Are You Hurricane Ready?

New York City has proven to be resilient in their ability to weather any storm. And we do mean that quite literally. With the hurricane season upon us, and a few having already passed by, there is some advice that we would like to share with all our clients. Over the many years in practice we have gathered extensive knowledge for designing structures, defending against hurricane winds and rain, Hurricane Sandy being our toughest teacher.

Just like people get beach-bod ready in the Spring, homes also need to be Hurricane-ready when the season rolls around.

Here are some options for securing your home:

• Secure your roof and add roof straps to prevent roofs from being pulled off

• Seal windows and consider locks for them

• Make sure patio doors have locks on the top and bottom.

• Limit the amount of outdoor furniture left outdoors (the less projectiles the better)

• Review your insurance

• Make sure to document the condition of your home before and after storms.

After Hurricane Sandy came blowing, we at MJM+A and Oculus Consulting were there to help re-construct in the aftermath. All those residences were brought back stronger, with up to date reinforcing and flood controls, ready for the next storm to blow by.

Should you require assistance visit our website or drop us a line to update your home and make it hurricane-ready!

Stay safe!

Before . . .

After!!!

Department of Buildings Guidance on Open Restaurants plans: Am I obligated to file a DOB permit?

Department of Buildings Guidance on Open Restaurants plans:

Am I obligated to file a DOB permit?

New York City’s reopening has allowed restaurant and bars to establish outdoor seating and dining to cope with continued safety precautions that prevent indoor dining. Recently there have been updates to the rules from the Department of Buildings regarding outdoor dining.

When setting up outdoor seating owners must be aware that there are certain conditions they must meet. Otherwise they may require a DOB permit for modifications to their establishment. Please see the list below for a summary and see the attached Building Bulletin for more detailed information.

https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/bldgs_bulletins/bb_2020-013.pdf

You will REQUIRE a permit if:

• Tents or other shelters on sidewalk or roadway that are greater than 400 SF in each area, including multiple tents combined or tied together with a total area greater than 400 SF.

• Any barrier that prevents free movement or creates a separately enclosed space. Railings or barriers that are fixed to the floor.

• Any shields or barriers within 2 feet of a sprinkler heads or that obstruct fire alarm strobe lights or other visual alarms.

• You are using an outdoor space like a yard or parking lot for outdoor dining make sure you have the permission to use it.

• You are using a rooftop or terrace for outdoor dining it must be previously approved for use as a restaurant and/or bar.

• You have seating provided in a yard where the only exit passes through the interior and the number of occupants in the yard exceeds 74 persons at the outdoor dining area for the restaurant and/or bar.

• Exits from buildings are blocked by barriers or furniture, or the distance to the exit is increased due to addition of outdoor area.

• You have seating outdoors that obstruct exits, cellar hatches, mechanical ventilation, standpipes, hydrants, etc.

Of course, the six feet apart and mask protocols are still in effect. If you do not acquire a permit for these conditions you run the unnecessary risk of accruing fines and violations from the DOB. Should you require assistance in obtaining permits to legally establish your outdoor dining area as cited above or changes for your business please feel free to reach out to us. MJM+A Architects, PLLC and Oculus Consulting Group have helped clients adapt to new policies for years and produced all the necessary paperwork and design drawings to acquire approval from the Department of Buildings.

Email MJM+A Architects at michael@mjmacaluso.com and Oculus Consulting Group at john@oculuscorp.com

Stay safe!

Getting ready for reopening? Be sure to check these safety procedures . . .

Getting ready for Reopening?

Be sure to check these safety procedures before your first employee or client arrives . .

The governor of New York City announced that the first phase of reopening will begin on June 8th.  Many businesses and workplaces are preparing for that moment.

While buildings have remained dormant, they have not been cleaning themselves.  

Pre-opening spring cleaning is a good first step to rid the obvious dust build-up, but it is the hidden germs that should be addressed.  As architects, we are trained not only in designing buildings and operational systems, but also are aware of how those systems work to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our clients. Before allowing personnel to return, consider procedures to check for and remove any mold and other types of bacteria from the building systems before regular use. These may include the following:

Plumbing Systems:

• Flushing of all plumbing systems - Consider running all water in ALL fixtures for at least 45 minutes. Sinks, water closets, slop sinks, water fountains and ice makers.

• Workers must protect themselves with masks and gloves while cleaning.

• Be aware mold or bacteria can lurk in these systems. See CDC link for further information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html

HVAC Systems:

• Flushing of all HVAC systems - ALL filters in the HVAC system should be changed and cleaned to rid it of any mold and prepared for use BEFORE turning on the fans.

• The HVAC system should be allowed to run for a 48-hour to 72-hour period of time before reopening.

• Should an odd odor persist, be sure to call in professional HVAC cleaners to diagnose the problem and deem it safe. Pests may have found a new home while you were gone.

While people may be tired of hearing the phrase “new normal” it truly is a new way of living. Reopening with some diligent disinfecting strategies and smarter communal working, will hopefully lead to safer workplaces as we return to everyday life.

See you soon!