OFFICE OF FACILITIES PLANNING
Face-to-Face Request

January 15, 2008

Important Notice regarding Face to Face Reviews

During this time of substantial backlog, a reminder concerning the appropriate use of a face to face review is necessary.  Because of the backlog, we are experiencing an increase in the number of requests.  Face to face reviews are only appropriate for substantial projects that include complicated additions and alterations, or complex new construction projects.

They are not intended to reduce the time that a project will wait for review, but rather, decrease the review time once the review has started by allowing face to face discussions about the project.  This reduces the time necessary for facilities staff to become familiar with important code aspects of the project.

Face to face reviews are set up for a future date when it is estimated that the project would normally come up for review.  As such, scheduling will be approximately 6 months in the future at this time.  This will allow firms to continue to improve documents prior to the review. 

Requests must also be submitted with the information necessary for facilities staff to determine if a face to face review is appropriate for a particular project.  Requests will be denied without supporting documentation or if we do not believe the project is appropriate for a face to face review.  You must indicate in the e-mail that you are enclosing/attaching all documentation proving the request meets all requirements or the request will be denied without further action. 

The requirements:

The face-to-face reviews will only apply to projects that are new buildings, building additions, or reconstruction. Reconstruction projects must meet the definition provided for reconstruction in the Building Code of NY State, Appendix K, Chapter K2, which is:

RECONSTRUCTION. Any project where the reconfiguration of space, as indicated on the construction documents, is such that it adversely impacts the means of egress shared with spaces outside the work area; affects the entire occupancy; or totals more than two-thirds of the building area.. …

Thank you for your cooperation.

Rev. 1/16/08