Industrial Flooring Compliance in NYC

New York City is home to hundreds of warehouses and industrial spaces, and the state has more than 9,000 industrial facilities. These tend to be busy commercial spaces with heavy equipment, light carts, and plenty of foot traffic, and they often experience harsh environmental conditions. They need floors that can stand up to just about anything. Federal, state, and city regulations and laws serve as a framework for NYC industrial flooring. Here’s what you need to know.

Zoning Requirements: NYC

In New York City, numerous rules, regulations, and zoning ordinances govern the construction industry. This includes zoning regulations pertaining to all industrial spaces, including various commercial properties, warehouses, and manufacturing districts. Most industrial facilities are located within one of three manufacturing districts based on their operational characteristics. This ensures that potential nuisances, such as noise, are well-contained. Exceptions may be allowed for some properties via a special permit or special use permit. However, all zoning ordinances and regulations are designed around the safety and security of the people who live and work in New York City.

NYC Flooring Regulations

Construction in general is tightly regulated to protect a structure’s users. Flooring, in particular, is held to stringent standards based on location. Residences, for example, must have at least 80% of their floors covered to minimize sound transfer. In food and drug facilities, floors must be constructed of smooth, durable materials, such as terrazzo, epoxy, or sealed concrete. Anti-slip features should be incorporated for safety.

In wet areas, such as those subjected to periodic water flushing, exposed to fluid wastes, or cleaned with pressure sprays, floors must be constructed using terrazzo, sealed concrete, or similar materials and must be graded with a trap drain. Any junctures between the floors and the walls should be covered to minimize the seam size.

Other Rules to Consider

Virtually all industries are subject to New York City code ordinances and OSHA requirements, and some are also subject to FDA, USDA, and various state ordinances. Regardless of the type of industry, floors must be capable of withstanding expected loads and designed and constructed per ANSI/AWC NDS requirements. Additional requirements can include non-absorbency, durability, smoothness, ease of maintenance, and keeping the floor in good repair.

At Blackrock Industrial, every floor we install meets or exceeds all applicable rules and regulations, including federal, state, and city regulations. Epoxy is often used because it’s compliant with industrial requirements, slip-resistant, antimicrobial, impact-resistant, and durable. It’s completely customizable and easy to clean and maintain with a smooth, seamless, ergonomically friendly surface. It’s ideal for all industrial operations and fully complies with all local, state, and federal regulations. We also offer terrazzo, sealed concrete, and other options for various applications. If you’d like to learn more about other options for your industrial space, give us a call.