How Interagency Compliance Shapes the Design Process

Apr 21
2 min read

Part of our Understanding NYC Agencies Series

Interagency compliance is not just about meeting requirements. It is about designing a building that works across all agencies at the same time.

Projects move through HPD, DOB, DEP, and other departments in parallel.

Each is reviewing a different aspect of the same building. When the design does not account for that from the beginning, conflicts surface later in the process.

This is where projects run into problems. Not because a requirement was missed, but because decisions were made without understanding how they affect other agencies.

Three principles guide a more effective approach:

1. Design the building holistically, not as a checklist

Projects are often approached by addressing requirements one at a time. In reality, those requirements overlap.

Stormwater compliance is a clear example. Projects with more than 5,000 square feet of disturbance, particularly shorter buildings with larger site coverage, may trigger a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). That review can add significant time.

In some cases, adjusting the building design early, such as moving to a taller building with reduced site coverage, can avoid triggering that requirement. These are design decisions that need to be evaluated alongside zoning, program, and agency requirements from the start.

Aerial view of a residential neighborhood with rows of modern townhouses featuring dark roofs. Trees and cityscape in the background. — Proposed East NY Project

2. Bring consulting engineers into the process early

Key decisions are often made before all disciplines are fully engaged. That creates risk.

Structural engineers help determine foundation systems and whether adjacent properties will be impacted. In some cases, this can require underpinning a neighboring building, which introduces access agreements that affect both schedule and cost.

Mechanical and other consultants also play a role in utility connections, building systems, and overall compliance. These inputs are tied to agency review and should inform the design before it is advanced.

3. Develop a coordinated schematic design before moving forward

Alignment across agencies starts with alignment within the project team.

A coordinated schematic design phase ensures that architects and consultants are working from the same assumptions. Major requirements across HPD, DOB, DEP, and other agencies are addressed early, and decisions are reflected consistently across all drawings.