Meet Oculus Consulting Group!

There’s nothing better than having resources at the tips of your fingers. Or in our case, in the next room. Oculus Consulting Group, a sister company of MJM+A, is a team of experts in New York City Building, Zoning, and Fire Codes and is a full service Plans Processing and Expediting Firm.

Oculus is directed by licensed and Registered Architect John Scheschareg, FARA, who brings his 30 years of experience working with the Department of Buildings and affiliated municipalities.

Our constant awareness and scrutiny of amendments to policies of various work types, such as renovation, construction, and compliance to all New York City and New York State Department of Building’s procedures,  have helped us to become unique leaders in the expediting community at large.

Our team works closely with all sectors of the Department of Buildings and its affiliates to remain fluent in the ever changing language of evolving industry standards, regulations and requirements.  Our philosophy is simple.  You can build it here, and we can help.

Our full range of professional services for architects, contractors and property owners includes filings for new and existing construction, interior and exterior restoration and preservation, legalization and open violations, building code consultation and analysis, expediting, plans processing, zoning studies, special inspections, work permits, liens, and landmarks. Our clients range from residential and commercial to restaurant, hospitality and corporate.

As active members of The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) and The Architect's Council of New York, our team is built on our reputation of gaining municipal approvals from the City of New York ensuring your next projects timing and efficiency.

FAQs

In the city that never sleeps, Building Code provisions and laws can change without notice.  The system of application, filing and approval can take weeks.  Our team of experts will guide through the entire process.  As you prepare to take the next steps with your project, here are some FAQs and resources. 

Q:  What kind of work requires a permit from the Department of Buildings? 

A:  Work that is designated as "ordinary repairs" by the Department of Buildings does not require a permit (ie: replacing existing fixtures).   Any work involving the removal or moving of walls or partitions, or the removal or moving of any plumbing, mechanical or structural elements does require plans to be filed by a Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE) and permits obtained from the Department of Buildings. 

Q:  How long does it typically take to get my project approved for construction by the Department of Buildings?

A:  This will depend solely on the scope of the work.  A Type 1 Application for work that will change the use, occupancy and/or egress of the existing building and also require a change in the Certificate of Occupancy can take anywhere from 6-10 weeks.   A Type 2 Application that does not affect any of the aforementioned aspects usually takes a few days to obtain approval. 

Q:  Does my General Contractor need to carry insurance? 

A:  The Department of Buildings will not issue any permit to a contractor that does not carry General Liability, Workman's Compensation, and Disability Insurance.

Q: Do I need approval from the Landmark Preservation Commission? 

A: Any work done on a landmark building or on/in any building within a Historic District will require approval from the Landmark Preservation Commission.  Regardless if it is only interior work, an approval must still be obtained. 

Q:  Is an asbestos report required in order to file plans with the Department of Buildings? 

A:  Almost every application for the Department of Buildings requires a report to be submitted by a licensed Asbestos Investigator.  There are exceptions but typically, you will be required to submit a report with your application. 

Q:  Are there any resources to check existing building information regarding zoning, Certificate of Occupancy,  Historic Districts and any outstanding violations or liens against the property? 

A: The general website for the Department of Buildings has a wide range of information.  The Building Information System site can provide you with more detailed information.  

All projects will require a full study to ascertain the scope of work.  Code compliance is a minimum required standard and is not necessarily suitable for more complex undertakings.  Oculus adds value to your project with our expert team directed by a licensed architect advocating for you and the best interests of the project from the very beginning.