03/03/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/03/2023 13:04
For Immediate Release
March 3, 2023
***WEATHER ADVISORY***
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS ADVISES PROPERTY OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, & CRANE OPERATORS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES DURING HIGH WINDS
The New York City area may experience severe weather including heavy rain and potential wind gusts of up to 40 MPH, starting tonight, Friday, March 3rd and continuing into Sunday, March 5th. Accordingly, DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.
The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action -- issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.
Winds may reach higher speeds and last longer than forecast in certain areas of the city. Property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, including cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, hoists, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk. The Department suggests consulting a professional to advise how to secure construction sites and buildings.
To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
Buildings Bulletin 2015-029 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites.
To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.
Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.
Department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and cannot be read to suggest that the Department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.