Building Code and Planning
SOCOTEC builds and protects asset value by offering building code consulting with a proactive and strategic approaches to complex regulations in New York and the United States.
Our seasoned code and zoning specialists provide building code consulting and planning services to help reduce time for approvals and negotiate alternative compliance paths yielding more flexible design and system options.
From new developments to major renovations, our approach is strategic, people-centered, and rooted in decades of experience. We work closely with building owners, architects, engineers, and developers to deliver actionable solutions that reduce delays, unlock design flexibility, and protect long-term asset value.
Our expertise include:
- Building Code
- Fire Code
- Energy Code
- Zoning
- Local and state laws
- Prior and new codes
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Our Services
Strategic Code Consulting and Planning
SOCOTEC’s Code & Planning team has helped solve some of the most difficult and complex code and zoning decisions issues in large development sites. Whether new buildings or gut renovations, prior code or new code, fire or building codes, competing city and state jurisdictions, we have the experience and the research capability to help owners and their architects achieve their design goals in compliance with the myriad of regulations.
Our team draws from our expertise and experience from thousands of past projects and expertise from the DOB, to offer clients solutions to complex regulations of building code, energy code, multiple dwelling and zoning laws. We can work on a project-by-project basis, a portfolio approach, or be available as a consultant of record to assist owners, architects, and engineers.
We provide code and zoning guidance and interpretations that are necessary to operate and build in New York City, Boston and similar urban areas across the USA, from the East Coast to the West Coast. These specialty interpretations have significant implications to the development and operations of buildings. We understand the specifics of building code, fire code, zoning within the context of city regulations, as well as state laws, such as the “multiple dwelling text”, and how they can impact development.
SOCOTEC’s approach uses a management consultant methodology and finds synergistic opportunities between codes and zoning yielding better return on investment. We are the premier firm recognized for reliable answers served efficiently and with integrity in the areas of code, dwelling laws and zoning.
Code & Compliance
NYC Building Code Expertise
With deep roots in New York City, our team brings unmatched knowledge of the New York building code, fire code, energy code, and zoning laws. We regularly interpret and apply DOB regulations, local law, and multiple dwelling texts, ensuring full alignment with city and state law requirements.
We regularly support clients with projects that fall under both prior and current codes, which is especially common in New York’s dynamic built environment. For ground-up developments, major renovation, or a change in use, we provide the clarity and direction needed to make strategic decisions early, saving time and avoiding costly rework.
- Interpreting and applying zoning and building regulations across all five boroughs
- Resolving DOB objections and clearing building department violations
- Coordinating across multiple agencies, including DOB, FDNY, HPD, DEP, and LPC
- Advising on flood zone compliance and Local Law 97 requirements
- Facilitating alternative compliance strategies and approvals through variances, appeals, and technical memos
With deep roots in New York City, our team brings unmatched knowledge of the New York building code, fire code, energy code, and zoning laws. We regularly interpret and apply DOB regulations, local law, and multiple dwelling texts, ensuring full alignment with city and state law requirements.
We regularly support clients with projects that fall under both prior and current codes, which is especially common in New York’s dynamic built environment. For ground-up developments, major renovation, or a change in use, we provide the clarity and direction needed to make strategic decisions early, saving time and avoiding costly rework.
- Interpreting and applying zoning and building regulations across all five boroughs
- Resolving DOB objections and clearing building department violations
- Coordinating across multiple agencies, including DOB, FDNY, HPD, DEP, and LPC
- Advising on flood zone compliance and Local Law 97 requirements
- Facilitating alternative compliance strategies and approvals through variances, appeals, and technical memos
Code & Planning Services across the US
Beyond New York, we operate across the USA, bringing our proven methodology and regulatory expertise to urban and suburban environments alike. Our ability to collaborate with agencies, interpret jurisdictional overlaps, and streamline building approval processes makes SOCOTEC a trusted partner nationwide.
Want to know more about our Code & Planning services?
