For many property and building owners in New York City, Hurricane Ida caused extensive damage due to the sheer amount of rainfall that fell in a relatively short period of time. This has left countless businesses and office buildings in need of repair.
Emergency Executive Order 235
On September 7th, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Emergency Executive Order 235, ordering the Department of Buildings and Department of Environmental Protection to waive all permit and application fees related to repair work necessitated by Ida’s damage. The hurricane’s record-breaking rainfall led to an unprecedented demand for emergency electrical work, plumbing repairs, and general construction projects. As a result of New York City’s intervention, the Department of Buildings will waive construction filing fees related to key areas such as electrical permits, new building work, and plumbing. These and other permit fees can run from $100 to $1,200 and the suspension of these charges in a time of emergency response will help the New York construction industry repair the city as quick as possible.
Mayor Bill de Blasio Said in Response to Storm Damage
“Any New Yorker who’s doing work on their home, on their business, because of the damage sustained Wednesday night, should not have to pay any fees to do that work,” de Blasio said. “We want to make it easy. We want to make it free to do to get back on their feet.”
Further Assistance Provided Federally
Not only has the mayor taken swift action to bring relief to those impacted by the storm, but President Joe Biden has declared parts of New York and New Jersey a major disaster area. This has made relief funds available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Individuals have received grants up to $36,000 from FEMA, and smaller amounts are still available for those who need assistance.
What does This Mean for Building & Business Owners?
Though the impact of the storm was devastating, building and business owners will have an easier time with damage repair and will be able to quickly get construction projects on track. City officials have launched an outreach effort to ensure that all New-Yorkers are privy to the information needed to get everyone back on their feet.
“We don’t want to see anyone go without this support. We want to make sure every single dollar gets to the people who need it,” the mayor said.
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When speaking to one of our project managers about your office renovation or commercial construction project, be sure to ask how we can help institute an air filtration system into your building plans.