For demolition jobs permitted after July 1,
2008, the demolition safety provisions of the Building Code are generally found in 
Chapter 33 of
the 2008 NYC Construction
Codes. For jobs permitted prior to that date, the demolition safety
provisions are found in in Title 27, Subchapter
19 of the 1968 NYC
Building Code.
For additional, related information, please review the following:
Prior to commencement of demolition, the demolition contractor must provide 24-hour notification to the Building Enforcement Safety Team (BEST Squad.) The premises must be enclosed, a sidewalk shed must be
erected if required, and all glass must be removed. For all buildings 15 feet in
height or higher, a sign stating the contractors' name, address and phone number
must be posted. To read our Operations Policy and Procedure Notices on
Demolition requirements click below:
For questions about how to file a demolition application and get a permit, contact the BEST Squad.
Complaints pertaining to demolition sites can be reported by calling 311.
According to OSHA, before the start of every demolition job, the demolition contractor should take a number of steps to safeguard the health and safety of workers at the job site. These preparatory operations involve the overall planning of the demolition job, including the methods to be used to bring the structure down, the equipment necessary to do the job, and the measures to be taken to perform the work safely. Planning for a demolition job is as important as actually doing the work. Therefore, all planning work should be performed by a competent person experienced in all phases of the demolition work to be performed. For more information about OSHA’s recommendations, consult OSHA's Technical Manual.
