Webinar - NYC Existing Building Code: Navigating Upcoming Changes
Join SOCOTEC’s expert-led webinar to understand the upcoming NYC Existing Building Code, how it will impact alterations and changes of occupancy, and how to prepare your existing building projects for compliance.
- Wednesday Oct 28ᵗʰ, 2026
- At 12:00 PM (ET)
- Presented by Lee Ping KWAN, Jon NASSIMI and Kerine WILLIAMS
- Participants will receive 1 AIA LU credit
As New York City’s building stock continues to evolve, understanding how code requirements apply to existing buildings is becoming increasingly important. Expected to take effect in July 2027, the new New York City Existing Building Code (EBC) will establish a dedicated framework for work involving existing buildings.
This course provides an overview of current and historic NYC Building Codes, and new concepts and clarifications in the EBC related to alterations, additions, and changes of occupancy. It explains the technical code requirements that are triggered based on various levels of alterations, and differentiates them from the current codes in effect.
Objectives
What You'll Learn
- Understand the fundamental concepts of the EBC: Level 1 alterations, Level 2 alterations, additions, changes of occupancy, and supplemental requirements.
- Understand how required code upgrades to existing buildings are currently triggered, and differentiate how the EBC will affect alterations to existing buildings vs. current requirements.
- Develop a working knowledge of how construction documents will need to be prepared to show compliance with the EBC.
- Evaluate code compliance scenarios/case studies for existing buildings undergoing various levels of alterations and changes of occupancy.
- Understand the fundamental concepts of the EBC: Level 1 alterations, Level 2 alterations, additions, changes of occupancy, and supplemental requirements.
- Understand how required code upgrades to existing buildings are currently triggered, and differentiate how the EBC will affect alterations to existing buildings vs. current requirements.
- Develop a working knowledge of how construction documents will need to be prepared to show compliance with the EBC.
- Evaluate code compliance scenarios/case studies for existing buildings undergoing various levels of alterations and changes of occupancy.
Who Should Attend
- Architects and architectural designers working on renovations, additions, or changes of occupancy
- Engineers and code consultants involved in NYC building alterations and compliance
- Owners, developers, and property managers planning upgrades or changes to existing buildings
- Contractors and construction professionals involved in alteration and renovation projects
- Expediters, permit professionals, and other code specialists navigating NYC Building Code requirements
About the Speakers
Lee Ping KWAN – Director, Flood Mitigation
Lee Ping Kwan is a Registered Architect, Certified Building Official, Certified Floodplain Manager, and LEED AP O+M with deep experience in code, filing, accessibility, public policy, decarbonization, and special inspection. A former senior designer at KPF, Senior Architect at the NYC Department of Buildings, and appointed Community Board member, he serves on code committees for ICC, ASCE, and NYC DOB and has guest lectured at Columbia, Yale, Pratt, and NYIT. At SOCOTEC, he works across Code, Envelope, and Energy divisions and has too many favorite projects to list.
Jon NASSIMI – Director, Code & Planning
Jon Nassimi is a code, zoning, and planning professional with 12+ years of experience navigating complex New York City development regulations. He has led zoning, building code, and Department of Buildings approval strategies for prominent Manhattan high-rise commercial and mixed-use developments. His expertise spans feasibility and due diligence through permitting and Certificates of Occupancy. With an architecture background from UC Berkeley and experience in construction estimating and architectural design, he brings a comprehensive perspective to his role as Director of Code & Planning at SOCOTEC US.
Kerine WILLIAMS – Director, Code & Planning
Kerine Williams is an operations, integration, and business transformation leader with 15+ years of experience in operational excellence, organizational integration, process optimization, systems implementation, and project management. She brings deep expertise in NYC building code, planning, permitting, and regulatory processes, supporting complex commercial, retail, and residential developments. Kerine advises clients and leadership teams, connecting people, processes, technology, and strategy to improve execution and deliver practical results.
Looking to stay ahead of NYC’s upcoming Existing Building Code changes?
