| CHAPTER 1 | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION MC 101 | |
| GENERAL | |
| 101.1 Title. | |
| This code shall be known and may be cited as the “ | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| ,” “NYCMC” or | |
| “MC.” All section numbers in this code shall be deemed to be preceded by the designation “MC.” | |
| 101.2 Scope. | |
| This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical | |
| systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related pro- | |
| cesses within buildings. | |
| This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and | |
| appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliances and fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliance ventin | |
| g systems shall be regulated by the | |
| New York City Fuel Gas Code | |
| . | |
| 101.3 Intent. | |
| The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, | |
| public welfare and the environment by regulating and controlling the design | |
| , construction, installation, quality of | |
| materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of mechanical systems. | |
| 101.4 Severability. | |
| If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be | |
| unconstitutional, suc | |
| h decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code. | |
| SECTION MC 102 | |
| APPLICABILITY | |
| 102.1 General. | |
| Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific | |
| requirement shall govern. Where, i | |
| n a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, meth- | |
| ods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. | |
| 102.2 Existing installations. | |
| Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter or elsewhere in | |
| this code, a provision | |
| in this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued utilization and | |
| maintenance of, a mechanical system lawfully in existence on the effective date of this code. | |
| 102.3 Maintenance. | |
| Mechanical systems, both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in proper | |
| operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards | |
| that are required by this code shall be mainta | |
| ined in compliance with the appli | |
| - | |
| cable provisions under which they | |
| were installed. | |
| 102.3.1 Owner responsibility. | |
| The owner shall be responsible for maintenance of mechanical systems. To deter- | |
| mine compliance with this provision, the commissioner shall have | |
| the authority to require existing mechanical | |
| systems to be inspected. | |
| 102.4 Additions, alterations or repairs. | |
| Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to a mechanical system shall | |
| conform to requirements for a new mechanical system without requirin | |
| g the existing mechanical system to comply | |
| with all of the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing mechanical | |
| system to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. | |
| 102.4.1 Minor additions, alterations, renovatio | |
| ns and repairs. | |
| Minor additions, alterations, renovations and | |
| repairs to existing mechanical systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in | |
| the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous | |
| and is approved. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings. | |
| In addition to the requirements of Sections 102.4 and | |
| 102.4.1, the provisions of Sections 102.4.2.1 through 102.4.2.6 shall apply to prior code buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 102.4.2.1 Fire and smoke dampe | |
| rs. | |
| In cases where the building’s passive fire | |
| - | |
| resistance protection design, | |
| including rated construction, corridors and fire separations, complies with 1968 or prior codes, the determination | |
| as to whether a fire or smoke damper is required shall be permit | |
| ted to be made pursuant to the | |
| 1968 Building | |
| Code | |
| , or at the election of the applicant, the | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.2 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures. | |
| The provisions of Section 304.11 relating | |
| to guards and Section 306.5 r | |
| elating to permanent means of access shall not apply where the equipment or | |
| appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location. | |
| 102.4. | |
| 2.3 Vibration isolators for cooling towers. | |
| Where a replacement cooling tower is installed and phys- | |
| i | |
| cal limitations prohibit compliance with the vibration isolator requirements of Section 313.3.7, such isola- | |
| tors may be omitted provided the devices shall comply with the | |
| New York City Noise Control Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.4 Noncombustible fill for cooling towers. | |
| Wh | |
| ere an existing exterior cooling tower with combus- | |
| tible fill within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the lot line is replaced, such replacement shall be permitted to have | |
| combustible fill, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 908.3.2. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.5 Seismic | |
| supports. | |
| The determination as to whether seismic requirements apply to an alteration | |
| shall be made in accordance with the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and interpretations by the department relating to | |
| such determinations. Any applicable seismic loads and requiremen | |
| ts shall be permitted to be determined in | |
| accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| or the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and Reference | |
| Standard RS 9 | |
| - | |
| 6 of such code. | |
| 102.4.2.6 Wind resistance. | |
| Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to | |
| wind shall be designed and | |
| installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building | |
| Code | |
| . | |
| 102.5 Change in occupancy. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 102.6 Reserved. | |
| 102.7 | |
| Reserved. | |
| 102.8 Referenced standards. | |
| The standards referenced herein shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and in the | |
| rules of the department and such standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the pre- | |
| scribed extent o | |
| f each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced | |
| standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Refer to Article 103 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| for additional provisions relatin | |
| g to referenced standards. | |
| 102.8.1 Editions of referenced standards. | |
| References to standards in this code shall be to the editions of those | |
| standards provided for in Chapter 15 of this code, or as otherwise provided by rule. | |
| 102.9 Requirements not covered | |
| by this code. | |
| Requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation | |
| of an existing or proposed mechanical system, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically | |
| covered by this code, shall be determined by the commi | |
| ssioner. | |
| SECTION MC 103 | |
| DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS | |
| 103.1 General. | |
| Refer to the New York City Charter and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 104 | |
| DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER | |
| OF BUILDINGS | |
| 104.1 General. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, adopt rules, and | |
| establish policies and procedures in order to clarify and implement its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, | |
| procedures, and rules shall be in complia | |
| nce with the intent and purpose of this code. See the New York City Charter | |
| and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to the authority of the Com- | |
| missioner of Buildings. | |
| CHAPTER 1 | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION MC 101 | |
| GENERAL | |
| 101.1 Title. | |
| This code shall be known and may be cited as the “ | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| ,” “NYCMC” or | |
| “MC.” All section numbers in this code shall be deemed to be preceded by the designation “MC.” | |
| 101.2 Scope. | |
| This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical | |
| systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related pro- | |
| cesses within buildings. | |
| This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and | |
| appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliances and fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliance ventin | |
| g systems shall be regulated by the | |
| New York City Fuel Gas Code | |
| . | |
| 101.3 Intent. | |
| The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, | |
| public welfare and the environment by regulating and controlling the design | |
| , construction, installation, quality of | |
| materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of mechanical systems. | |
| 101.4 Severability. | |
| If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be | |
| unconstitutional, suc | |
| h decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code. | |
| SECTION MC 102 | |
| APPLICABILITY | |
| 102.1 General. | |
| Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific | |
| requirement shall govern. Where, i | |
| n a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, meth- | |
| ods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. | |
| 102.2 Existing installations. | |
| Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter or elsewhere in | |
| this code, a provision | |
| in this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued utilization and | |
| maintenance of, a mechanical system lawfully in existence on the effective date of this code. | |
| 102.3 Maintenance. | |
| Mechanical systems, both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in proper | |
| operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards | |
| that are required by this code shall be mainta | |
| ined in compliance with the appli | |
| - | |
| cable provisions under which they | |
| were installed. | |
| 102.3.1 Owner responsibility. | |
| The owner shall be responsible for maintenance of mechanical systems. To deter- | |
| mine compliance with this provision, the commissioner shall have | |
| the authority to require existing mechanical | |
| systems to be inspected. | |
| 102.4 Additions, alterations or repairs. | |
| Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to a mechanical system shall | |
| conform to requirements for a new mechanical system without requirin | |
| g the existing mechanical system to comply | |
| with all of the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing mechanical | |
| system to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. | |
| 102.4.1 Minor additions, alterations, renovatio | |
| ns and repairs. | |
| Minor additions, alterations, renovations and | |
| repairs to existing mechanical systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in | |
| the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous | |
| and is approved. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings. | |
| In addition to the requirements of Sections 102.4 and | |
| 102.4.1, the provisions of Sections 102.4.2.1 through 102.4.2.6 shall apply to prior code buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 102.4.2.1 Fire and smoke dampe | |
| rs. | |
| In cases where the building’s passive fire | |
| - | |
| resistance protection design, | |
| including rated construction, corridors and fire separations, complies with 1968 or prior codes, the determination | |
| as to whether a fire or smoke damper is required shall be permit | |
| ted to be made pursuant to the | |
| 1968 Building | |
| Code | |
| , or at the election of the applicant, the | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.2 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures. | |
| The provisions of Section 304.11 relating | |
| to guards and Section 306.5 r | |
| elating to permanent means of access shall not apply where the equipment or | |
| appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location. | |
| 102.4. | |
| 2.3 Vibration isolators for cooling towers. | |
| Where a replacement cooling tower is installed and phys- | |
| i | |
| cal limitations prohibit compliance with the vibration isolator requirements of Section 313.3.7, such isola- | |
| tors may be omitted provided the devices shall comply with the | |
| New York City Noise Control Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.4 Noncombustible fill for cooling towers. | |
| Wh | |
| ere an existing exterior cooling tower with combus- | |
| tible fill within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the lot line is replaced, such replacement shall be permitted to have | |
| combustible fill, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 908.3.2. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.5 Seismic | |
| supports. | |
| The determination as to whether seismic requirements apply to an alteration | |
| shall be made in accordance with the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and interpretations by the department relating to | |
| such determinations. Any applicable seismic loads and requiremen | |
| ts shall be permitted to be determined in | |
| accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| or the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and Reference | |
| Standard RS 9 | |
| - | |
| 6 of such code. | |
| 102.4.2.6 Wind resistance. | |
| Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to | |
| wind shall be designed and | |
| installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building | |
| Code | |
| . | |
| 102.5 Change in occupancy. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 102.6 Reserved. | |
| 102.7 | |
| Reserved. | |
| 102.8 Referenced standards. | |
| The standards referenced herein shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and in the | |
| rules of the department and such standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the pre- | |
| scribed extent o | |
| f each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced | |
| standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Refer to Article 103 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| for additional provisions relatin | |
| g to referenced standards. | |
| 102.8.1 Editions of referenced standards. | |
| References to standards in this code shall be to the editions of those | |
| standards provided for in Chapter 15 of this code, or as otherwise provided by rule. | |
| 102.9 Requirements not covered | |
| by this code. | |
| Requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation | |
| of an existing or proposed mechanical system, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically | |
| covered by this code, shall be determined by the commi | |
| ssioner. | |
| SECTION MC 103 | |
| DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS | |
| 103.1 General. | |
| Refer to the New York City Charter and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 104 | |
| DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER | |
| OF BUILDINGS | |
| 104.1 General. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, adopt rules, and | |
| establish policies and procedures in order to clarify and implement its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, | |
| procedures, and rules shall be in complia | |
| nce with the intent and purpose of this code. See the New York City Charter | |
| and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to the authority of the Com- | |
| missioner of Buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION | |
| MC | |
| 105 | |
| APPROVALS | |
| 105.1 Approvals. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 106 | |
| PERMITS | |
| 106.1 General. | |
| Permits shall comply with this section, with Article 105 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| , and with requirements found else | |
| where in this code. | |
| 106.2 Required. | |
| Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, add to, alter, repair, move, demolish, or | |
| change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, add to, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace | |
| a | |
| ny gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such | |
| work to be done, shall first make application for construction document approval in accordance with Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and this chapter and obtain the required permit. | |
| 106.3 Work exempt from permit. | |
| Exemptions from permit requirements of this code as authorized in Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| and the rules of the department shall not be deemed to | |
| grant authorization for | |
| any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or rules. | |
| 106.4 Validity of permit. | |
| The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval | |
| of, a | |
| ny violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other law. Permits presuming to give authority to | |
| violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other law shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on | |
| construction documents and other | |
| data shall not prevent the commissioner from requiring the correction of errors in | |
| the construction documents and other data. The commissioner is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a | |
| structure where in violation of this code or of any other la | |
| w. | |
| 106.5 Permits with respect to limited alteration applications. | |
| For permits with respect to limited alteration appli- | |
| cations refer to Sections 28 | |
| - | |
| 101.5 and 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.6, Exception 1 of the | |
| Administrative Code. | |
| SECTION MC 107 | |
| CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS | |
| 107.1 | |
| General. | |
| Construction documents shall comply with Article 104 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and other applicable provisions of this code and its referenced standards. Such construction documents shall | |
| be coordinated with architectural | |
| , structural and means of egress plans. | |
| 107.2 Required documents. | |
| The applicant shall submit all of the documents specified in Sections 107.3 through | |
| 107.10 as appropriate to the nature and extent of the work proposed. Construction documents shall indicate | |
| the | |
| heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and other mechanical work to be performed, so drawn as to conform to the archi- | |
| tectural and structural aspects of the building and to show in detail compliance with this code. | |
| 107.2.1 Composite plans. | |
| Composite plan | |
| s showing compliance of architectural, structural, and mechanical parts | |
| of a building may be submitted provided that a clear understanding of each part is not impaired. | |
| 107.3 Lot diagram. | |
| The lot diagram shall be provided where applicable to the work propo | |
| sed, including but not | |
| limited to the installation of exterior or rooftop equipment. | |
| 107.4 Building classification statement. | |
| Where applicable to the proposed work, the statement shall identify: | |
| 1. | |
| The occupancy group or groups that apply to parts of the b | |
| uilding in accordance with Section 302 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 2. | |
| The occupancy group of the main use or dominant occupancy of the building; | |
| 3. | |
| The construction type of the building in accordance with Section 602 of the | |
| New York City Building C | |
| ode | |
| ; | |
| 4. | |
| The structural occupancy/risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 5. | |
| The height of the building as defined in Section 202 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 6. | |
| The applicable measurements to the highest and | |
| lowest level of Fire Department access; | |
| 7. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside of the fire districts; and | |
| 8. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside a flood hazard area as such term is defined in Chapter 2 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107 | |
| .5 Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment plans. | |
| Construction documents for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil | |
| storage equipment shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| Diagrams of all distribution piping, including vent and | |
| fill piping for oil systems, and all safety cut | |
| - | |
| off and | |
| relief devices and valves in piping; indications of the sizes of distribution piping to be used and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive | |
| ratings of the shafts or spaces containing distribution piping where required to | |
| be fire rated. | |
| 2. | |
| Diagrammatic floor plans showing the size, location, material for all fuel oil and transfer distribution piping | |
| and related equipment. | |
| 3. | |
| Floor plans or partial floor plans showing the location, operating pressure, layout, size, and | |
| listing information | |
| for all fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment, tanks, vents, and chimneys. The plans shall also indicate the method or means | |
| of providing air to the equipment space, including duct and opening sizes or means of direct venting. | |
| 4. | |
| Plans indicating the | |
| location and type of any relevant smoke and heat detectors, alarm and fire extinguishing | |
| systems. | |
| 5. | |
| Seismic protection and restraint details for piping and equipment as required by Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York | |
| City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 6. | |
| Details indicating the l | |
| ocation, size and materials for all breechings; the thickness and type of insulation ma- | |
| terials; and the clearances from combustible walls, partitions, and ceiling; and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive ratings of rooms | |
| and spaces containing the equipment. | |
| 7. | |
| Details desc | |
| ribing the type, material, listing information, height, and termination distances to adjacent proper- | |
| ties and structures for chimneys and vents. | |
| 8. | |
| Details showing structural supports for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment where required. | |
| 9. | |
| A statement as to the kind | |
| or grade of fuel to be used. | |
| 10. | |
| Plans indicating the location, arrangement, size, load, and maximum capacity of the burning, storage and fuel | |
| - | |
| pumping equipment. | |
| 11. | |
| In special flood hazard areas, construction documents shall comply with Appendix G of the | |
| New York City | |
| Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107.6 Heating systems. | |
| Construction documents for heating systems shall include the temperature to be maintained | |
| in every room and the output capacity in BTU per hour of the central heating source. | |
| 107.7 Boilers. | |
| Construction d | |
| ocuments for boiler installations shall indicate the output capacity in BTU per hour, | |
| the operating weight of each boiler, the pressure setting of the relief valves, and such other data and information as | |
| required by this code. | |
| 107.8 Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and v | |
| entilating systems. | |
| Construction documents for air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilating sys- | |
| tems shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location and sizes of all ducts; the location of all fire and smoke dampers, motors, fans, a | |
| nd filters; the type, | |
| air capacity, and size of all equipment; and where not shown on accompanying structural plans, the operating | |
| weight and manner of support of equipment. | |
| 2. | |
| The locations of smoke detecting devices. | |
| 3. | |
| The location and size of the fresh | |
| air intake, the design population, and the required ventilation for each room | |
| or space. | |
| 4. | |
| The amount of air to be exhausted or supplied from each outlet for each room or space. | |
| 5. | |
| In the case of ventilating or exhaust systems for ranges, fryers, ovens, a | |
| nd other similar types of restaurant or | |
| bakery equipment, for which a hood is required, the plans shall also show the type of extinguishing system, the | |
| location of heat detection devices, nozzles, piping, gas controls, manual and automatic control valves, | |
| method | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| of joining ducts, method and location of discharging exhaust from building, the location of break | |
| - | |
| glass controls, | |
| and the quantity in cfm designed for each hood. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized, if any. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant | |
| concentration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any air | |
| - | |
| conditioning | |
| system that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping | |
| requirements. | |
| 107.9 Refrigerating systems. | |
| Constru | |
| ction documents for refrigerating systems shall contain plans that include the | |
| following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location of all machinery; the horsepower of compressors; the type and number of pounds of refrigerant to | |
| be used; and the air quantities | |
| for, and means of, ventilating the machinery space. | |
| 2. | |
| The location of refrigerant detectors and emergency switches for compressors and for ventilation in the machin- | |
| ery rooms. | |
| 3. | |
| The location of pressure relief piping and any city water connections and wat | |
| er | |
| - | |
| saving devices. | |
| 4. | |
| The tonnage capacity of the machine and the suction and discharge pressures at which the machine is rated. | |
| 5. | |
| The operating weight of the equipment. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant concen | |
| tration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any refrigerating system | |
| that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping require- | |
| ments. | |
| 107.10 Energy efficiency. | |
| Construction documents shall include compliance documentation as required by the | |
| New | |
| York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| . | |
| 107.11 Retention of construction and submittal documents. | |
| Refer to Section 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.12 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 108 | |
| INSPECTIONS AND TESTING | |
| 108.1 General. | |
| Except as otherwise specified, inspections required by this code or by the department during the | |
| progress of work may be performed on behalf of the owner by approved agencies or, if applicable, by special inspec- | |
| tors. | |
| However, in the interest of public safety, the commissioner may direct that any of such inspections be performed | |
| by the department. All inspections shall be performed at the sole cost and expense of the owner. Refer to Article 116 | |
| of Chapter 1 of Title 28 | |
| of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to inspections. | |
| 108.2 Required inspections and testing. | |
| In addition to any inspections otherwise required by this code or applicable | |
| rules, the following inspections shall be required: | |
| 1. | |
| Progre | |
| ss inspections. | |
| 1.1. | |
| Underground inspection | |
| and/or testing of installed piping, valves, fittings, support structures, anti | |
| - | |
| corro- | |
| sion equipment and associated underground components | |
| shall be made before backfill is put in place. | |
| When excavated soil contains | |
| rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage | |
| or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site ready for use in back- | |
| filling. | |
| Exception: | |
| Ground | |
| - | |
| source heat pump loop systems tested and backfi | |
| lled in accordance with Section | |
| 1210 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection. | |
| 1.2. | |
| Rough | |
| - | |
| in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all | |
| ducting and other components to be concealed are com | |
| plete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling | |
| membranes. | |
| 1.3. | |
| Inspections required by the | |
| New York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| shall be made in accordance with | |
| the rules of the department, as applicable. | |
| 2. | |
| Special inspections. | |
| Special inspections shall be performed in accordance with this code and Chapter 17 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| CHAPTER 1 | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION MC 101 | |
| GENERAL | |
| 101.1 Title. | |
| This code shall be known and may be cited as the “ | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| ,” “NYCMC” or | |
| “MC.” All section numbers in this code shall be deemed to be preceded by the designation “MC.” | |
| 101.2 Scope. | |
| This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical | |
| systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related pro- | |
| cesses within buildings. | |
| This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and | |
| appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliances and fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliance ventin | |
| g systems shall be regulated by the | |
| New York City Fuel Gas Code | |
| . | |
| 101.3 Intent. | |
| The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, | |
| public welfare and the environment by regulating and controlling the design | |
| , construction, installation, quality of | |
| materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of mechanical systems. | |
| 101.4 Severability. | |
| If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be | |
| unconstitutional, suc | |
| h decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code. | |
| SECTION MC 102 | |
| APPLICABILITY | |
| 102.1 General. | |
| Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific | |
| requirement shall govern. Where, i | |
| n a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, meth- | |
| ods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. | |
| 102.2 Existing installations. | |
| Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter or elsewhere in | |
| this code, a provision | |
| in this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued utilization and | |
| maintenance of, a mechanical system lawfully in existence on the effective date of this code. | |
| 102.3 Maintenance. | |
| Mechanical systems, both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in proper | |
| operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards | |
| that are required by this code shall be mainta | |
| ined in compliance with the appli | |
| - | |
| cable provisions under which they | |
| were installed. | |
| 102.3.1 Owner responsibility. | |
| The owner shall be responsible for maintenance of mechanical systems. To deter- | |
| mine compliance with this provision, the commissioner shall have | |
| the authority to require existing mechanical | |
| systems to be inspected. | |
| 102.4 Additions, alterations or repairs. | |
| Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to a mechanical system shall | |
| conform to requirements for a new mechanical system without requirin | |
| g the existing mechanical system to comply | |
| with all of the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing mechanical | |
| system to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. | |
| 102.4.1 Minor additions, alterations, renovatio | |
| ns and repairs. | |
| Minor additions, alterations, renovations and | |
| repairs to existing mechanical systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in | |
| the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous | |
| and is approved. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings. | |
| In addition to the requirements of Sections 102.4 and | |
| 102.4.1, the provisions of Sections 102.4.2.1 through 102.4.2.6 shall apply to prior code buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 102.4.2.1 Fire and smoke dampe | |
| rs. | |
| In cases where the building’s passive fire | |
| - | |
| resistance protection design, | |
| including rated construction, corridors and fire separations, complies with 1968 or prior codes, the determination | |
| as to whether a fire or smoke damper is required shall be permit | |
| ted to be made pursuant to the | |
| 1968 Building | |
| Code | |
| , or at the election of the applicant, the | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.2 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures. | |
| The provisions of Section 304.11 relating | |
| to guards and Section 306.5 r | |
| elating to permanent means of access shall not apply where the equipment or | |
| appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location. | |
| 102.4. | |
| 2.3 Vibration isolators for cooling towers. | |
| Where a replacement cooling tower is installed and phys- | |
| i | |
| cal limitations prohibit compliance with the vibration isolator requirements of Section 313.3.7, such isola- | |
| tors may be omitted provided the devices shall comply with the | |
| New York City Noise Control Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.4 Noncombustible fill for cooling towers. | |
| Wh | |
| ere an existing exterior cooling tower with combus- | |
| tible fill within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the lot line is replaced, such replacement shall be permitted to have | |
| combustible fill, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 908.3.2. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.5 Seismic | |
| supports. | |
| The determination as to whether seismic requirements apply to an alteration | |
| shall be made in accordance with the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and interpretations by the department relating to | |
| such determinations. Any applicable seismic loads and requiremen | |
| ts shall be permitted to be determined in | |
| accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| or the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and Reference | |
| Standard RS 9 | |
| - | |
| 6 of such code. | |
| 102.4.2.6 Wind resistance. | |
| Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to | |
| wind shall be designed and | |
| installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building | |
| Code | |
| . | |
| 102.5 Change in occupancy. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 102.6 Reserved. | |
| 102.7 | |
| Reserved. | |
| 102.8 Referenced standards. | |
| The standards referenced herein shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and in the | |
| rules of the department and such standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the pre- | |
| scribed extent o | |
| f each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced | |
| standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Refer to Article 103 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| for additional provisions relatin | |
| g to referenced standards. | |
| 102.8.1 Editions of referenced standards. | |
| References to standards in this code shall be to the editions of those | |
| standards provided for in Chapter 15 of this code, or as otherwise provided by rule. | |
| 102.9 Requirements not covered | |
| by this code. | |
| Requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation | |
| of an existing or proposed mechanical system, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically | |
| covered by this code, shall be determined by the commi | |
| ssioner. | |
| SECTION MC 103 | |
| DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS | |
| 103.1 General. | |
| Refer to the New York City Charter and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 104 | |
| DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER | |
| OF BUILDINGS | |
| 104.1 General. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, adopt rules, and | |
| establish policies and procedures in order to clarify and implement its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, | |
| procedures, and rules shall be in complia | |
| nce with the intent and purpose of this code. See the New York City Charter | |
| and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to the authority of the Com- | |
| missioner of Buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION | |
| MC | |
| 105 | |
| APPROVALS | |
| 105.1 Approvals. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 106 | |
| PERMITS | |
| 106.1 General. | |
| Permits shall comply with this section, with Article 105 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| , and with requirements found else | |
| where in this code. | |
| 106.2 Required. | |
| Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, add to, alter, repair, move, demolish, or | |
| change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, add to, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace | |
| a | |
| ny gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such | |
| work to be done, shall first make application for construction document approval in accordance with Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and this chapter and obtain the required permit. | |
| 106.3 Work exempt from permit. | |
| Exemptions from permit requirements of this code as authorized in Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| and the rules of the department shall not be deemed to | |
| grant authorization for | |
| any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or rules. | |
| 106.4 Validity of permit. | |
| The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval | |
| of, a | |
| ny violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other law. Permits presuming to give authority to | |
| violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other law shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on | |
| construction documents and other | |
| data shall not prevent the commissioner from requiring the correction of errors in | |
| the construction documents and other data. The commissioner is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a | |
| structure where in violation of this code or of any other la | |
| w. | |
| 106.5 Permits with respect to limited alteration applications. | |
| For permits with respect to limited alteration appli- | |
| cations refer to Sections 28 | |
| - | |
| 101.5 and 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.6, Exception 1 of the | |
| Administrative Code. | |
| SECTION MC 107 | |
| CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS | |
| 107.1 | |
| General. | |
| Construction documents shall comply with Article 104 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and other applicable provisions of this code and its referenced standards. Such construction documents shall | |
| be coordinated with architectural | |
| , structural and means of egress plans. | |
| 107.2 Required documents. | |
| The applicant shall submit all of the documents specified in Sections 107.3 through | |
| 107.10 as appropriate to the nature and extent of the work proposed. Construction documents shall indicate | |
| the | |
| heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and other mechanical work to be performed, so drawn as to conform to the archi- | |
| tectural and structural aspects of the building and to show in detail compliance with this code. | |
| 107.2.1 Composite plans. | |
| Composite plan | |
| s showing compliance of architectural, structural, and mechanical parts | |
| of a building may be submitted provided that a clear understanding of each part is not impaired. | |
| 107.3 Lot diagram. | |
| The lot diagram shall be provided where applicable to the work propo | |
| sed, including but not | |
| limited to the installation of exterior or rooftop equipment. | |
| 107.4 Building classification statement. | |
| Where applicable to the proposed work, the statement shall identify: | |
| 1. | |
| The occupancy group or groups that apply to parts of the b | |
| uilding in accordance with Section 302 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 2. | |
| The occupancy group of the main use or dominant occupancy of the building; | |
| 3. | |
| The construction type of the building in accordance with Section 602 of the | |
| New York City Building C | |
| ode | |
| ; | |
| 4. | |
| The structural occupancy/risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 5. | |
| The height of the building as defined in Section 202 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 6. | |
| The applicable measurements to the highest and | |
| lowest level of Fire Department access; | |
| 7. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside of the fire districts; and | |
| 8. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside a flood hazard area as such term is defined in Chapter 2 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107 | |
| .5 Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment plans. | |
| Construction documents for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil | |
| storage equipment shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| Diagrams of all distribution piping, including vent and | |
| fill piping for oil systems, and all safety cut | |
| - | |
| off and | |
| relief devices and valves in piping; indications of the sizes of distribution piping to be used and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive | |
| ratings of the shafts or spaces containing distribution piping where required to | |
| be fire rated. | |
| 2. | |
| Diagrammatic floor plans showing the size, location, material for all fuel oil and transfer distribution piping | |
| and related equipment. | |
| 3. | |
| Floor plans or partial floor plans showing the location, operating pressure, layout, size, and | |
| listing information | |
| for all fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment, tanks, vents, and chimneys. The plans shall also indicate the method or means | |
| of providing air to the equipment space, including duct and opening sizes or means of direct venting. | |
| 4. | |
| Plans indicating the | |
| location and type of any relevant smoke and heat detectors, alarm and fire extinguishing | |
| systems. | |
| 5. | |
| Seismic protection and restraint details for piping and equipment as required by Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York | |
| City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 6. | |
| Details indicating the l | |
| ocation, size and materials for all breechings; the thickness and type of insulation ma- | |
| terials; and the clearances from combustible walls, partitions, and ceiling; and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive ratings of rooms | |
| and spaces containing the equipment. | |
| 7. | |
| Details desc | |
| ribing the type, material, listing information, height, and termination distances to adjacent proper- | |
| ties and structures for chimneys and vents. | |
| 8. | |
| Details showing structural supports for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment where required. | |
| 9. | |
| A statement as to the kind | |
| or grade of fuel to be used. | |
| 10. | |
| Plans indicating the location, arrangement, size, load, and maximum capacity of the burning, storage and fuel | |
| - | |
| pumping equipment. | |
| 11. | |
| In special flood hazard areas, construction documents shall comply with Appendix G of the | |
| New York City | |
| Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107.6 Heating systems. | |
| Construction documents for heating systems shall include the temperature to be maintained | |
| in every room and the output capacity in BTU per hour of the central heating source. | |
| 107.7 Boilers. | |
| Construction d | |
| ocuments for boiler installations shall indicate the output capacity in BTU per hour, | |
| the operating weight of each boiler, the pressure setting of the relief valves, and such other data and information as | |
| required by this code. | |
| 107.8 Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and v | |
| entilating systems. | |
| Construction documents for air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilating sys- | |
| tems shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location and sizes of all ducts; the location of all fire and smoke dampers, motors, fans, a | |
| nd filters; the type, | |
| air capacity, and size of all equipment; and where not shown on accompanying structural plans, the operating | |
| weight and manner of support of equipment. | |
| 2. | |
| The locations of smoke detecting devices. | |
| 3. | |
| The location and size of the fresh | |
| air intake, the design population, and the required ventilation for each room | |
| or space. | |
| 4. | |
| The amount of air to be exhausted or supplied from each outlet for each room or space. | |
| 5. | |
| In the case of ventilating or exhaust systems for ranges, fryers, ovens, a | |
| nd other similar types of restaurant or | |
| bakery equipment, for which a hood is required, the plans shall also show the type of extinguishing system, the | |
| location of heat detection devices, nozzles, piping, gas controls, manual and automatic control valves, | |
| method | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| of joining ducts, method and location of discharging exhaust from building, the location of break | |
| - | |
| glass controls, | |
| and the quantity in cfm designed for each hood. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized, if any. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant | |
| concentration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any air | |
| - | |
| conditioning | |
| system that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping | |
| requirements. | |
| 107.9 Refrigerating systems. | |
| Constru | |
| ction documents for refrigerating systems shall contain plans that include the | |
| following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location of all machinery; the horsepower of compressors; the type and number of pounds of refrigerant to | |
| be used; and the air quantities | |
| for, and means of, ventilating the machinery space. | |
| 2. | |
| The location of refrigerant detectors and emergency switches for compressors and for ventilation in the machin- | |
| ery rooms. | |
| 3. | |
| The location of pressure relief piping and any city water connections and wat | |
| er | |
| - | |
| saving devices. | |
| 4. | |
| The tonnage capacity of the machine and the suction and discharge pressures at which the machine is rated. | |
| 5. | |
| The operating weight of the equipment. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant concen | |
| tration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any refrigerating system | |
| that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping require- | |
| ments. | |
| 107.10 Energy efficiency. | |
| Construction documents shall include compliance documentation as required by the | |
| New | |
| York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| . | |
| 107.11 Retention of construction and submittal documents. | |
| Refer to Section 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.12 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 108 | |
| INSPECTIONS AND TESTING | |
| 108.1 General. | |
| Except as otherwise specified, inspections required by this code or by the department during the | |
| progress of work may be performed on behalf of the owner by approved agencies or, if applicable, by special inspec- | |
| tors. | |
| However, in the interest of public safety, the commissioner may direct that any of such inspections be performed | |
| by the department. All inspections shall be performed at the sole cost and expense of the owner. Refer to Article 116 | |
| of Chapter 1 of Title 28 | |
| of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to inspections. | |
| 108.2 Required inspections and testing. | |
| In addition to any inspections otherwise required by this code or applicable | |
| rules, the following inspections shall be required: | |
| 1. | |
| Progre | |
| ss inspections. | |
| 1.1. | |
| Underground inspection | |
| and/or testing of installed piping, valves, fittings, support structures, anti | |
| - | |
| corro- | |
| sion equipment and associated underground components | |
| shall be made before backfill is put in place. | |
| When excavated soil contains | |
| rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage | |
| or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site ready for use in back- | |
| filling. | |
| Exception: | |
| Ground | |
| - | |
| source heat pump loop systems tested and backfi | |
| lled in accordance with Section | |
| 1210 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection. | |
| 1.2. | |
| Rough | |
| - | |
| in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all | |
| ducting and other components to be concealed are com | |
| plete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling | |
| membranes. | |
| 1.3. | |
| Inspections required by the | |
| New York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| shall be made in accordance with | |
| the rules of the department, as applicable. | |
| 2. | |
| Special inspections. | |
| Special inspections shall be performed in accordance with this code and Chapter 17 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 3. | |
| Final inspection. | |
| Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 4. | |
| Issuance of certificate of compliance. | |
| Upon satisfactory inspection of service equipment and the satisfaction | |
| of all the requirements for sign | |
| - | |
| off, the department shall issue a certificate of compliance as applicable for the | |
| following service equipment: | |
| 4.1. | |
| Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilation sys | |
| tems, | |
| 4.2. | |
| Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment, including generators, | |
| 4.3. | |
| Refrigeration systems, | |
| 4.4. | |
| Heating systems, and | |
| 4.5. | |
| Boilers. | |
| The requirements of Section 108.2 shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating equipment o | |
| r | |
| appliances installed to replace existing heating equipment or appliances serving an occupied portion of a structure | |
| provided that a request for inspection of such heating equipment or appliances has been filed with the department not | |
| more than 48 hours a | |
| fter such replacement work is completed, and all required inspections are performed before any | |
| portion of such equipment or appliances is concealed by any permanent portion of the structure. | |
| 108.2.1 Approved inspection agencies. | |
| Refer to Articles 114 and 1 | |
| 15 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administra- | |
| tive Code | |
| . | |
| 108.2.2 Inspection of prefabricated construction assemblies. | |
| Prior to the approval of a prefabricated construc- | |
| tion assembly having concealed mechanical work and the issuance of a permit, the departmen | |
| t shall require the | |
| submittal of an evaluation report by an approved agency on each prefabricated construction assembly, indicating | |
| the complete details of the mechanical system, including a description of the system and its components, the basis | |
| upon whic | |
| h the system is being evaluated, test results and similar information, and other data as necessary for the | |
| commissioner to determine conformance to this code. | |
| 108.2.2.1 Test and inspection records. | |
| Required test and inspection records shall be | |
| available to the commis- | |
| sioner at all times during the fabrication of the mechanical system and the erection of the building; or such | |
| records as the commissioner designates shall be filed. | |
| 108.2.3 Exposure of work. | |
| The work shall remain accessible and expos | |
| ed for inspection purposes. Neither the | |
| commissioner nor the city shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required | |
| to allow inspection. | |
| 108.3 Testing. | |
| Mechanical systems shall be tested as required in this code an | |
| d in accordance with Sections 108.3.1 | |
| through 108.3.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder and witnessed by the department or an approved agency. | |
| 108.3.1 New, altered, extended or repaired systems. | |
| New mechanical systems and parts of existing systems, | |
| that have been altered, extended, renovated or repaired, shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and | |
| defects. | |
| 108.3.2 Apparatus, material and labor for tests. | |
| Apparatus, material and labor required for testing a mechanical | |
| system or part th | |
| ereof shall be furnished by the permit holder. | |
| 108.3.3 Reinspection and testing. | |
| Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the | |
| necessary corrections shall be made to comply with this code. The work or installation shall th | |
| en be resubmitted | |
| to the department for inspection and testing. | |
| 108.4 Sign | |
| - | |
| off of completed work. | |
| Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 108.5 Temporary connection. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to authorize t | |
| he temporary connection of | |
| a mechanical system to the sources of energy for the purpose of testing mechanical systems or for use under a | |
| temporary certificate of occupancy. | |
| SECTION MC 109 | |
| VIOLATIONS | |
| 109.1 General. | |
| Refer to Chapters 2 and 3 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| CHAPTER 1 | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION MC 101 | |
| GENERAL | |
| 101.1 Title. | |
| This code shall be known and may be cited as the “ | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| ,” “NYCMC” or | |
| “MC.” All section numbers in this code shall be deemed to be preceded by the designation “MC.” | |
| 101.2 Scope. | |
| This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical | |
| systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related pro- | |
| cesses within buildings. | |
| This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and | |
| appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliances and fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliance ventin | |
| g systems shall be regulated by the | |
| New York City Fuel Gas Code | |
| . | |
| 101.3 Intent. | |
| The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, | |
| public welfare and the environment by regulating and controlling the design | |
| , construction, installation, quality of | |
| materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of mechanical systems. | |
| 101.4 Severability. | |
| If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be | |
| unconstitutional, suc | |
| h decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code. | |
| SECTION MC 102 | |
| APPLICABILITY | |
| 102.1 General. | |
| Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific | |
| requirement shall govern. Where, i | |
| n a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, meth- | |
| ods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. | |
| 102.2 Existing installations. | |
| Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter or elsewhere in | |
| this code, a provision | |
| in this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued utilization and | |
| maintenance of, a mechanical system lawfully in existence on the effective date of this code. | |
| 102.3 Maintenance. | |
| Mechanical systems, both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in proper | |
| operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards | |
| that are required by this code shall be mainta | |
| ined in compliance with the appli | |
| - | |
| cable provisions under which they | |
| were installed. | |
| 102.3.1 Owner responsibility. | |
| The owner shall be responsible for maintenance of mechanical systems. To deter- | |
| mine compliance with this provision, the commissioner shall have | |
| the authority to require existing mechanical | |
| systems to be inspected. | |
| 102.4 Additions, alterations or repairs. | |
| Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to a mechanical system shall | |
| conform to requirements for a new mechanical system without requirin | |
| g the existing mechanical system to comply | |
| with all of the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing mechanical | |
| system to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. | |
| 102.4.1 Minor additions, alterations, renovatio | |
| ns and repairs. | |
| Minor additions, alterations, renovations and | |
| repairs to existing mechanical systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in | |
| the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous | |
| and is approved. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings. | |
| In addition to the requirements of Sections 102.4 and | |
| 102.4.1, the provisions of Sections 102.4.2.1 through 102.4.2.6 shall apply to prior code buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 102.4.2.1 Fire and smoke dampe | |
| rs. | |
| In cases where the building’s passive fire | |
| - | |
| resistance protection design, | |
| including rated construction, corridors and fire separations, complies with 1968 or prior codes, the determination | |
| as to whether a fire or smoke damper is required shall be permit | |
| ted to be made pursuant to the | |
| 1968 Building | |
| Code | |
| , or at the election of the applicant, the | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.2 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures. | |
| The provisions of Section 304.11 relating | |
| to guards and Section 306.5 r | |
| elating to permanent means of access shall not apply where the equipment or | |
| appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location. | |
| 102.4. | |
| 2.3 Vibration isolators for cooling towers. | |
| Where a replacement cooling tower is installed and phys- | |
| i | |
| cal limitations prohibit compliance with the vibration isolator requirements of Section 313.3.7, such isola- | |
| tors may be omitted provided the devices shall comply with the | |
| New York City Noise Control Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.4 Noncombustible fill for cooling towers. | |
| Wh | |
| ere an existing exterior cooling tower with combus- | |
| tible fill within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the lot line is replaced, such replacement shall be permitted to have | |
| combustible fill, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 908.3.2. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.5 Seismic | |
| supports. | |
| The determination as to whether seismic requirements apply to an alteration | |
| shall be made in accordance with the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and interpretations by the department relating to | |
| such determinations. Any applicable seismic loads and requiremen | |
| ts shall be permitted to be determined in | |
| accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| or the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and Reference | |
| Standard RS 9 | |
| - | |
| 6 of such code. | |
| 102.4.2.6 Wind resistance. | |
| Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to | |
| wind shall be designed and | |
| installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building | |
| Code | |
| . | |
| 102.5 Change in occupancy. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 102.6 Reserved. | |
| 102.7 | |
| Reserved. | |
| 102.8 Referenced standards. | |
| The standards referenced herein shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and in the | |
| rules of the department and such standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the pre- | |
| scribed extent o | |
| f each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced | |
| standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Refer to Article 103 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| for additional provisions relatin | |
| g to referenced standards. | |
| 102.8.1 Editions of referenced standards. | |
| References to standards in this code shall be to the editions of those | |
| standards provided for in Chapter 15 of this code, or as otherwise provided by rule. | |
| 102.9 Requirements not covered | |
| by this code. | |
| Requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation | |
| of an existing or proposed mechanical system, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically | |
| covered by this code, shall be determined by the commi | |
| ssioner. | |
| SECTION MC 103 | |
| DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS | |
| 103.1 General. | |
| Refer to the New York City Charter and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 104 | |
| DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER | |
| OF BUILDINGS | |
| 104.1 General. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, adopt rules, and | |
| establish policies and procedures in order to clarify and implement its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, | |
| procedures, and rules shall be in complia | |
| nce with the intent and purpose of this code. See the New York City Charter | |
| and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to the authority of the Com- | |
| missioner of Buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION | |
| MC | |
| 105 | |
| APPROVALS | |
| 105.1 Approvals. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 106 | |
| PERMITS | |
| 106.1 General. | |
| Permits shall comply with this section, with Article 105 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| , and with requirements found else | |
| where in this code. | |
| 106.2 Required. | |
| Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, add to, alter, repair, move, demolish, or | |
| change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, add to, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace | |
| a | |
| ny gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such | |
| work to be done, shall first make application for construction document approval in accordance with Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and this chapter and obtain the required permit. | |
| 106.3 Work exempt from permit. | |
| Exemptions from permit requirements of this code as authorized in Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| and the rules of the department shall not be deemed to | |
| grant authorization for | |
| any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or rules. | |
| 106.4 Validity of permit. | |
| The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval | |
| of, a | |
| ny violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other law. Permits presuming to give authority to | |
| violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other law shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on | |
| construction documents and other | |
| data shall not prevent the commissioner from requiring the correction of errors in | |
| the construction documents and other data. The commissioner is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a | |
| structure where in violation of this code or of any other la | |
| w. | |
| 106.5 Permits with respect to limited alteration applications. | |
| For permits with respect to limited alteration appli- | |
| cations refer to Sections 28 | |
| - | |
| 101.5 and 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.6, Exception 1 of the | |
| Administrative Code. | |
| SECTION MC 107 | |
| CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS | |
| 107.1 | |
| General. | |
| Construction documents shall comply with Article 104 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and other applicable provisions of this code and its referenced standards. Such construction documents shall | |
| be coordinated with architectural | |
| , structural and means of egress plans. | |
| 107.2 Required documents. | |
| The applicant shall submit all of the documents specified in Sections 107.3 through | |
| 107.10 as appropriate to the nature and extent of the work proposed. Construction documents shall indicate | |
| the | |
| heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and other mechanical work to be performed, so drawn as to conform to the archi- | |
| tectural and structural aspects of the building and to show in detail compliance with this code. | |
| 107.2.1 Composite plans. | |
| Composite plan | |
| s showing compliance of architectural, structural, and mechanical parts | |
| of a building may be submitted provided that a clear understanding of each part is not impaired. | |
| 107.3 Lot diagram. | |
| The lot diagram shall be provided where applicable to the work propo | |
| sed, including but not | |
| limited to the installation of exterior or rooftop equipment. | |
| 107.4 Building classification statement. | |
| Where applicable to the proposed work, the statement shall identify: | |
| 1. | |
| The occupancy group or groups that apply to parts of the b | |
| uilding in accordance with Section 302 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 2. | |
| The occupancy group of the main use or dominant occupancy of the building; | |
| 3. | |
| The construction type of the building in accordance with Section 602 of the | |
| New York City Building C | |
| ode | |
| ; | |
| 4. | |
| The structural occupancy/risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 5. | |
| The height of the building as defined in Section 202 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 6. | |
| The applicable measurements to the highest and | |
| lowest level of Fire Department access; | |
| 7. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside of the fire districts; and | |
| 8. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside a flood hazard area as such term is defined in Chapter 2 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107 | |
| .5 Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment plans. | |
| Construction documents for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil | |
| storage equipment shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| Diagrams of all distribution piping, including vent and | |
| fill piping for oil systems, and all safety cut | |
| - | |
| off and | |
| relief devices and valves in piping; indications of the sizes of distribution piping to be used and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive | |
| ratings of the shafts or spaces containing distribution piping where required to | |
| be fire rated. | |
| 2. | |
| Diagrammatic floor plans showing the size, location, material for all fuel oil and transfer distribution piping | |
| and related equipment. | |
| 3. | |
| Floor plans or partial floor plans showing the location, operating pressure, layout, size, and | |
| listing information | |
| for all fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment, tanks, vents, and chimneys. The plans shall also indicate the method or means | |
| of providing air to the equipment space, including duct and opening sizes or means of direct venting. | |
| 4. | |
| Plans indicating the | |
| location and type of any relevant smoke and heat detectors, alarm and fire extinguishing | |
| systems. | |
| 5. | |
| Seismic protection and restraint details for piping and equipment as required by Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York | |
| City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 6. | |
| Details indicating the l | |
| ocation, size and materials for all breechings; the thickness and type of insulation ma- | |
| terials; and the clearances from combustible walls, partitions, and ceiling; and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive ratings of rooms | |
| and spaces containing the equipment. | |
| 7. | |
| Details desc | |
| ribing the type, material, listing information, height, and termination distances to adjacent proper- | |
| ties and structures for chimneys and vents. | |
| 8. | |
| Details showing structural supports for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment where required. | |
| 9. | |
| A statement as to the kind | |
| or grade of fuel to be used. | |
| 10. | |
| Plans indicating the location, arrangement, size, load, and maximum capacity of the burning, storage and fuel | |
| - | |
| pumping equipment. | |
| 11. | |
| In special flood hazard areas, construction documents shall comply with Appendix G of the | |
| New York City | |
| Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107.6 Heating systems. | |
| Construction documents for heating systems shall include the temperature to be maintained | |
| in every room and the output capacity in BTU per hour of the central heating source. | |
| 107.7 Boilers. | |
| Construction d | |
| ocuments for boiler installations shall indicate the output capacity in BTU per hour, | |
| the operating weight of each boiler, the pressure setting of the relief valves, and such other data and information as | |
| required by this code. | |
| 107.8 Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and v | |
| entilating systems. | |
| Construction documents for air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilating sys- | |
| tems shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location and sizes of all ducts; the location of all fire and smoke dampers, motors, fans, a | |
| nd filters; the type, | |
| air capacity, and size of all equipment; and where not shown on accompanying structural plans, the operating | |
| weight and manner of support of equipment. | |
| 2. | |
| The locations of smoke detecting devices. | |
| 3. | |
| The location and size of the fresh | |
| air intake, the design population, and the required ventilation for each room | |
| or space. | |
| 4. | |
| The amount of air to be exhausted or supplied from each outlet for each room or space. | |
| 5. | |
| In the case of ventilating or exhaust systems for ranges, fryers, ovens, a | |
| nd other similar types of restaurant or | |
| bakery equipment, for which a hood is required, the plans shall also show the type of extinguishing system, the | |
| location of heat detection devices, nozzles, piping, gas controls, manual and automatic control valves, | |
| method | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| of joining ducts, method and location of discharging exhaust from building, the location of break | |
| - | |
| glass controls, | |
| and the quantity in cfm designed for each hood. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized, if any. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant | |
| concentration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any air | |
| - | |
| conditioning | |
| system that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping | |
| requirements. | |
| 107.9 Refrigerating systems. | |
| Constru | |
| ction documents for refrigerating systems shall contain plans that include the | |
| following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location of all machinery; the horsepower of compressors; the type and number of pounds of refrigerant to | |
| be used; and the air quantities | |
| for, and means of, ventilating the machinery space. | |
| 2. | |
| The location of refrigerant detectors and emergency switches for compressors and for ventilation in the machin- | |
| ery rooms. | |
| 3. | |
| The location of pressure relief piping and any city water connections and wat | |
| er | |
| - | |
| saving devices. | |
| 4. | |
| The tonnage capacity of the machine and the suction and discharge pressures at which the machine is rated. | |
| 5. | |
| The operating weight of the equipment. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant concen | |
| tration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any refrigerating system | |
| that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping require- | |
| ments. | |
| 107.10 Energy efficiency. | |
| Construction documents shall include compliance documentation as required by the | |
| New | |
| York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| . | |
| 107.11 Retention of construction and submittal documents. | |
| Refer to Section 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.12 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 108 | |
| INSPECTIONS AND TESTING | |
| 108.1 General. | |
| Except as otherwise specified, inspections required by this code or by the department during the | |
| progress of work may be performed on behalf of the owner by approved agencies or, if applicable, by special inspec- | |
| tors. | |
| However, in the interest of public safety, the commissioner may direct that any of such inspections be performed | |
| by the department. All inspections shall be performed at the sole cost and expense of the owner. Refer to Article 116 | |
| of Chapter 1 of Title 28 | |
| of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to inspections. | |
| 108.2 Required inspections and testing. | |
| In addition to any inspections otherwise required by this code or applicable | |
| rules, the following inspections shall be required: | |
| 1. | |
| Progre | |
| ss inspections. | |
| 1.1. | |
| Underground inspection | |
| and/or testing of installed piping, valves, fittings, support structures, anti | |
| - | |
| corro- | |
| sion equipment and associated underground components | |
| shall be made before backfill is put in place. | |
| When excavated soil contains | |
| rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage | |
| or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site ready for use in back- | |
| filling. | |
| Exception: | |
| Ground | |
| - | |
| source heat pump loop systems tested and backfi | |
| lled in accordance with Section | |
| 1210 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection. | |
| 1.2. | |
| Rough | |
| - | |
| in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all | |
| ducting and other components to be concealed are com | |
| plete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling | |
| membranes. | |
| 1.3. | |
| Inspections required by the | |
| New York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| shall be made in accordance with | |
| the rules of the department, as applicable. | |
| 2. | |
| Special inspections. | |
| Special inspections shall be performed in accordance with this code and Chapter 17 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 3. | |
| Final inspection. | |
| Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 4. | |
| Issuance of certificate of compliance. | |
| Upon satisfactory inspection of service equipment and the satisfaction | |
| of all the requirements for sign | |
| - | |
| off, the department shall issue a certificate of compliance as applicable for the | |
| following service equipment: | |
| 4.1. | |
| Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilation sys | |
| tems, | |
| 4.2. | |
| Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment, including generators, | |
| 4.3. | |
| Refrigeration systems, | |
| 4.4. | |
| Heating systems, and | |
| 4.5. | |
| Boilers. | |
| The requirements of Section 108.2 shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating equipment o | |
| r | |
| appliances installed to replace existing heating equipment or appliances serving an occupied portion of a structure | |
| provided that a request for inspection of such heating equipment or appliances has been filed with the department not | |
| more than 48 hours a | |
| fter such replacement work is completed, and all required inspections are performed before any | |
| portion of such equipment or appliances is concealed by any permanent portion of the structure. | |
| 108.2.1 Approved inspection agencies. | |
| Refer to Articles 114 and 1 | |
| 15 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administra- | |
| tive Code | |
| . | |
| 108.2.2 Inspection of prefabricated construction assemblies. | |
| Prior to the approval of a prefabricated construc- | |
| tion assembly having concealed mechanical work and the issuance of a permit, the departmen | |
| t shall require the | |
| submittal of an evaluation report by an approved agency on each prefabricated construction assembly, indicating | |
| the complete details of the mechanical system, including a description of the system and its components, the basis | |
| upon whic | |
| h the system is being evaluated, test results and similar information, and other data as necessary for the | |
| commissioner to determine conformance to this code. | |
| 108.2.2.1 Test and inspection records. | |
| Required test and inspection records shall be | |
| available to the commis- | |
| sioner at all times during the fabrication of the mechanical system and the erection of the building; or such | |
| records as the commissioner designates shall be filed. | |
| 108.2.3 Exposure of work. | |
| The work shall remain accessible and expos | |
| ed for inspection purposes. Neither the | |
| commissioner nor the city shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required | |
| to allow inspection. | |
| 108.3 Testing. | |
| Mechanical systems shall be tested as required in this code an | |
| d in accordance with Sections 108.3.1 | |
| through 108.3.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder and witnessed by the department or an approved agency. | |
| 108.3.1 New, altered, extended or repaired systems. | |
| New mechanical systems and parts of existing systems, | |
| that have been altered, extended, renovated or repaired, shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and | |
| defects. | |
| 108.3.2 Apparatus, material and labor for tests. | |
| Apparatus, material and labor required for testing a mechanical | |
| system or part th | |
| ereof shall be furnished by the permit holder. | |
| 108.3.3 Reinspection and testing. | |
| Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the | |
| necessary corrections shall be made to comply with this code. The work or installation shall th | |
| en be resubmitted | |
| to the department for inspection and testing. | |
| 108.4 Sign | |
| - | |
| off of completed work. | |
| Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 108.5 Temporary connection. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to authorize t | |
| he temporary connection of | |
| a mechanical system to the sources of energy for the purpose of testing mechanical systems or for use under a | |
| temporary certificate of occupancy. | |
| SECTION MC 109 | |
| VIOLATIONS | |
| 109.1 General. | |
| Refer to Chapters 2 and 3 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| CHAPTER 1 | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION MC 101 | |
| GENERAL | |
| 101.1 Title. | |
| This code shall be known and may be cited as the “ | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| ,” “NYCMC” or | |
| “MC.” All section numbers in this code shall be deemed to be preceded by the designation “MC.” | |
| 101.2 Scope. | |
| This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical | |
| systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related pro- | |
| cesses within buildings. | |
| This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and | |
| appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliances and fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliance ventin | |
| g systems shall be regulated by the | |
| New York City Fuel Gas Code | |
| . | |
| 101.3 Intent. | |
| The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, | |
| public welfare and the environment by regulating and controlling the design | |
| , construction, installation, quality of | |
| materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of mechanical systems. | |
| 101.4 Severability. | |
| If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be | |
| unconstitutional, suc | |
| h decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code. | |
| SECTION MC 102 | |
| APPLICABILITY | |
| 102.1 General. | |
| Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific | |
| requirement shall govern. Where, i | |
| n a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, meth- | |
| ods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. | |
| 102.2 Existing installations. | |
| Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter or elsewhere in | |
| this code, a provision | |
| in this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued utilization and | |
| maintenance of, a mechanical system lawfully in existence on the effective date of this code. | |
| 102.3 Maintenance. | |
| Mechanical systems, both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in proper | |
| operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards | |
| that are required by this code shall be mainta | |
| ined in compliance with the appli | |
| - | |
| cable provisions under which they | |
| were installed. | |
| 102.3.1 Owner responsibility. | |
| The owner shall be responsible for maintenance of mechanical systems. To deter- | |
| mine compliance with this provision, the commissioner shall have | |
| the authority to require existing mechanical | |
| systems to be inspected. | |
| 102.4 Additions, alterations or repairs. | |
| Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to a mechanical system shall | |
| conform to requirements for a new mechanical system without requirin | |
| g the existing mechanical system to comply | |
| with all of the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing mechanical | |
| system to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. | |
| 102.4.1 Minor additions, alterations, renovatio | |
| ns and repairs. | |
| Minor additions, alterations, renovations and | |
| repairs to existing mechanical systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in | |
| the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous | |
| and is approved. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings. | |
| In addition to the requirements of Sections 102.4 and | |
| 102.4.1, the provisions of Sections 102.4.2.1 through 102.4.2.6 shall apply to prior code buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 102.4.2.1 Fire and smoke dampe | |
| rs. | |
| In cases where the building’s passive fire | |
| - | |
| resistance protection design, | |
| including rated construction, corridors and fire separations, complies with 1968 or prior codes, the determination | |
| as to whether a fire or smoke damper is required shall be permit | |
| ted to be made pursuant to the | |
| 1968 Building | |
| Code | |
| , or at the election of the applicant, the | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.2 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures. | |
| The provisions of Section 304.11 relating | |
| to guards and Section 306.5 r | |
| elating to permanent means of access shall not apply where the equipment or | |
| appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location. | |
| 102.4. | |
| 2.3 Vibration isolators for cooling towers. | |
| Where a replacement cooling tower is installed and phys- | |
| i | |
| cal limitations prohibit compliance with the vibration isolator requirements of Section 313.3.7, such isola- | |
| tors may be omitted provided the devices shall comply with the | |
| New York City Noise Control Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.4 Noncombustible fill for cooling towers. | |
| Wh | |
| ere an existing exterior cooling tower with combus- | |
| tible fill within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the lot line is replaced, such replacement shall be permitted to have | |
| combustible fill, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 908.3.2. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.5 Seismic | |
| supports. | |
| The determination as to whether seismic requirements apply to an alteration | |
| shall be made in accordance with the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and interpretations by the department relating to | |
| such determinations. Any applicable seismic loads and requiremen | |
| ts shall be permitted to be determined in | |
| accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| or the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and Reference | |
| Standard RS 9 | |
| - | |
| 6 of such code. | |
| 102.4.2.6 Wind resistance. | |
| Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to | |
| wind shall be designed and | |
| installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building | |
| Code | |
| . | |
| 102.5 Change in occupancy. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 102.6 Reserved. | |
| 102.7 | |
| Reserved. | |
| 102.8 Referenced standards. | |
| The standards referenced herein shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and in the | |
| rules of the department and such standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the pre- | |
| scribed extent o | |
| f each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced | |
| standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Refer to Article 103 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| for additional provisions relatin | |
| g to referenced standards. | |
| 102.8.1 Editions of referenced standards. | |
| References to standards in this code shall be to the editions of those | |
| standards provided for in Chapter 15 of this code, or as otherwise provided by rule. | |
| 102.9 Requirements not covered | |
| by this code. | |
| Requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation | |
| of an existing or proposed mechanical system, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically | |
| covered by this code, shall be determined by the commi | |
| ssioner. | |
| SECTION MC 103 | |
| DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS | |
| 103.1 General. | |
| Refer to the New York City Charter and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 104 | |
| DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER | |
| OF BUILDINGS | |
| 104.1 General. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, adopt rules, and | |
| establish policies and procedures in order to clarify and implement its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, | |
| procedures, and rules shall be in complia | |
| nce with the intent and purpose of this code. See the New York City Charter | |
| and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to the authority of the Com- | |
| missioner of Buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION | |
| MC | |
| 105 | |
| APPROVALS | |
| 105.1 Approvals. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 106 | |
| PERMITS | |
| 106.1 General. | |
| Permits shall comply with this section, with Article 105 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| , and with requirements found else | |
| where in this code. | |
| 106.2 Required. | |
| Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, add to, alter, repair, move, demolish, or | |
| change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, add to, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace | |
| a | |
| ny gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such | |
| work to be done, shall first make application for construction document approval in accordance with Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and this chapter and obtain the required permit. | |
| 106.3 Work exempt from permit. | |
| Exemptions from permit requirements of this code as authorized in Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| and the rules of the department shall not be deemed to | |
| grant authorization for | |
| any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or rules. | |
| 106.4 Validity of permit. | |
| The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval | |
| of, a | |
| ny violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other law. Permits presuming to give authority to | |
| violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other law shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on | |
| construction documents and other | |
| data shall not prevent the commissioner from requiring the correction of errors in | |
| the construction documents and other data. The commissioner is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a | |
| structure where in violation of this code or of any other la | |
| w. | |
| 106.5 Permits with respect to limited alteration applications. | |
| For permits with respect to limited alteration appli- | |
| cations refer to Sections 28 | |
| - | |
| 101.5 and 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.6, Exception 1 of the | |
| Administrative Code. | |
| SECTION MC 107 | |
| CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS | |
| 107.1 | |
| General. | |
| Construction documents shall comply with Article 104 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and other applicable provisions of this code and its referenced standards. Such construction documents shall | |
| be coordinated with architectural | |
| , structural and means of egress plans. | |
| 107.2 Required documents. | |
| The applicant shall submit all of the documents specified in Sections 107.3 through | |
| 107.10 as appropriate to the nature and extent of the work proposed. Construction documents shall indicate | |
| the | |
| heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and other mechanical work to be performed, so drawn as to conform to the archi- | |
| tectural and structural aspects of the building and to show in detail compliance with this code. | |
| 107.2.1 Composite plans. | |
| Composite plan | |
| s showing compliance of architectural, structural, and mechanical parts | |
| of a building may be submitted provided that a clear understanding of each part is not impaired. | |
| 107.3 Lot diagram. | |
| The lot diagram shall be provided where applicable to the work propo | |
| sed, including but not | |
| limited to the installation of exterior or rooftop equipment. | |
| 107.4 Building classification statement. | |
| Where applicable to the proposed work, the statement shall identify: | |
| 1. | |
| The occupancy group or groups that apply to parts of the b | |
| uilding in accordance with Section 302 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 2. | |
| The occupancy group of the main use or dominant occupancy of the building; | |
| 3. | |
| The construction type of the building in accordance with Section 602 of the | |
| New York City Building C | |
| ode | |
| ; | |
| 4. | |
| The structural occupancy/risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 5. | |
| The height of the building as defined in Section 202 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 6. | |
| The applicable measurements to the highest and | |
| lowest level of Fire Department access; | |
| 7. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside of the fire districts; and | |
| 8. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside a flood hazard area as such term is defined in Chapter 2 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107 | |
| .5 Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment plans. | |
| Construction documents for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil | |
| storage equipment shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| Diagrams of all distribution piping, including vent and | |
| fill piping for oil systems, and all safety cut | |
| - | |
| off and | |
| relief devices and valves in piping; indications of the sizes of distribution piping to be used and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive | |
| ratings of the shafts or spaces containing distribution piping where required to | |
| be fire rated. | |
| 2. | |
| Diagrammatic floor plans showing the size, location, material for all fuel oil and transfer distribution piping | |
| and related equipment. | |
| 3. | |
| Floor plans or partial floor plans showing the location, operating pressure, layout, size, and | |
| listing information | |
| for all fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment, tanks, vents, and chimneys. The plans shall also indicate the method or means | |
| of providing air to the equipment space, including duct and opening sizes or means of direct venting. | |
| 4. | |
| Plans indicating the | |
| location and type of any relevant smoke and heat detectors, alarm and fire extinguishing | |
| systems. | |
| 5. | |
| Seismic protection and restraint details for piping and equipment as required by Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York | |
| City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 6. | |
| Details indicating the l | |
| ocation, size and materials for all breechings; the thickness and type of insulation ma- | |
| terials; and the clearances from combustible walls, partitions, and ceiling; and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive ratings of rooms | |
| and spaces containing the equipment. | |
| 7. | |
| Details desc | |
| ribing the type, material, listing information, height, and termination distances to adjacent proper- | |
| ties and structures for chimneys and vents. | |
| 8. | |
| Details showing structural supports for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment where required. | |
| 9. | |
| A statement as to the kind | |
| or grade of fuel to be used. | |
| 10. | |
| Plans indicating the location, arrangement, size, load, and maximum capacity of the burning, storage and fuel | |
| - | |
| pumping equipment. | |
| 11. | |
| In special flood hazard areas, construction documents shall comply with Appendix G of the | |
| New York City | |
| Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107.6 Heating systems. | |
| Construction documents for heating systems shall include the temperature to be maintained | |
| in every room and the output capacity in BTU per hour of the central heating source. | |
| 107.7 Boilers. | |
| Construction d | |
| ocuments for boiler installations shall indicate the output capacity in BTU per hour, | |
| the operating weight of each boiler, the pressure setting of the relief valves, and such other data and information as | |
| required by this code. | |
| 107.8 Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and v | |
| entilating systems. | |
| Construction documents for air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilating sys- | |
| tems shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location and sizes of all ducts; the location of all fire and smoke dampers, motors, fans, a | |
| nd filters; the type, | |
| air capacity, and size of all equipment; and where not shown on accompanying structural plans, the operating | |
| weight and manner of support of equipment. | |
| 2. | |
| The locations of smoke detecting devices. | |
| 3. | |
| The location and size of the fresh | |
| air intake, the design population, and the required ventilation for each room | |
| or space. | |
| 4. | |
| The amount of air to be exhausted or supplied from each outlet for each room or space. | |
| 5. | |
| In the case of ventilating or exhaust systems for ranges, fryers, ovens, a | |
| nd other similar types of restaurant or | |
| bakery equipment, for which a hood is required, the plans shall also show the type of extinguishing system, the | |
| location of heat detection devices, nozzles, piping, gas controls, manual and automatic control valves, | |
| method | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| of joining ducts, method and location of discharging exhaust from building, the location of break | |
| - | |
| glass controls, | |
| and the quantity in cfm designed for each hood. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized, if any. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant | |
| concentration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any air | |
| - | |
| conditioning | |
| system that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping | |
| requirements. | |
| 107.9 Refrigerating systems. | |
| Constru | |
| ction documents for refrigerating systems shall contain plans that include the | |
| following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location of all machinery; the horsepower of compressors; the type and number of pounds of refrigerant to | |
| be used; and the air quantities | |
| for, and means of, ventilating the machinery space. | |
| 2. | |
| The location of refrigerant detectors and emergency switches for compressors and for ventilation in the machin- | |
| ery rooms. | |
| 3. | |
| The location of pressure relief piping and any city water connections and wat | |
| er | |
| - | |
| saving devices. | |
| 4. | |
| The tonnage capacity of the machine and the suction and discharge pressures at which the machine is rated. | |
| 5. | |
| The operating weight of the equipment. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant concen | |
| tration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any refrigerating system | |
| that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping require- | |
| ments. | |
| 107.10 Energy efficiency. | |
| Construction documents shall include compliance documentation as required by the | |
| New | |
| York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| . | |
| 107.11 Retention of construction and submittal documents. | |
| Refer to Section 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.12 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 108 | |
| INSPECTIONS AND TESTING | |
| 108.1 General. | |
| Except as otherwise specified, inspections required by this code or by the department during the | |
| progress of work may be performed on behalf of the owner by approved agencies or, if applicable, by special inspec- | |
| tors. | |
| However, in the interest of public safety, the commissioner may direct that any of such inspections be performed | |
| by the department. All inspections shall be performed at the sole cost and expense of the owner. Refer to Article 116 | |
| of Chapter 1 of Title 28 | |
| of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to inspections. | |
| 108.2 Required inspections and testing. | |
| In addition to any inspections otherwise required by this code or applicable | |
| rules, the following inspections shall be required: | |
| 1. | |
| Progre | |
| ss inspections. | |
| 1.1. | |
| Underground inspection | |
| and/or testing of installed piping, valves, fittings, support structures, anti | |
| - | |
| corro- | |
| sion equipment and associated underground components | |
| shall be made before backfill is put in place. | |
| When excavated soil contains | |
| rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage | |
| or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site ready for use in back- | |
| filling. | |
| Exception: | |
| Ground | |
| - | |
| source heat pump loop systems tested and backfi | |
| lled in accordance with Section | |
| 1210 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection. | |
| 1.2. | |
| Rough | |
| - | |
| in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all | |
| ducting and other components to be concealed are com | |
| plete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling | |
| membranes. | |
| 1.3. | |
| Inspections required by the | |
| New York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| shall be made in accordance with | |
| the rules of the department, as applicable. | |
| 2. | |
| Special inspections. | |
| Special inspections shall be performed in accordance with this code and Chapter 17 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 3. | |
| Final inspection. | |
| Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 4. | |
| Issuance of certificate of compliance. | |
| Upon satisfactory inspection of service equipment and the satisfaction | |
| of all the requirements for sign | |
| - | |
| off, the department shall issue a certificate of compliance as applicable for the | |
| following service equipment: | |
| 4.1. | |
| Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilation sys | |
| tems, | |
| 4.2. | |
| Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment, including generators, | |
| 4.3. | |
| Refrigeration systems, | |
| 4.4. | |
| Heating systems, and | |
| 4.5. | |
| Boilers. | |
| The requirements of Section 108.2 shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating equipment o | |
| r | |
| appliances installed to replace existing heating equipment or appliances serving an occupied portion of a structure | |
| provided that a request for inspection of such heating equipment or appliances has been filed with the department not | |
| more than 48 hours a | |
| fter such replacement work is completed, and all required inspections are performed before any | |
| portion of such equipment or appliances is concealed by any permanent portion of the structure. | |
| 108.2.1 Approved inspection agencies. | |
| Refer to Articles 114 and 1 | |
| 15 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administra- | |
| tive Code | |
| . | |
| 108.2.2 Inspection of prefabricated construction assemblies. | |
| Prior to the approval of a prefabricated construc- | |
| tion assembly having concealed mechanical work and the issuance of a permit, the departmen | |
| t shall require the | |
| submittal of an evaluation report by an approved agency on each prefabricated construction assembly, indicating | |
| the complete details of the mechanical system, including a description of the system and its components, the basis | |
| upon whic | |
| h the system is being evaluated, test results and similar information, and other data as necessary for the | |
| commissioner to determine conformance to this code. | |
| 108.2.2.1 Test and inspection records. | |
| Required test and inspection records shall be | |
| available to the commis- | |
| sioner at all times during the fabrication of the mechanical system and the erection of the building; or such | |
| records as the commissioner designates shall be filed. | |
| 108.2.3 Exposure of work. | |
| The work shall remain accessible and expos | |
| ed for inspection purposes. Neither the | |
| commissioner nor the city shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required | |
| to allow inspection. | |
| 108.3 Testing. | |
| Mechanical systems shall be tested as required in this code an | |
| d in accordance with Sections 108.3.1 | |
| through 108.3.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder and witnessed by the department or an approved agency. | |
| 108.3.1 New, altered, extended or repaired systems. | |
| New mechanical systems and parts of existing systems, | |
| that have been altered, extended, renovated or repaired, shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and | |
| defects. | |
| 108.3.2 Apparatus, material and labor for tests. | |
| Apparatus, material and labor required for testing a mechanical | |
| system or part th | |
| ereof shall be furnished by the permit holder. | |
| 108.3.3 Reinspection and testing. | |
| Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the | |
| necessary corrections shall be made to comply with this code. The work or installation shall th | |
| en be resubmitted | |
| to the department for inspection and testing. | |
| 108.4 Sign | |
| - | |
| off of completed work. | |
| Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 108.5 Temporary connection. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to authorize t | |
| he temporary connection of | |
| a mechanical system to the sources of energy for the purpose of testing mechanical systems or for use under a | |
| temporary certificate of occupancy. | |
| SECTION MC 109 | |
| VIOLATIONS | |
| 109.1 General. | |
| Refer to Chapters 2 and 3 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| CHAPTER 1 | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION MC 101 | |
| GENERAL | |
| 101.1 Title. | |
| This code shall be known and may be cited as the “ | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| ,” “NYCMC” or | |
| “MC.” All section numbers in this code shall be deemed to be preceded by the designation “MC.” | |
| 101.2 Scope. | |
| This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical | |
| systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related pro- | |
| cesses within buildings. | |
| This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and | |
| appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliances and fuel gas | |
| - | |
| fired appliance ventin | |
| g systems shall be regulated by the | |
| New York City Fuel Gas Code | |
| . | |
| 101.3 Intent. | |
| The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, | |
| public welfare and the environment by regulating and controlling the design | |
| , construction, installation, quality of | |
| materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of mechanical systems. | |
| 101.4 Severability. | |
| If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be | |
| unconstitutional, suc | |
| h decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code. | |
| SECTION MC 102 | |
| APPLICABILITY | |
| 102.1 General. | |
| Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific | |
| requirement shall govern. Where, i | |
| n a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, meth- | |
| ods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. | |
| 102.2 Existing installations. | |
| Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter or elsewhere in | |
| this code, a provision | |
| in this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued utilization and | |
| maintenance of, a mechanical system lawfully in existence on the effective date of this code. | |
| 102.3 Maintenance. | |
| Mechanical systems, both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in proper | |
| operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards | |
| that are required by this code shall be mainta | |
| ined in compliance with the appli | |
| - | |
| cable provisions under which they | |
| were installed. | |
| 102.3.1 Owner responsibility. | |
| The owner shall be responsible for maintenance of mechanical systems. To deter- | |
| mine compliance with this provision, the commissioner shall have | |
| the authority to require existing mechanical | |
| systems to be inspected. | |
| 102.4 Additions, alterations or repairs. | |
| Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to a mechanical system shall | |
| conform to requirements for a new mechanical system without requirin | |
| g the existing mechanical system to comply | |
| with all of the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause an existing mechanical | |
| system to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. | |
| 102.4.1 Minor additions, alterations, renovatio | |
| ns and repairs. | |
| Minor additions, alterations, renovations and | |
| repairs to existing mechanical systems shall meet the provisions for new construction, unless such work is done in | |
| the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, is not hazardous | |
| and is approved. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2 Special provisions for prior code buildings. | |
| In addition to the requirements of Sections 102.4 and | |
| 102.4.1, the provisions of Sections 102.4.2.1 through 102.4.2.6 shall apply to prior code buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 102.4.2.1 Fire and smoke dampe | |
| rs. | |
| In cases where the building’s passive fire | |
| - | |
| resistance protection design, | |
| including rated construction, corridors and fire separations, complies with 1968 or prior codes, the determination | |
| as to whether a fire or smoke damper is required shall be permit | |
| ted to be made pursuant to the | |
| 1968 Building | |
| Code | |
| , or at the election of the applicant, the | |
| New York City Mechanical Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.2 Guards and access to roofs and elevated structures. | |
| The provisions of Section 304.11 relating | |
| to guards and Section 306.5 r | |
| elating to permanent means of access shall not apply where the equipment or | |
| appliances replace existing equipment or appliances in the same location. | |
| 102.4. | |
| 2.3 Vibration isolators for cooling towers. | |
| Where a replacement cooling tower is installed and phys- | |
| i | |
| cal limitations prohibit compliance with the vibration isolator requirements of Section 313.3.7, such isola- | |
| tors may be omitted provided the devices shall comply with the | |
| New York City Noise Control Code | |
| . | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.4 Noncombustible fill for cooling towers. | |
| Wh | |
| ere an existing exterior cooling tower with combus- | |
| tible fill within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the lot line is replaced, such replacement shall be permitted to have | |
| combustible fill, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 908.3.2. | |
| 102. | |
| 4.2.5 Seismic | |
| supports. | |
| The determination as to whether seismic requirements apply to an alteration | |
| shall be made in accordance with the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and interpretations by the department relating to | |
| such determinations. Any applicable seismic loads and requiremen | |
| ts shall be permitted to be determined in | |
| accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| or the | |
| 1968 Building Code | |
| and Reference | |
| Standard RS 9 | |
| - | |
| 6 of such code. | |
| 102.4.2.6 Wind resistance. | |
| Equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to | |
| wind shall be designed and | |
| installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York City Building | |
| Code | |
| . | |
| 102.5 Change in occupancy. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 102.6 Reserved. | |
| 102.7 | |
| Reserved. | |
| 102.8 Referenced standards. | |
| The standards referenced herein shall be those that are listed in Chapter 15 and in the | |
| rules of the department and such standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this code to the pre- | |
| scribed extent o | |
| f each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this code and the referenced | |
| standards, the provisions of this code shall apply. Refer to Article 103 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| for additional provisions relatin | |
| g to referenced standards. | |
| 102.8.1 Editions of referenced standards. | |
| References to standards in this code shall be to the editions of those | |
| standards provided for in Chapter 15 of this code, or as otherwise provided by rule. | |
| 102.9 Requirements not covered | |
| by this code. | |
| Requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation | |
| of an existing or proposed mechanical system, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically | |
| covered by this code, shall be determined by the commi | |
| ssioner. | |
| SECTION MC 103 | |
| DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS | |
| 103.1 General. | |
| Refer to the New York City Charter and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 104 | |
| DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER | |
| OF BUILDINGS | |
| 104.1 General. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code, adopt rules, and | |
| establish policies and procedures in order to clarify and implement its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, | |
| procedures, and rules shall be in complia | |
| nce with the intent and purpose of this code. See the New York City Charter | |
| and Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to the authority of the Com- | |
| missioner of Buildings. | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| SECTION | |
| MC | |
| 105 | |
| APPROVALS | |
| 105.1 Approvals. | |
| Refer to Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 106 | |
| PERMITS | |
| 106.1 General. | |
| Permits shall comply with this section, with Article 105 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| , and with requirements found else | |
| where in this code. | |
| 106.2 Required. | |
| Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, add to, alter, repair, move, demolish, or | |
| change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, add to, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace | |
| a | |
| ny gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such | |
| work to be done, shall first make application for construction document approval in accordance with Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and this chapter and obtain the required permit. | |
| 106.3 Work exempt from permit. | |
| Exemptions from permit requirements of this code as authorized in Chapter 1 of | |
| Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| and the rules of the department shall not be deemed to | |
| grant authorization for | |
| any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or rules. | |
| 106.4 Validity of permit. | |
| The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval | |
| of, a | |
| ny violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other law. Permits presuming to give authority to | |
| violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other law shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on | |
| construction documents and other | |
| data shall not prevent the commissioner from requiring the correction of errors in | |
| the construction documents and other data. The commissioner is also authorized to prevent occupancy or use of a | |
| structure where in violation of this code or of any other la | |
| w. | |
| 106.5 Permits with respect to limited alteration applications. | |
| For permits with respect to limited alteration appli- | |
| cations refer to Sections 28 | |
| - | |
| 101.5 and 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.6, Exception 1 of the | |
| Administrative Code. | |
| SECTION MC 107 | |
| CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS | |
| 107.1 | |
| General. | |
| Construction documents shall comply with Article 104 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative | |
| Code | |
| and other applicable provisions of this code and its referenced standards. Such construction documents shall | |
| be coordinated with architectural | |
| , structural and means of egress plans. | |
| 107.2 Required documents. | |
| The applicant shall submit all of the documents specified in Sections 107.3 through | |
| 107.10 as appropriate to the nature and extent of the work proposed. Construction documents shall indicate | |
| the | |
| heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and other mechanical work to be performed, so drawn as to conform to the archi- | |
| tectural and structural aspects of the building and to show in detail compliance with this code. | |
| 107.2.1 Composite plans. | |
| Composite plan | |
| s showing compliance of architectural, structural, and mechanical parts | |
| of a building may be submitted provided that a clear understanding of each part is not impaired. | |
| 107.3 Lot diagram. | |
| The lot diagram shall be provided where applicable to the work propo | |
| sed, including but not | |
| limited to the installation of exterior or rooftop equipment. | |
| 107.4 Building classification statement. | |
| Where applicable to the proposed work, the statement shall identify: | |
| 1. | |
| The occupancy group or groups that apply to parts of the b | |
| uilding in accordance with Section 302 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 2. | |
| The occupancy group of the main use or dominant occupancy of the building; | |
| 3. | |
| The construction type of the building in accordance with Section 602 of the | |
| New York City Building C | |
| ode | |
| ; | |
| 4. | |
| The structural occupancy/risk category in accordance with Table 1604.5 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| 5. | |
| The height of the building as defined in Section 202 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| ; | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 6. | |
| The applicable measurements to the highest and | |
| lowest level of Fire Department access; | |
| 7. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside of the fire districts; and | |
| 8. | |
| Whether the building is inside or outside a flood hazard area as such term is defined in Chapter 2 of the | |
| New | |
| York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107 | |
| .5 Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment plans. | |
| Construction documents for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil | |
| storage equipment shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| Diagrams of all distribution piping, including vent and | |
| fill piping for oil systems, and all safety cut | |
| - | |
| off and | |
| relief devices and valves in piping; indications of the sizes of distribution piping to be used and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive | |
| ratings of the shafts or spaces containing distribution piping where required to | |
| be fire rated. | |
| 2. | |
| Diagrammatic floor plans showing the size, location, material for all fuel oil and transfer distribution piping | |
| and related equipment. | |
| 3. | |
| Floor plans or partial floor plans showing the location, operating pressure, layout, size, and | |
| listing information | |
| for all fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment, tanks, vents, and chimneys. The plans shall also indicate the method or means | |
| of providing air to the equipment space, including duct and opening sizes or means of direct venting. | |
| 4. | |
| Plans indicating the | |
| location and type of any relevant smoke and heat detectors, alarm and fire extinguishing | |
| systems. | |
| 5. | |
| Seismic protection and restraint details for piping and equipment as required by Chapter 16 of the | |
| New York | |
| City Building Code | |
| . | |
| 6. | |
| Details indicating the l | |
| ocation, size and materials for all breechings; the thickness and type of insulation ma- | |
| terials; and the clearances from combustible walls, partitions, and ceiling; and the fire | |
| - | |
| resistive ratings of rooms | |
| and spaces containing the equipment. | |
| 7. | |
| Details desc | |
| ribing the type, material, listing information, height, and termination distances to adjacent proper- | |
| ties and structures for chimneys and vents. | |
| 8. | |
| Details showing structural supports for fuel | |
| - | |
| burning equipment where required. | |
| 9. | |
| A statement as to the kind | |
| or grade of fuel to be used. | |
| 10. | |
| Plans indicating the location, arrangement, size, load, and maximum capacity of the burning, storage and fuel | |
| - | |
| pumping equipment. | |
| 11. | |
| In special flood hazard areas, construction documents shall comply with Appendix G of the | |
| New York City | |
| Building Code | |
| . | |
| 107.6 Heating systems. | |
| Construction documents for heating systems shall include the temperature to be maintained | |
| in every room and the output capacity in BTU per hour of the central heating source. | |
| 107.7 Boilers. | |
| Construction d | |
| ocuments for boiler installations shall indicate the output capacity in BTU per hour, | |
| the operating weight of each boiler, the pressure setting of the relief valves, and such other data and information as | |
| required by this code. | |
| 107.8 Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and v | |
| entilating systems. | |
| Construction documents for air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilating sys- | |
| tems shall contain plans that include the following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location and sizes of all ducts; the location of all fire and smoke dampers, motors, fans, a | |
| nd filters; the type, | |
| air capacity, and size of all equipment; and where not shown on accompanying structural plans, the operating | |
| weight and manner of support of equipment. | |
| 2. | |
| The locations of smoke detecting devices. | |
| 3. | |
| The location and size of the fresh | |
| air intake, the design population, and the required ventilation for each room | |
| or space. | |
| 4. | |
| The amount of air to be exhausted or supplied from each outlet for each room or space. | |
| 5. | |
| In the case of ventilating or exhaust systems for ranges, fryers, ovens, a | |
| nd other similar types of restaurant or | |
| bakery equipment, for which a hood is required, the plans shall also show the type of extinguishing system, the | |
| location of heat detection devices, nozzles, piping, gas controls, manual and automatic control valves, | |
| method | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| of joining ducts, method and location of discharging exhaust from building, the location of break | |
| - | |
| glass controls, | |
| and the quantity in cfm designed for each hood. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized, if any. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant | |
| concentration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any air | |
| - | |
| conditioning | |
| system that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping | |
| requirements. | |
| 107.9 Refrigerating systems. | |
| Constru | |
| ction documents for refrigerating systems shall contain plans that include the | |
| following data and information: | |
| 1. | |
| The location of all machinery; the horsepower of compressors; the type and number of pounds of refrigerant to | |
| be used; and the air quantities | |
| for, and means of, ventilating the machinery space. | |
| 2. | |
| The location of refrigerant detectors and emergency switches for compressors and for ventilation in the machin- | |
| ery rooms. | |
| 3. | |
| The location of pressure relief piping and any city water connections and wat | |
| er | |
| - | |
| saving devices. | |
| 4. | |
| The tonnage capacity of the machine and the suction and discharge pressures at which the machine is rated. | |
| 5. | |
| The operating weight of the equipment. | |
| 6. | |
| The safety group classification of refrigerant utilized. | |
| 7. | |
| The refrigerant concen | |
| tration limit calculations and routing of all refrigerant piping for any refrigerating system | |
| that contains more than 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) of refrigerant. Refer to Chapter 11 for refrigerant piping require- | |
| ments. | |
| 107.10 Energy efficiency. | |
| Construction documents shall include compliance documentation as required by the | |
| New | |
| York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| . | |
| 107.11 Retention of construction and submittal documents. | |
| Refer to Section 28 | |
| - | |
| 104.12 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| SECTION MC 108 | |
| INSPECTIONS AND TESTING | |
| 108.1 General. | |
| Except as otherwise specified, inspections required by this code or by the department during the | |
| progress of work may be performed on behalf of the owner by approved agencies or, if applicable, by special inspec- | |
| tors. | |
| However, in the interest of public safety, the commissioner may direct that any of such inspections be performed | |
| by the department. All inspections shall be performed at the sole cost and expense of the owner. Refer to Article 116 | |
| of Chapter 1 of Title 28 | |
| of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| for additional provisions relating to inspections. | |
| 108.2 Required inspections and testing. | |
| In addition to any inspections otherwise required by this code or applicable | |
| rules, the following inspections shall be required: | |
| 1. | |
| Progre | |
| ss inspections. | |
| 1.1. | |
| Underground inspection | |
| and/or testing of installed piping, valves, fittings, support structures, anti | |
| - | |
| corro- | |
| sion equipment and associated underground components | |
| shall be made before backfill is put in place. | |
| When excavated soil contains | |
| rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage | |
| or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site ready for use in back- | |
| filling. | |
| Exception: | |
| Ground | |
| - | |
| source heat pump loop systems tested and backfi | |
| lled in accordance with Section | |
| 1210 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection. | |
| 1.2. | |
| Rough | |
| - | |
| in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and all | |
| ducting and other components to be concealed are com | |
| plete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling | |
| membranes. | |
| 1.3. | |
| Inspections required by the | |
| New York City Energy Conservation Code | |
| shall be made in accordance with | |
| the rules of the department, as applicable. | |
| 2. | |
| Special inspections. | |
| Special inspections shall be performed in accordance with this code and Chapter 17 of the | |
| New York City Building Code | |
| . | |
| ADMINISTRATION | |
| 3. | |
| Final inspection. | |
| Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 4. | |
| Issuance of certificate of compliance. | |
| Upon satisfactory inspection of service equipment and the satisfaction | |
| of all the requirements for sign | |
| - | |
| off, the department shall issue a certificate of compliance as applicable for the | |
| following service equipment: | |
| 4.1. | |
| Air | |
| - | |
| conditioning and ventilation sys | |
| tems, | |
| 4.2. | |
| Fuel | |
| - | |
| burning and fuel | |
| - | |
| oil storage equipment, including generators, | |
| 4.3. | |
| Refrigeration systems, | |
| 4.4. | |
| Heating systems, and | |
| 4.5. | |
| Boilers. | |
| The requirements of Section 108.2 shall not be considered to prohibit the operation of any heating equipment o | |
| r | |
| appliances installed to replace existing heating equipment or appliances serving an occupied portion of a structure | |
| provided that a request for inspection of such heating equipment or appliances has been filed with the department not | |
| more than 48 hours a | |
| fter such replacement work is completed, and all required inspections are performed before any | |
| portion of such equipment or appliances is concealed by any permanent portion of the structure. | |
| 108.2.1 Approved inspection agencies. | |
| Refer to Articles 114 and 1 | |
| 15 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administra- | |
| tive Code | |
| . | |
| 108.2.2 Inspection of prefabricated construction assemblies. | |
| Prior to the approval of a prefabricated construc- | |
| tion assembly having concealed mechanical work and the issuance of a permit, the departmen | |
| t shall require the | |
| submittal of an evaluation report by an approved agency on each prefabricated construction assembly, indicating | |
| the complete details of the mechanical system, including a description of the system and its components, the basis | |
| upon whic | |
| h the system is being evaluated, test results and similar information, and other data as necessary for the | |
| commissioner to determine conformance to this code. | |
| 108.2.2.1 Test and inspection records. | |
| Required test and inspection records shall be | |
| available to the commis- | |
| sioner at all times during the fabrication of the mechanical system and the erection of the building; or such | |
| records as the commissioner designates shall be filed. | |
| 108.2.3 Exposure of work. | |
| The work shall remain accessible and expos | |
| ed for inspection purposes. Neither the | |
| commissioner nor the city shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required | |
| to allow inspection. | |
| 108.3 Testing. | |
| Mechanical systems shall be tested as required in this code an | |
| d in accordance with Sections 108.3.1 | |
| through 108.3.3. Tests shall be made by the permit holder and witnessed by the department or an approved agency. | |
| 108.3.1 New, altered, extended or repaired systems. | |
| New mechanical systems and parts of existing systems, | |
| that have been altered, extended, renovated or repaired, shall be tested as prescribed herein to disclose leaks and | |
| defects. | |
| 108.3.2 Apparatus, material and labor for tests. | |
| Apparatus, material and labor required for testing a mechanical | |
| system or part th | |
| ereof shall be furnished by the permit holder. | |
| 108.3.3 Reinspection and testing. | |
| Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the | |
| necessary corrections shall be made to comply with this code. The work or installation shall th | |
| en be resubmitted | |
| to the department for inspection and testing. | |
| 108.4 Sign | |
| - | |
| off of completed work. | |
| Refer to Article 116 of Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| 108.5 Temporary connection. | |
| The commissioner shall have the authority to authorize t | |
| he temporary connection of | |
| a mechanical system to the sources of energy for the purpose of testing mechanical systems or for use under a | |
| temporary certificate of occupancy. | |
| SECTION MC 109 | |
| VIOLATIONS | |
| 109.1 General. | |
| Refer to Chapters 2 and 3 of Title 28 of the | |
| Administrative Code | |
| . | |
| ADMINISTRATION |