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Council Member Ariola's opening remarks on temporary certificates of occupancy
0:00:16
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3 min
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 outlines the importance of certificates of occupancy, recent controversies, and findings from a city controller's audit that raised concerns about the use of temporary certificates.
- Ariola highlights the discovery of 637 office buildings without valid final certificates of occupancy, with some lacking approval for over 12 years.
- She mentions that 88 of these buildings were found to have immediate hazardous violations, mostly due to dangerous facade conditions.
- The council member emphasizes the need to explore how city agencies can prioritize the safety of New Yorkers in relation to temporary certificates of occupancy.
Joann Ariola
0:00:16
Good morning, and welcome to this hearing on the committee on fire and emergency management.
0:00:23
I am chairperson Joanne Areola.
0:00:25
I would like to recognize that we have been joined by council members Lynn Schulman and Susan Chuang.
0:00:32
Today, the committee will be examining a timely and important topic related to building and fire safety, the process and inspections of New York City's temporary certificates of occupancy.
0:00:44
Pursuant to the New York City building code, no building shall be occupied or used in whole or in part unless there is an a certificate of occupancy issued certifying that such building conforms substantially to the approved construction documents and the provisions of the building code and other applicable laws and rules.
0:01:07
This requirement is an essential safe guard to ensuring that buildings constructed and occupied in New York City meet the rigorous standards by the New York City buildings department, fire, and electrical codes, vital provisions that keep New Yorkers safe.
0:01:23
Perhaps reflecting a pragmatic approach of ensuring flexibility in the construction and inspection process, the building code further authorizes the Department of Buildings to issue temporary certificates of occupancy before the completion of work covered by a permit provided that the subject portion or portions of the building may be occupied and maintained in a manner that will not endanger the public safety, health, or welfare of those inhabiting it or surrounding it.
0:01:54
Controversy surrounding this mural administration including allegations of impropriety relating to fire safety inspections and the issuance of temporary certificates in the occupancy at a recently constructed Turkish house in Midtown Manhattan has brought increased scrutiny to the inspections conducted by fire in the buildings department and how the agencies prioritize public safety before allowing buildings to open without with outstanding safety issues.
0:02:20
Unfortunately, it appears there are broader issues that have been uncovered by a recent audit conducted by the city's controller.
0:02:28
To review the widespread use of of temporary certificates of occupancy, including identifying 637 office buildings currently without a valid final certificate of occupancy, according to review, on average those buildings have been without city approval for three and a half years with some having failed to obtain a valid certificate for more than twelve years.
0:02:52
Eighty eight of those buildings were found to have immediate hazardous violations, the majority of which were due to dangerous facade conditions.
0:03:01
These findings call into serious question the Department of Buildings approach to inspecting and approving occupancy of new construction and raises doubts regarding the extent which we can rely on the city's use of temporary certificates of occupancy in circumstances where public safety is threatened.
0:03:18
With that said, we look forward to hearing testimony from the administration on the topic and explore how the council can continue its work of ensuring city agencies prioritize the safety of all New Yorkers.
0:03:31
I will now turn to our committee council and have him read the affirmation for all individuals from the administration who will be providing testimony here today.