Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Fire and Emergency Management
Feb 25, 2025
·
10:00 AM
40 min
PRO The fastest way to analyze public meetings in NYC & NY State. Learn more.
Summary
A hearing on the process and inspections of New York City's temporary certificates of occupancy (TCOs).
Discussions focused on:
- The Department of Buildings' practices for issuing and monitoring TCOs
- Concerns about expired TCOs
- The Fire Department's role in approving fire protection plans
- Potential gaps in enforcement and monitoring.
The hearing also addressed the need for increased staffing and resources in light of expected construction increases due to recent zoning changes.
Features testimony from the Department of Buildings (DOB), Fire Department (FDNY), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Ariola's opening remarks on temporary certificates of occupancy
Council Member Joann Ariola opens the hearing of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, focusing on the process and inspections of New York City's temporary certificates of occupancy. She …
0:00:16
·
3 min
Department of Buildings testimony on certificate of occupancy processes
Gus Sirakis, Deputy Commissioner for Development and Technical Affairs at the NYC Department of Buildings, provided testimony on the department's role in issuing certificates of occupancy, including temporary certificates. He …
0:04:35
·
4 min
Monitoring expired Temporary Certificates of Occupancy
Council Member Ariola inquires about the Department of Buildings' process for monitoring expired Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCOs). She specifically asks about measures in place besides 311 complaints that would …
0:08:41
·
35 sec
Digitization of the Certificate of Occupancy process
Constadino Sirakis explains the digitization of the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) process and how it has improved record-keeping and data analysis capabilities for the Department of Buildings. - The CO …
0:09:18
·
101 sec
Lack of automatic follow-up for expired TCOs
Council Member Ariola expresses concern about the lack of automatic follow-up for expired Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCOs), while Constadino Sirakis explains the various mechanisms that encourage TCO renewal. - …
0:10:59
·
110 sec
Discretionary aspects of TCO application process
Council Member Ariola inquires about the discretionary aspects of Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) applications, and Constadino Sirakis provides a detailed explanation of the process and requirements. - Sirakis describes …
0:12:50
·
3 min
Need for more DOB inspectors and use of predictive analytics
Council Member Ariola raises concerns about the Department of Buildings' follow-up practices and inspector headcount, while Constadino Sirakis discusses the need for more inspectors and the use of predictive analytics. …
0:16:25
·
5 min
Revocation of TCOs and city liability for hazards
Council Member Ariola inquires about the revocation of Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCOs) and potential city liability for hazards during TCO periods, based on findings from a Comptroller's report. - …
0:21:27
·
118 sec
Communication between DOB and FDNY
Council Member Ariola inquires about the communication between the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Fire Department (FDNY) during follow-up inspections. - Ariola emphasizes the importance of continuity and communication …
0:23:24
·
32 sec
Process of filing a fire prevention plan
Tom Currao explains the process of filing a fire prevention plan, detailing its components and how it serves to protect building occupants. - Fire protection plans cover physical items that …
0:23:56
·
3 min
Number of Certificates of Occupancy granted in recent fiscal years
Constadino Sirakis provides data on the number of Certificates of Occupancy (COs) granted in recent fiscal years and discusses the challenges in tracking COs for older buildings. - Fiscal year …
0:27:15
·
146 sec
Impact of 'City of Yes' zoning changes on building inspections and staffing
Council Member Ariola inquires about the Department of Buildings' adjustments to handle the expected increase in construction due to 'City of Yes' zoning changes, and Constadino Sirakis outlines the department's …
0:29:42
·
3 min
FDNY's discretion in fire safety system approval
Council Member Ariola inquires about the Fire Department's discretion in approving fire safety systems, and Tom Currao explains the FDNY's role in the approval process. - Currao emphasizes that FDNY's …
0:33:20
·
126 sec
Increase in DOB staffing for basement ADU expansion and proactive enforcement
Constadino Sirakis outlines recent increases in Department of Buildings staffing to address basement ADU expansion and enhance proactive enforcement efforts. - DOB received 83 new staff lines for the basement …
0:35:25
·
53 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson provides testimony regarding the transparency and accountability of Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCOs) in New York City. He expresses concerns about the lack of public visibility of …
0:37:57
·
127 sec