Council to Vote on Intro. No. 2261

The Master Plumbers Council sent the following message to several industry partners in reference to the aging of Intro. No. 2261.

Good Afternoon,

City Council will age Intro. No. 2261 on September 30, 2021 and schedule a vote on the bill next Thursday, October 7, 2021. This time frame will not permit any changes to be made to the current language prior to the bill’s adoption.

The MPC has met with Council staff to discuss our proposed changes. They informed us that any revisions would only be done through a clean-up bill that would be passed later this year. We are reaching out to you today to share some of our proposed changes. We believe that if adopted, these modifications would prove to be very beneficial to your members. They will provide clarity and expand some work scopes which will allow your licensed Master Plumber to stream line the work process and provide your members with immediate economic relief.

In the attached documents (links found below), we have identified the specific Code language that we seek to change. These proposed changes to the Administrative Code sections are in strict compliance with the intent of the Code in regard to maintaining the highest levels of public safety. As licensed professionals we are seeking to apply our subject matter expertise, specific trade knowledge and work experience to provide you with the best possible plumbing practices while maintaining a due regard for the cost for your members that they must incur to comply with the Code.

Please find below four primary areas of concern that need to be modified:
1. §28-105.4.4 Ordinary plumbing work.
The DOB is not proposing any changes to this section. The proposed changes both clarify and expand the allowable work scope. If adopted, they will provide your licensed Master Plumber to make both basic plumbing repairs and replace residential gas appliances without the cost of a permit or requirement for an inspection. This change will allow owners to use licensed Master Plumbers and their qualified employees to do this very important work at the lowest possible cost of compliance and while maintaining the highest level of public safety.

2. §28-105.4.1 Emergency Work
The DOB has proposed a change to this section. It limits the emergency repair or replacement of heat and hot water appliances to specific zoning and dates. Our proposed changes provides clear language to enable a licensed plumber to make emergency repairs at all times regardless of occupancy and restore your essential building service to good working conditions as required by law.

3. §28-101.5 Definitions.
The DOB has proposed several changes to this section in regard to Limited Alteration Applications. These include restrictive definitions, unrealistic monetary caps and other language that could prevent your members licensed Master Plumber from utilizing this cost effective permit.

4. §28-417.1 Plumbing and fire suppression piping contractor license board.
The DOB is proposing to eliminate this Board. The Board is comprised of licensees and registered design professionals who operate in an ADVISORY role only. They are tasked with reviewing and advising on the following:
a. Applicants seeking to obtain a plumbing license,
b. Licensees subject to potential disciplinary actions,
c. Code revisions;
d. Other areas that the Commissioner determines
Without this Board, future administrations would be under no obligation to seek advice from the very professionals that design and install plumbing systems. Without their input, will your members get the best possible policies and procedures? This change makes no sense.
None of the advice provided is binding. There is no downside to having a broad and diverse group of experts to advise on these very important matters. Why is the Department seeking to disband this Board?


We believe that after you review our proposed changes, both you and your members would agree that these sections should be modified, as they will work best for everyone involved in the process. If that is the case, we respectfully request that you support us by contacting Council staff and letting them know you support these changes.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, our committee is available to meet with you at any time.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Regards,
Master Plumbers Council Code Committee
240-21 Braddock Avenue, Bellerose, NY 11426
Phone: 718-793-6300 | www.nycmpc.org

Attachments:

• MPC proposed §28-105.4.1 Emergency Work
• MPC proposed §28-101.5 Definitions.
• §28-417.1 Plumbing and fire suppression piping contractor license board.
• §28-105.4.4 Ordinary plumbing work.