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Home > Departments > Facilities Planning & Design > About > FAQ

FAQ

Commonly asked questions regarding Building Permits:

1.  When do I need a Building Permit?

A Building Permit is required when a proposed project will alter any of the major systems such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural. A NY State licensed design professional must prepare design drawings and place his/her professional stamp on them. These drawings must be submitted to FP&D for review and issuance of the Building Permit.

2.  If I have all of the work done by an off-campus vendor, do I still need a Building Permit? 

Yes, all construction work done on campus requires a Building Permit if it meets the criteria described above. An FP&D representative will help you obtain one.  In addition, contractors are required to submit proof of insurance.

3.  If I am adding an outlet for my new copy machine, do I need a Building Permit?

Usually, no. Exceptions occur when all available circuits are full and a new sub-panel must be added to the building system to accommodate the request.

4.  If I am just painting and carpeting my office suite, do I need a Building Permit?

No, as permit is not required for these kinds of projects.  However, carpeting has often been installed over asbestos containing flooring materials or with asbestos containing mastic.  Therefore, before new carpeting can be ordered, testing must be completed by Environment, Health and Safety. 

Commonly asked questions regarding Autodesk Design Review:

1. I get an error when I click on the link for a floor plan?

It is possible that you do not have the most current version of Autodesk Design Review. To check the version you have installed, open a floor plan and right click on the floor plan, choose Help and then About... You will be unable to view the floorplans if you have an older version.

AutoDesk Design Review Free Download


2. I am still having problems seeing the floor plans?

Chances are if your computer has been upgraded to Internet Explorer 7 (IE 7), there is a service pack that needs to be installed. Here's the link for the patch:

Autodesk Design Review Services & Support


3. I am having trouble printing the floor plan?

Click on the print button under the http address (NOT under File-Print through your web browser)

Customize the settings that affect output from standard to large format. Choose from among the following options:

* Full Page or the Current View
* Paper Size or select Use DWF Paper Size
* Landscape or Portrait
* Fit to Page or Print to Scale


4. I still need help?

At any time while viewing a drawing, you can hit the F1 key or right click on the floor plan and choose the Help menu. Within the menu is a section for getting help, plug-in's and touring the program.
Further help for the Viewer is found on the Autodesk Website.