customers use this coming service, the LAA team will hold two workshops. Each will focus on th revised LAA from and LAA E-Filing.

Upcoming E-Filing Workshops

Registration
Registration is required to attend these free workshops. You may RSVP by emailing us at LAA-PR@buildings.nyc.gov, sending a fax to (212) 566-5823 or by calling (212) 566-4579. With your registration, forward any question, comments or concerns you’d like addressed at the workshop.”

NYC Fire Department News

To: All Sprinkler/Standpipe Testing Contractors and the General Public

Please be advised that the New York City Fire Department adopted a new Fire Code effective July 1, 2008. In the new Fire Code Section 901.6.1 states that all water based fire protection systems must follow NFPA 25, 2002 edition standards. The NFPA 25 has three (3) categories: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance. These three (3) categories will replace the old basic standard of “monthly record keeping”. The frequencies for these categories range from “daily” to “fifty years” depending on the fire protection components.
The only exceptions will be for converted dwellings, single room occupancies and R-2, R-3 residential occupancies. These systems still must be maintained in perfect working order but will still follow the standard of “monthly record keeping” by a FDNY certificte of fitness holder or depending on the type of system by a Master Plumber or a Master Fire Protection Piping Contractor.
For more information on this subject matter please contact the FDNY at http://www.nyc/html/fdny/pdf/cof_study_material/s_12_citywide_sprinkler_ systems.pdf. This website will directly link you to the new citywide sprinkler certificate of fitness (S-12) which incorporates the NFPA 25 standard. Or you can purchase the entire standard at www.nfpa.org and remember to buy the 2002 edition.”

News from DOB

SERVICE UPDATE: 311 Online Inspection Request Pilot: Queens Borough Construction Unit

The Queens Construction Unit started accepting construction inspection requests through 311’s website, www.nyc.gov/apps/311/ on Monday, June 13, 2011.

NOTE: You can also make an inspection request by going to the search box in the upper right hand corner of 311’s website, www.nyc.gov/apps/311/, and searching “Construction Appointment”
This new program will allow applicants to request a Queens Borough construction inspection online 24 hours a day, saving applicants time and speeding up the process.
To assist with the implementation of this initiative, all phone and walk-in requests will be limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

Foundation’s Environmental Statement

Since its establishment in 1986 the Plumbing Foundation has worked diligently to ensure that the plumbing industry has as little a “carbon footprint” on New York City as possible. The plumbing industry has historically utilized environmentally friendly materials like recycled cast-iron and copper piping/fittings. The Foundation will continue its role of protecting New York City as well as being an advocate for the environment by strengthening its water/sanitary regulations thereby lessening the City’s wasteful water consumption.