NYC Eases Post-Sandy Rebuilding, Hikes Business Taxes

Two steps forward, at least one back

Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday signed into law four new bills aimed at helping businesses, including one law meant to ease the post-Sandy recovery process.

The owners of certain buildings damaged by the storm will have inspection fees waived as they rebuild. Structures that were designated by the Buildings Department to have been seriously damaged in the storm (generally with a red placard) will eligible for waived application, permit and inspection fees for alteration, demolition and construction, plumbing and electrical work, as well as other types of associated work. Fee waivers will be available for plumbing and construction work in buildings with less severe damage. The waiver is in effect until October for construction and until April for plumbing and electrical work.