The city announced yesterday the launch of its new Construction Codes, the first modernization since 1968 of the city's Building Code.

The new codes change regulations for fire protection, structural integrity and job site accountabilility and expands enforcement and administrative actions by re-classifying violations to focus enforcement resources on buildings and job sites that pose the most serious safety hazards to the public and construction workers.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said that "these codes are more user-friendly for the building professionals and incorporate critical safety measures that better protect millions of New Yorkers at work and at home."

Erik Martin Dilari, chairman of the city's Housing and Buildings department, said that the code mandate "safer and more sustainable buildings, while protecting the construction workers who risk their lives everyday on the job." "It also takes advantage of the technological advances by mandating the use of better, and often cheaper, materials," he said.

A one-year transition period began yesterday when applications for new buildings may comply with either the 1968 Building Code or the new NYC Construction Codes - which include the building, Fuel Gas, Mechanical and Plumbing Codes. On July 1, 2009, the new codes will be mandated for all new construction.

The new code substantially increases penalties for violations and calls for new safety procedures for some demolitions as well as enhances protection for properties adjoining demolition sites.

In addition, third-party inspectors are now required to conduct more inspections at critical points in the construction projects to they must meet qualifications established by the buildings department.

The new codes include stronger connectivity requirements for steel and concrete construction to better permit buildings to withstand strong winds, vehicular impacts, and gas explosions. All new residential buildings 125 feet or higher will be required to have emergency voice communication systems and emergency power generators. In an emergency, these systems enable the Fire Department to speak to tenants and use back-up power for egress lighting and for at least one elevator.

Sprinklers will be required in more buildings including residential buildings of three units or more, attached two-family homes, and one-and two-family homes that are more than three stories.

The new codes are modeled after the International Code Council's International Building Code but have been somewhat modified. The codes require the buildings department to revise the codes every three years to incorporate new standards, technologies and materials.

Under the new code, permit fees will be lower for buildings that are environmentally friendly. Buildings taller than 300 feet will be required to have a secondary water supply. Building owners will no longer need to change their certificates of occupancy for adding bedrooms and occupancy groups have been reclassified.