MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING DISTANCE SUN-CONTROL DEVICES CAN EXTEND FROM BUILDINGS Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

“Before me today is Introductory Number 340-A, sponsored by Council Members Dilan, Brewer, Cabrera, Chin, Comrie, Fidler, Garodnick, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Koslowitz, Lander, Mark-Viverito, Palma, Vann, Williams, Rodriguez, Van Bramer, Jackson, Dromm, Gennaro, Barron, Eugene, Levin and Halloran.

“Introductory Number 340-A will allow for sun-control devices to protrude from a building up to two feet six inches. A sun-control device is a structure that extends from a building to provide shade from the sun. Sun-control devices help combat heat gain and prevent glare on buildings. Currently under the Building Code, the maximum they can extend from a building is ten inches, which limits their effectiveness.

“It is estimated that 15-20% of the energy used in New York City is related to cooling buildings. In the summer, this increases dramatically to up to 40% of energy use. This legislation will continue our Administration’s efforts to decrease energy consumption and build a more sustainable New York.

“I would like to thank my Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability Director David Bragdon, Department of City Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden, Department of Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri, and all their staff for their work on this bill along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs. I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation.”