What’s New
NYC Property Managers and owners are reminded that the NYC Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) will become effective July 1, 2010. The code will apply to all new building and alteration work.
Recent Projects
- Consultation with a NYC co-op about code and contract requirements regarding the inadequate smoke development index of their recently replaced hallway wallpaper
- Review of contract documents and specifications to assist an insurance company in comprehending the scope and nature of structural work performed at a Yonkers, NY site
- Photographic documentation of the current status of construction of a new structure in Saddle River, NJ
Changes for Attorneys and Experts Expected Later This Year
A major revision to the federal rules governing expert witness reports is reportedly on track to take effect in December, 2010. No longer would Rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure allow full discovery of draft expert reports and require broad disclosure of any communications between an expert and trial counsel, as has been the case ever since the rule’s revision in 1993. Instead, under proposed amendments to Rule 26, those communications would come under the protection of the work-product doctrine. The amendments would prohibit discovery of draft expert reports and limit discovery of attorney-expert communications. Still allowed would be full discovery of the expert’s opinions and of the facts or data used to support them. The proposed rule is expected to help reduce the cost and contentiousness of litigation.
The February 2010 edition of the IMS Expert Services Newsletter provides additional details regarding the expected amendments to this rule. Please click here to read their article.
The staff of Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to provide Forensic Engineering and other “expert witness” services on matters related to the fields of Engineering, Safety, Construction, and Construction Management. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.
International Code Council Applauds
NYC Green Code Plans
The International Code Council (ICC), authors of the model codes that form the basis for NYC building regulations, have praised the announcement of Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Speaker Christine Quinn’s Green Code Task Force regarding proposed, new
legislation regulating the city’s green construction practices. The ICC is offering the Task Force a reference document for the new effort – a new model code addressing green construction of
commercial buildings entitled the International Green Construction Code, known as the IGCC. Interest in the IGCC has gained momentum in various states and localities where action is being
contemplated to address the need for a regulatory approach to green construction.
The International Code Council released a press release on February 1st outlining their support for the NYC task force and their initiatives. Please click here to read the full text of the press release.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to provide consultations regarding all NYC and NYS Building Code requirements, including those regarding green construction practices. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.