New York regulations

9 NYCRR 180-3.5

Executive Department

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Construction and substantial remodeling - definition and approvals

Construction and substantial remodeling - definition and approvals

Compiled text through Jul 31, 2022

Register checked through Jul 29, 2026

No later Register activity identified in this check.

Dates and status
Compiling agency
Executive Department
Text status
Source receipt
Compiled text through
Jul 31, 2022
Register checked through
July 29, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 30 (2026-07-29)
Activity status
No later Register activity identified in this check.
Source snapshot
Jun 6, 2026
(a)Plans for construction of a specialized secure detention facility.

On and after the date this regulation becomes effective, no building to be used as a specialized secure detention facility shall be constructed or substantially remodeled, in whole or in part, except on plans and designs approved, in writing, by OCFS and SCOC. Plans and designs shall be submitted for approval in accordance with the procedures prescribed by OCFS and SCOC. OCFS and SCOC approval must be obtained before a construction or substantial remodeling project is advertised for bids. If it is not contemplated that a bidding procedure will be followed, approval by OCFS and SCOC must be obtained before any construction or substantial remodeling is undertaken. No youth shall be detained in any new or substantially remodeled building where plans and designs have not been approved by OCFS and SCOC.

(b)Definitions.

As used in this section, the following definitions apply:

(1)building shall mean a structure;
(2)construction shall mean the erection of a new structure;
(3)addition shall mean an extension or increase in the area or height of an existing structure;
(4)substantial remodeling shall mean any alteration, change, rearrangement or reconstruction to an existing structure, except for ordinary repairs and maintenance;
(5)equipment shall mean fixtures or articles affixed to the structure;
(6)occupancy shall mean use or purpose of a building, structure or premises or any room located therein.
(c)Construction, addition, substantial remodeling and change in occupancy.
(1)There shall be no construction, addition, substantial remodeling or change in occupancy of buildings or parts of buildings used or to be used in the operation of a specialized secure detention facility except on plans and designs approved in writing by OCFS and SCOC. Plans shall be submitted for approval in accordance with the procedures prescribed by OCFS and SCOC. To qualify for approval by OCFS, plans and designs must be in substantial compliance with the appropriate provisions of applicable State building and construction codes relating to institutions, the regulations of OCFS and all other applicable provisions of State and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. All construction and substantial remodeling must be in compliance with the minimum standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Construction and substantial remodeling must comply with all applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to fire safety and prevention.
(2)No changes or modifications shall be made in approved plans or designs without the approval of OCFS and SCOC.
(3)The approval of OCFS shall become void one year after given, unless a contract for the approved construction or substantial remodeling shall have been entered into prior thereto.
(d)Site design.

Site design considerations shall comply with the regulations in this Subpart and include at least the following: security, privacy, ease of group movement, supervision and services to youth, indoor and outdoor recreation features, program and education space, natural light, ventilation, parking, service access, lighting, and convenient accessibility to public transportation where practicable.

(e)Design for supervision and services to youth.

The design of a new specialized secure detention facility shall comply with the regulations in this Subpart and include planning for the movement of supervised groups and individual youth throughout the facility. To promote the security, safety and effective supervision of youth, the design shall include the use of glazing in doors and partitions, security grade doors with sufficient gauge and comparable security hardware, shatter-resistant safety glass, perimeter fencing that is at a minimum eight feet high with two-feet razor wire, and reinforced walls of sufficient security detention grade material that is available.

State Register activity

No Register activity identified in this check.Register checked through July 29, 2026/Vol. XLVIII, Issue 30 (2026-07-29).

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