Directive 14 is a Must-Know Term
When filing a job, or application, at the Department of Buildings, it is important to understand the types of applications and methods of filing. Knowing the terminology can help when it comes to getting permits, speaking to expediters, consultants, or architects/engineers. There are two primary methods: standard plan examination and directive 14. We will examine the different methods of filings have various benefits, negatives, and time spans.
What is Directive 14 Filing?
Directive 14 refers to the buildings bulletin of 1975. This is an amendment to the NYC building code and zoning law that enabled professionals to certify their applications rather than having them go through a full department (DOB) review. Directive 14 filing cannot be used for ALT1 and NB jobs. This is important to the department as they retain control over life safety, egress, etc. It would be assumed that if applicants were able to self-certify new buildings and significant alterations to existing ones, the DOB would have to stop more construction as buildings would be rushed and overbuilt in the name of the owner, but under the misguided direction of the applicant.
When is Directive 14 Filing Used?
Directive 14 is allowed to file jobs that do not change egress, use or occupancy. These jobs modify the Certificate of Occupancy and require strict supervision from the DOB. Typically Directive 14 filings are used for almost everything else from sprinkler, boiler, renovation jobs and more. Hence, Directive 14 jobs are very common. It is estimated that 80% of applications received by the DOB are Directive 14. Although Directive 14 jobs place greater responsibility upon the applicant, it is the preferred method of filing DOB plans, despite the higher costs.
Benefits of Directive 14
Filing and Approval Process
Filing Directive 14 asserts that a professional, or applicant, is responsible that the filing is up to code. This reduces plan examination time, but typically increase filing costs. One of the most important part of directive 14 filings are the inspections. With standard plan jobs, the inspections must be done by the DOB to ensure the construction was built in compliance to NYC BC (Building Code). With Directive 14, the applicant assigns inspectors which inspections are required and who will do them. Inspectors must be registered with the SIA, Special Inspections Agency, at the DOB. This increases the cost of inspections, but reduces the time required to sign-off the application.
Inspections and Close-Out/Sign-Off
Plumbing, electrical, and elevators must still be inspected by the Building Department. This is due to the fact that professionals have control over the scope of work that contractors fulfill, but typically cannot be responsible for how the work is done. Many inspections can be done by the Directive 14 applicant or other registered Special Inspections Agency inspectors.
Trouble with Directive 14?
Direct Access Expediting provides consulting, expediting, applicant services and (certain) special inspections. Direct Access has utilized Directive 14 filings for thousands of jobs over its 25 year lifespan. Please contact us today if you have questions about Directive 14 filings, or if you have a project in mind.