NYC construction field guides — permits, inspections, protection

Straight answers on NYC facade and structural work: sidewalk sheds, CD5 and supported scaffold permits, ordinary repair vs work permit, LPC approval, TPP vs OPP, and the full special-inspection list. Every page here is the same logic Laboro runs on a plan set — written out, with the code reference it comes from.

• Sidewalk shed permit in NYC: when you actually need oneA sidewalk shed is required for facade work above 40 ft over a sidewalk, and for any scaffold over the sidewalk regardless of height. The rule, the code cite, and who files it.
• Sidewalk shed lighting: the electrical permit people forgetEvery sidewalk shed needs lighting, and that lighting must be wired by a licensed electrician under its own permit. The one line item that gets left out of bids.
• Working above a neighbor's roof: BC 3309.10 protection and accessWhen work takes place above an adjoining property's roof, NYC requires protection of that roof and an access agreement with the neighbor. What triggers it and why it delays jobs.
• Supported scaffold permit in NYC: the 40 ft thresholdA supported (pipe or frame) scaffold needs a permit at 40 ft or taller. Under 40 ft it generally does not. How the method gets decided when the drawings stay silent.
• CD5 permit: suspended scaffolds and the 24–48 hour DOB noticeA suspended (swing stage or motorized) scaffold is permitted under a CD5, filed in DOB NOW, and DOB must be notified 24 to 48 hours before install and before removal.
• Ordinary repair or work permit? The line that decides your scheduleRepointing, sealant and cleaning are ordinary repair and need no work permit. Parapet rebuilds, lintel replacement, shelf angles, cornices and steel do. Where the line sits.
• LPC approval for facade work on a landmark buildingIf the building is an individual landmark or sits in a historic district, the Landmarks Preservation Commission has to approve the work before DOB will issue the permit.
• Construction hoist power: the electrical permit behind the hoistA material or personnel hoist needs its own electrical permit for power. Small line item, routinely missed at bid.
• TPP or OPP? Tenant vs Occupant Protection Plans in NYCA Tenant Protection Plan covers occupied dwelling units. An Occupant Protection Plan covers occupied non-residential space. Mixed-use buildings need both. Plus the BC 3310 site safety threshold at 15 stories.
• NYC special and progress inspections: the TR1 list, in fullThe 20 special inspections under BC 1704/1705 and the 5 progress inspections under 1 RCNY 101-06, with their code references and the phase each one lands in.