Fontan Architecture Blog

Architecture, Planning, & Design Blog

Letter of No Objection NYC DOB

Letter of No Objection NYC DOB

The New York City Department of Buildings or DOB issues Certificates of Occupancy to identify the legal use of a given property. This practice began in 1938, meaning buildings built before 1938 are not necessarily required to have a Certificate of Occupancy. In cases...

What is a Habitable Room?

What is a Habitable Room?

If you have encountered the term habitable room or habitable space, you may be wondering what that actually means. Habitable space commonly used in buildings codes. Building codes are complicated and have many terms that must be understood to properly assess the...

Does a Living Room Need a Window in NYC?

Does a Living Room Need a Window in NYC?

The New York City Building Code and NY State Multiple Dwelling Law require that a living room must have at least one operable window. The window's total surface area has to be at least 10% of the area of the room and the combined opening area at least 5% of the room...

Local Law 11 Architect

Local Law 11 Architect

Local Law 11 also known as FISP requires facade inspections to be performed by a licensed architect or engineer who is also qualified as a QEWI. A QEWI is a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer who is certified by the New York City Department of Buildings as...

FISP Facade Inspection Safety Program Local Law 11

FISP Facade Inspection Safety Program Local Law 11

What is FISP? The Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) also known as Local Law 11 is a requirement for building owners to have regular inspections by an architect or engineer to verify the safety of exterior walls for buildings over six stories in NYC. Safety...