Better Practice Comes to New York City Building Codes

On July 1, 2008, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced the launch of the new City of New York Construction Codes, the first modernization of the Building Code since 1968. The Building Code in New York City had not been updated for almost 40 years. Not anymore. The new Codes require the Building Department to revise the Codes every 3 years to incorporate new standards, technologies and materials.  As of July 1, 2009, everyone is required to follow the new rules.

The new Codes are in line with national standards and will enhance building and construction safety through expanded requirements for fire protection, structural integrity, and job site accountability on all new construction projects.

New York follows other states in the United States, including California and the District of Columbia which adopted the 2008 District of Columbia Construction Code, raising the bar on energy efficiency, and California's green building codes dated July 2008,  mandating recycled materials, water-efficient landscaping and a 15% increase in its already advanced energy efficiency requirements. In other words, reform of business regulations can inspire more reforms, even amongst regions within the same country.