NYC Construction Superintendent Rule Limits to One Primary Job Effective January 2026

New York City — Effective January 1, 2026, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) implemented new restrictions on construction superintendents, limiting them to hold only one primary job regardless of project size. This significant change in construction oversight requirements took effect January 6, 2026, according to reporting from Safety+Health Magazine.

New Superintendent Limitations and Transition Rules

The revised rule fundamentally changes how construction superintendents can manage their portfolios. Previously, superintendents could serve as primary superintendent on:

• Up to three nonmajor building jobs simultaneously, OR
• One major building job with no other nonmajor work

Now, effective immediately, superintendents can hold only:

• One primary job – regardless of whether it's classified as major or nonmajor

Transition Provisions and Timeline

To allow contractors and superintendents time to adjust operations, the DOB included transition provisions:

For superintendents with existing multiple assignments on December 31, 2025:

• Those holding three nonmajor jobs: Allowed to continue in those roles temporarily, but cannot take additional jobs when one ends
• Those holding two nonmajor jobs: Allowed to continue temporarily, but cannot take a third job when one ends
• All multiple-job arrangements sunset: January 1, 2027 – at which point all superintendents must hold only one primary job

Competent Person Allowance

Throughout 2026, superintendents may continue designating a competent person on a jobsite, but only if the superintendent themselves hold exactly one primary job. The competent person allowance itself will sunset on January 1, 2027.

Starting January 1, 2027, superintendents will be required to be onsite at all times when work is in progress, with limited exceptions specified by DOB.

Exception: Same-Lot and Contiguous Lot Rule

One important exception remains: Primary construction superintendents are still allowed to serve in that role on multiple nonmajor building jobs located on the same lot or contiguous lots. This exception accommodates properties with multiple buildings under unified development or campus-style construction.

Definition: Major vs. Nonmajor Buildings

The DOB classifies projects by scope:

• Major building jobs: Generally large-scale or high-complexity projects meeting specified criteria (e.g., multi-story commercial, institutional buildings)
• Nonmajor building jobs: Generally smaller-scale or less-complex projects

The new rule eliminates the previous distinction allowing multiple nonmajor jobs—all jobs now count equally toward the one-primary-job limit.

Role of the Construction Superintendent

Under DOB regulations, construction superintendents are tasked with "maintaining a safe site." The superintendent holds responsibility for:

• Daily site supervision – overseeing construction activities
• Safety compliance – ensuring OSHA and NYC Building Code adherence
• Quality control – verifying construction meets plans and specifications
• Documentation and reporting – maintaining required records and notifications
• Problem resolution – addressing site issues and conflicts

The concentrated focus on a single primary job allows superintendents greater attention to site safety and oversight responsibilities.

Why This Rule Matters for NYC Contractors

Improved On-Site Safety Oversight

The rule directly addresses construction site safety by requiring focused superintendent attention on one primary job. Construction accidents often correlate with inadequate supervision. By limiting superintendent portfolios, the DOB intends to reduce divided attention and improve jobsite safety outcomes.

Construction Worker Protection

Construction workers benefit from consistent, present superintendents who understand site conditions, hazards, and project specifics. A superintendent managing multiple sites simultaneously may miss safety issues or fail to maintain consistent safety standards. The new rule prioritizes worker protection.

Project Quality and Compliance

Full-time superintendent focus improves project delivery. With undivided attention, superintendents better understand building codes, verify contractor compliance, and resolve construction issues promptly.

Contractor Operational Impact

Contractors must adjust staffing and scheduling to accommodate the new rule. Options include:

• Hiring additional superintendents – increasing labor costs
• Staggering project schedules – sequencing work so one superintendent can manage sequential projects
• Partnering with other contractors – coordinating superintendent assignments across multiple firms
• Project consolidation – combining work on same-lot or contiguous properties

Superintendent Career Impact

For individual superintendents, the rule eliminates the opportunity to earn multiple salaries simultaneously. However, it potentially increases demand for qualified superintendents, which may support wage growth and employment opportunities in the field.

Implementation and DOB Enforcement

The DOB has responsibility for enforcing the new superintendent limitations. Contractors must:

• File accurate superintendent designations – reporting the primary superintendent on each job
• Maintain compliance – ensuring superintendents don't hold undisclosed multiple primary assignments
• Update assignments – promptly reporting changes when superintendents move between jobs
• Document transitions – managing the transition period through December 31, 2026

Contractors should review their current superintendent assignments and plan staffing adjustments to achieve full compliance by January 1, 2027.

Background: New York City Construction Safety Focus

This superintendent rule change reflects NYC's broader focus on construction worker safety and site oversight. The city has implemented several construction safety initiatives in recent years, including:

• Enhanced fall protection requirements
• Noise and vibration monitoring
• Crane and rigging safety improvements
• Concrete pouring and formwork safety protocols
• Construction site management and planning requirements

The superintendent rule change aligns with these broader safety priorities.

What Contractors Should Do Now

Q1 2026 Action Items:

• Audit current superintendent assignments – identify which superintendents manage multiple jobs
• Document December 31, 2025 status – establish baseline for transition rule compliance
• Plan staffing additions or transitions – determine how to achieve full compliance by January 1, 2027
• Update DOB registrations – ensure accurate superintendent designations on all active projects
• Communicate with project teams – notify clients and partners of staffing implications
• Review competent person assignments – document competent person designations and plan for January 1, 2027 transition

Q1-Q4 2026 Transition Period:

• Execute staffing plan – hire or reassign superintendents to consolidate assignments
• Maintain compliance documentation – record superintendent assignments and changes
• Achieve December 31, 2026 goal – ensure no superintendent holds multiple jobs by year-end

Industry Insight: Westside Construction Group manages complex construction operations across Upstate New York and understands how regulatory changes affect project delivery and staffing. For consultation on construction management, project staffing, or compliance with NYC regulations: (585) 440-0304 or www.buildwcg.com