Month: January 2026

Builders Pavement Plans

Builders Pavement Plans

Builders Pavement Plans

01/04/25

“What regulations do you have to follow if you install or alter curbs, sidewalks, or roadways in NYC?”

Different municipalities have different regulations for different construction activities. In NYC, people who install or alter curbs, sidewalks, or roadways are required to submit a Builders Pavement Plan, or BPP. The builders pavement plan documents what actions the construction operator is taking to install/alter their right-of-way infrastructure and how they will follow regulations. The NYC Department of Buildings reviews BPP applications and analyzes how they comply with city construction codes and NYC Department of Transportation rules, regulations, and standards. BPPs help ensure NYC’s urban planning stays strong and that city residents are offered a safe environment.

Common Plan of Development

Common Plan of Development

Common Plan of Development

01/03/26

“How can we build a large project in multiple distinct phases?”

Large construction projects often need to comply with stringent size-based regulations. Developers might subvert this by breaking up a large project into multiple sub-projects. To prevent this, U.S. governmental regulatory authorities will define projects with the same owner/developer completed in the same larger development plan as part of a Common Plan of Development. Permits will use the acreage of the total common plan of development to ensure construction operators meet planning requirements, such as stormwater pollution prevention plans.

Right of Way Dedication

Right of Way Dedication

Right of Way Dedication

01/02/26

“How can property owners transfer their land to use for public infrastructure?”

Public infrastructure such as roads and canals often relies on access to a legal right of way. Without this, parts of a municipality might not be accessible to the general public. One way property owners can increase the amount of public right of way is through a Right of Way Dedication. This involves transferring land from the property owner to the government agency to use for infrastructure. Property owners might use right-of-way dedications as leverage in land-use negotiations with government agencies.

Drawdown Time (Detention Tanks)

Drawdown Time (Detention Tanks)

Drawdown Time (Detention Tanks)

01/01/26

“How long does it take for detention tanks to empty their stored water?”

Detention tanks hold stormwater and release it slowly over time to prevent flooding. The amount of time it takes to empty the detention tanks, also known as the Drawdown Time, is dependent on a variety of factors, such as the volume of filtration, orifice area, acceleration due to gravity, and maximum hydraulic head above the orifice centerline. Detention tank drawdown is vital for hydrological engineering calculations. 

image credit: https://www.polymaster.com.au/