ABOUT US

When Steven Salvesen started the company back in 1986, he only had 2 ½ years prior experience in filing applications at the Department of Buildings. Steve “the boss guy” focused on problem applications which other firms are not willing to handle. Taking a vacation from his job after 2 ½ years he ripped out a knee while skiing at Squaw Valley in California. His boss being horrified, fired him from his job. Steve rebelliously started his own company. Eventually his former employer retained him to finish out many problem applications in his former office.

The approach of the office is simple, is a small operation that actually answers its phone calls and doesn’t hide behind emails. We actually go out to job sites to see the conditions of buildings to make recommendations for licensed professionals and owners on filing procedures. They actually know your job and what your looking to do, not just keyboard jockeys.

Their workplace is an open environment where nobody has an office which allows for open conversation between all the team members. Having an engineer on staff and employees who know construction and the processes makes the process easier.

RIP CC is committed to providing personalized human service to all our clients no matter than the size of your project. We pride ourselves on having a personal relationship and a repeat client base that has become our friends over the years. Since 1986 we have completed over 1700 projects in the city of New York.

SERVICES

We work on most sizes and types of projects. (No hospitals, prisons, racetracks, etc). Whatever your building code or zoning needs, RIP CC works to get the job done. We have prided ourselves on anticipating the ever-changing landscape and city agencies. We learn something new every day.

• Building Code Consultation

drafting services

• Department of Buildings Determinations

• Drawing Review

• Fire Department Variance Approvals

• Zoning Law Consultation

• Certificates of Occupancy / Temp C/O’s

• Department of Buildings Approvals , Permits and Sign OFFs

• Fire Department New York City Approvals , Permits and Sign OFFs

• Landmarks Preservation Commission Approvals and Permits

• Violations Research and Removal

OUR TEAM

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you decide on a filing representative to handle the approvals and permits for your building project, it would be helpful to have more information about what is involved.

Need answers to your question(s)?

Call us at (212) 334-7400

or email us [email protected].

Filing Representatives

What do we do?

We help determine which permits you need for any construction project that you are planning. We look at the “global solution” then we review drawings to ensure that they are up to code and to help minimize any objections the city agencies may have when reviewing your submission.

Then we file the appropriate paperwork and plans to get approvals and permits for your building project.

Why do I need an expediter or code consultant?

Because we know the best solutions to keep you applications moving in the fastest timeframes. We know how to ensure your project will move much faster.

New York City is a world of itself when it comes to building codes and zoning laws. Our registered filing Representatives interact with the Department of Buildings (DOB) electronically to file applications, obtain approvals and signoffs with the agency, or meet with all levels of the DOB staff via phone or live video conferencing.

If you need to get permits immediately or have received a “Stop Work Order” because of violations or objections, call us and we will resolve the problem(s) for you.

Codes and Permits

What building code am I supposed to use?

We are very familiar with New York City building codes; however you may be confused by what is required of you. The city codes to be utilized depends on what year your building was constructed and whether or not it has ever been upgraded to the current code.

1938 Old code

1968 New Code

2008 International code. *

2014 Updated international 2008 code. *

The New York City code is always five years behind the international building code of the United States. It is modified to meet the unique urban density unlike any other place in the United States.

What type of work requires a Department of Buildings permit?

Generally, in New York you must get a building permit for such projects as construction, demolition, plumbing work, tile replacement, and more. However, some minor alterations or ordinary repairs do not require a work permit.

If somebody threw a rock through a window, I don’t need a permit to replace it.

If somebody kicked a hole in my sheet rock, I don’t need a permit to replacement.

If the sink upstairs from the leaked and a patched and painted the ceiling, I don’t need a permit to repair it.

Every type of construction’s is different please ask us for guidance. Give us a call we will give you direction on what to do.

What happens if I don’t get a permit for my work?

Not having a work permit, you could receive a “Stop Work Order” for each of the trades that are working, receive violations, summonses, court appearances, fines, civil penalties. They can also restrict your future application for a period of one year.

What are the basics I need to get my permits?

First step is to submit signed and sealed drawings by a licensed professional. You possibly could need an asbestos report, survey , Landmarks, Department of Environmental Protection, Fire Department of New York or other city agencies approvals before permit. There are also many special cases when it comes to building permits. For example, depending

That sounds like a lot. Do I have to get everything at once?

Depending upon the complexity of your project, we may be able to file separate applications. The theory being that instead of putting all your jockeys 01 horse we will send them out individually so you can work on multiple trades while other trades are being held up. In the city of New York time is money.

We will show you the different ways on how to file applications according to your time and budget.

How long does it take to get a permit?

It could take anywhere from weeks up to a year depending upon the complexity of your project. It is also dependent upon the licensed professional if they will self-certify and application which can reduce the approval time significantly. We will review the entire buildings issues prior to our accommodation of what applications to be filed.

What hours can I work in New York City, without after our variances?

All construction within city limits is permitted from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. In many cases, variances can be obtained from the Department of Buildings to allow construction work outside normal hours. This is especially helpful in occupied buildings where construction cannot occur during the day. We can obtain, early mornings, weekends depending on the type of activity. We will need to tell the city what the activity is before requesting any after our work permits.