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Q&A
Discretionary aspects of TCO application process
0:12:50
ยท
3 min
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 the multi-layered review process for CO applications
- The process involves project advocates, inspectors, and various compliance checks
- TCO expiration can be due to administrative issues or missed compliance filings
- A CO worksheet outlines required items and acceptable options for submission
- The process involves coordination with other agencies like the fire department and landmarks commission
Joann Ariola
0:12:50
But it would still be able to operate depending on what if let's say it's not a restaurant or it's not looking for for any type of liquor license or or anything like that.
0:12:59
I just I just think that that's kind of leaving an open end for disaster if if you're not you don't have another checkpoint in place besides someone making a complaint or 311.
0:13:12
So maybe that's just something that you could could work on.
0:13:15
Which aspects of an application for a temporary certificate of occupancy are ultimately discretionary, and which aspects are required, and does it vary by building status by building class?
Constadino (Gus) Sirakis
0:13:29
Very good question.
0:13:30
I think these are building COs are a pretty complicated matter in and of itself.
0:13:36
They go through multiple layers of review at the at DOB as well as with other agencies as well.
0:13:43
But the process for applying for a CFO gets multiple levels of review.
0:13:49
First, our we have a team of project advocates who review the application for certificate of occupancy to compare what's coming forward from the owner's design team and contractors as far as what have what do they claim that they've completed at that stage.
0:14:05
We have, at that point in time, have sent out inspectors to sign off on construction plumbing, and fire sprinkler systems, maybe electrical as well at that point in time, boilers.
0:14:20
If not, we will we will be sending them back to the drawing board for those things.
0:14:24
We are looking for the safe measures being in place for folks to be able to come in and occupy.
0:14:32
So when a TCO expires, for instance, it could be because there are administrative issues associated with the the TCO.
0:14:43
For for instance, at some point in time, once a building is issued a c of TCO, they enter into all of our compliance filings.
0:14:51
So that means they enter into our facade inspection program.
0:14:55
They enter into our elevator, inspection program, the boiler inspection
Joann Ariola
0:14:59
program.
Constadino (Gus) Sirakis
0:15:00
They need to provide their energy grade.
0:15:02
They need to provide their local law 97 reports.
0:15:05
The gas piping inspections, all of those inspections get triggered.
0:15:10
And if they miss a cycle there, they end up with violations, for instance, that have to be resolved before TCO will be renewed.
0:15:18
As far as the specific items that have to be provided, we've put together the there's one would be the required items listed under the specific application, but then we have a CO worksheet that we have put together where we describe what are the various items that we are looking for for a final CO or a TCO and what we feel are the acceptable options for submission at a given stage.
0:15:44
And we describe, depending on the item, what is necessary at that point.
0:15:48
This typically comes in from an architect or engineer with different attestations and affidavits depending on the item.
0:15:56
So for instance, the building may or may not require a fire alarm.
0:16:02
That's where we start getting involved with our colleagues at the fire department.
0:16:06
There may be landmark issues.
0:16:07
That's where we start getting involved with our colleagues or continue working with our colleagues at Landmarks from from that standpoint.
Joann Ariola
0:16:14
Right.
0:16:15
I just want to make mention that we've been joined by council member Kevin Riley.
0:16:19
And this is what you just said.
0:16:20
This is all part of a written policy for the DOB Yes.
0:16:23
That you follow.