Code Notes Antenna Cellular Telecom Alterations

Antenna, Cellular +
Telecom
Permanent Attachment to Building
Photo: Dante Ramirez
Bill de Blasio
Mayor
Rick D. Chandler, PE nyc.gov/buildings
Commissioner Version 3 | 3.2016
Antenna, Cellular + Telecom
Alteration Type 2 or 3 (OT-ANT)
Cell towers for cellular and wireless internet networks are

essential to modern communications, and are typically
installed at high locations to maximize signals for users.
Often cell towers are installed on building parapets and
rooftops in dense urban environments. Some installations
include related equipment, which may be in metal
cabinets, or supported by raised rooftop platforms.
New York City Building Code

The 2014 Building Code (BC) prescribes standards for location, access, construction,
loads and electrical grounding.
New York City Zoning Resolution

The Zoning Resolution is not applicable to cellular antenna towers; they are considered
to be a utility accessory to a building. TPPN 5/98 regulates the size, height and area of
cellular antenna and related equipment.
New York City Fire Code

Fire Department access clearances on the roof and restrictions on rooftop obstructions
are outlined in the Fire Code (FC).
Monopoles
Monopole installations must comply with use, height and setback regulations and be
approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA). (The Department of Buildings’
website includes information regarding monopole inspections.)
This publication is a general overview of the requirements for this type of work. There
may be additional, applicable Zoning Resolution, Construction Code, Multiple Dwelling
Law or Energy Code requirements.
BUILD SAFE | LIVE SAFE 3.2016 | 2 of 6

FIRST STEPS
• PW1 job description, reason for antenna
• Zoning district, site designations (special purpose districts, waterfront area or block, flood
hazard area or block, fire district, landmark district, little ‘e’ DEP designated block, wetlands, 200’
within MTA infrastructure)
• Lot diagram, scope and area of work indicated
• Existing legal use of building, independent of antenna support
• Borough commissioner determinations, if applicable (sky exposure planes are not
applicable for possible variations from TPPN 5/98, but determinations on a case-by-
case basis might consider increased setback from the street.)
ADMINISTRATIVE
DOB Forms
• PW1
• TR1
• PW3
Technical Documents
• ACP5 Asbestos Report (for pipe penetrations)
Related Applications
• MH (Mechanical) work type for related mechanical equipment
BIS Required Items

• Height and floor area exemption per TPPN 5/98 in all zoning districts
ZONING
Communication equipment structures (applicable if the equipment does not meet the
criteria of TPPN 5/98) – ZR 22-21

NYS MULTIPLE DWELLING LAW

• No radio, antennae or other wires shall be attached to fire escapes, or soil or vent
lines extending above the roof - Section 62, item 2.
NYC FIRE CODE

Rooftop Access, Rooftop Obstructions, Telecommunications Installations
• Note provided certifying compliance to required rooftop access, rooftop obstructions
and telecommunications installations (FC 504.4) and related FAQ with FC 504.4,
which represent interim updates to the FC (10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 31, 33)
• If not in full compliance, a variance from FDNY must be obtained per FC 104.8
NYC BUILDING CODE

Radio, Television and Telecommunications Towers and Antennas – BC 3108
Location and Access – BC 3108.2

• Access for inspection purposes shall be provided by step bolts and ladders
• Guy wires or other accessories shall not cross or encroach upon any street, public
space, over above-ground electric utility lines or upon privately owned property
without written consent of the owner of the encroached-upon property
Construction – BC 3108.3
• Constructed of corrosion-resistant noncombustible material.
• Minimum Type IIB construction for isolated radio towers up to 100’ in height
Loads – BC 3108.4
• Designed for dead load plus ice load – BC 3108.4.1
• Designed for two times the calculated wind load – BC 3108.4.2

 Further requirements, including those of other departments, agencies, and

authorities may be triggered based on the energy source to be used (e.g. oil
storage tank, fuel cell, gas supply pipe).
NYC ELECTRICAL
CODE
Communication equipment – Article 810

 Installation work must be performed by a New York City licensed Electrician.
 Applicants must file an ED16A Electrical Permit Application for the installation of
power sources for antenna and related equipment. Note, this work is subject to
Department inspection.
Grounding
• Permanently and effectively grounded per the NYC Electrical Code, Article 810 (BC
3108.5)
NYC ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

• N/A (Unconditioned space – ECC 101.5.2)
APPLICABLE BULLETINS, DIRECTIVES, PPNS, MEMOS

• TPPN 5/98 Cellular Antenna and Related Interpretations
Zoning Exemption
Attached to a building or other structure that has a use independent of supporting
the antennas
• Antennas are permitted obstructions with a maximum height not extending more
than 6’ above the height of the roof or parapet on the roof, or 6’ above any
penthouse or bulkhead (if mounted on such)
• Antennas shall each have an area no more than 8.45 sf or 1 meter in diameter
• Related cellular equipment shall not occupy more than 5% of the floor area on a
zoning lot or 400 sf, whichever is less for the aggregate of all installations
• Avoid exceeding combined coverage issues by checking in the Buildings
Information System (BIS) to determine if there are other antenna applications

• Any canopies or protective enclosed structures over outdoor telecom cabinets
must comply with the TPPN 5/98 requirements for height and area
Public Utilities and Related Equipment
• Cellular and telecom antennas and related equipment (including, but not limited
to optional standby power generators) are given the same deference afforded to
other public utilities.
• Optional standby power generation systems related solely to cellular and
telecom equipment are not required to support additional building loads.
Plan Requirements
• Location, size and height of all proposed cellular equipment and antennas
• Structural support and mounting details of all proposed cellular equipment
and antennas
• A calculation of the cumulative floor area and the dimensions of the room
occupied by existing and proposed cellular equipment in the building.
• Buildings Bulletin 2011-14 – Requirements for installation/modification of cell

phone equipment using industrial rope access (also known as controlled
descent) methods.
OTHER AGENCY APPROVALS

• NYC Art Commission: Approval required for City-owned property
• Board of Standards and Appeals: Approval required for monopoles
• Landmarks Preservation Commission: Approval if in Landmark District

Code Notes Antenna Cellular Telecom Alterations

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Code Notes Antenna Cellular Telecom Alterations

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Code Notes Antenna Cellular Telecom Alterations

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Antenna, Cellular +

Photo: Dante Ramirez

Cell towers for cellular and wireless internet networks are

New York City Building Code

New York City Zoning Resolution

New York City Fire Code

BUILD SAFE | LIVE SAFE 3.2016 | 2 of 6

BIS Required Items

BUILD SAFE | LIVE SAFE 3.2016 | 3 of 6

NYS MULTIPLE DWELLING LAW

NYC FIRE CODE

NYC BUILDING CODE

Location and Access – BC 3108.2

BUILD SAFE | LIVE SAFE 3.2016 | 4 of 6

 Further requirements, including those of other departments, agencies, and

Communication equipment – Article 810

NYC ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

APPLICABLE BULLETINS, DIRECTIVES, PPNS, MEMOS

Information System (BIS) to determine if there are other antenna applications

• Buildings Bulletin 2011-14 – Requirements for installation/modification of cell

OTHER AGENCY APPROVALS

BUILD SAFE | LIVE SAFE 3.2016 | 6 of 6

You might also like