Author: Kristin Wyka

New Castle County Facade Code

Written by Kristin Wyka on March 7, 2024. Posted in Blog.

What is Ordinance No. 23-094?

As of July 25, 2023, New Castle County Delaware has ushered in a new era of structural integrity and safety with revisions to its Chapter 6 Building Code and Chapter 7 Property Maintenance Code. Ordinance No. 23-094 mandates regular inspections for specific common interest community buildings, including condominiums.

What structures are affected by this ordinance?

The amended New Castle County facade code requires conducting facade inspections for residential or mixed-use common interest community buildings boasting four or more stories. The code also specifies that buildings with three stories or less, featuring balconies or decks, must undergo meticulous inspections of their 2nd and 3rd-floor balconies.

How can O&N help?

O&N proudly announces our comprehensive services tailored to meet these requirements.

For existing structures, an initial facade inspection is imperative within the earlier of five years from the date of the Certificate of Occupancy, by July 2025, or within sixty days of observable facade damage. Immediate attention is given to rectify any safety hazards identified during these inspections. Newly constructed buildings, completed after the effective date of the law, must undergo a facade inspection within five years of completion or sixty days after observable damage.

Post-initial inspection, subsequent inspections, expertly scheduled by a design professional like O&N, should be conducted at least once every five years. The design professional will provide a detailed written report outlining the facade’s condition and pinpointing necessary corrective maintenance or repairs.

If your property falls under the purview of Ordinance 23-094, there’s no time to spare. Take proactive steps to ensure compliance and the safety of your community. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive facade inspection and elevate your building’s standards to the new norm. Your safety is our priority! Give us a call at 800.607.7284 or email us at info@o-n.com

Front view of Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex | Liam McNamara Guarini Justice Complex

Senior Associate Liam McNamara Discusses the Guarini Justice Complex

Written by Kristin Wyka on April 7, 2023. Posted in Blog.

Senior Associate Liam McNamara Discuses the Guarini Justice Complex

April 7, 2023

Recently, Senior Associate Liam McNamara had the opportunity to talk to the American Society of Civil Engineers magazine, The Civil Engineering Source, about our Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex project, currently underway in Jersey City, NJ. Boasting an impressive 405,000 SF and spanning 5 floors, this state-of-the-art justice complex is a monumental replacement of the outdated Hudson County Administration Building, constructed in 1957.

In his discussion with the ASCE, Liam delved deep into the intricate structural challenges that come with creating a modern, aesthetically pleasing structure that can withstand even the most catastrophic forces. He recounted the innovative measures taken to mitigate any possible progressive collapse in the event of a large explosion on the lower floors, drawing on the tragic bombing that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995.

One of the complex’s most awe-inspiring features is the pair of massive steel trusses, stretching an incredible 700 ft in length and standing tall at approximately 35 ft, designed specifically to safeguard the upper floors from any potential disaster. This design-build complex is a testament to the resilience and innovative capabilities of modern engineering.

To read Liam’s interview with the American Society of Civil Engineers, check out the link here: The Civil Engineering Source: Guarini Justice Complex