Determine whether a planned supported or suspended scaffold in NYC qualifies for the design/permit exceptions that let a Licensed Contractor skip hiring a Registered Design Professional.

Steps

1. For supported/outrigger scaffolds, check all five exception criteria on DOB's registrant page: hoisting equipment ≤2,000 lb capacity, load ≤75 psf, height <40 feet, brackets used solely for worker support, and light/medium/heavy-duty classification per BC 3314.3.1.
2. For suspended scaffolds, check the separate exception set under BC 3314.3.2: single-tier nonadjustable platforms ≤40 sq ft need no RDP design at all; two-point single-tier scaffolds may instead be designed by a licensed Rigger (or a licensed Sign Hanger for sign-hanging-only use) under specified load/height/anchor conditions.
3. Separately check the PERMIT exception (distinct from the design exception): a supported scaffold under 40 feet with no hoist over 2,000 lb and ≤75 psf load needs no permit at all; certain C-hook suspended scaffolds tied to an already-permitted, fenced site also need no separate permit.
4. Regardless of permit/design exceptions, confirm on-site supervision requirements are still met: installation, use, and removal must be supervised by a licensed Rigger (suspended scaffolds) or a contractor-designated competent person (supported scaffolds).
5. Flag to the contractor that 'no permit needed' and 'no RDP design needed' are two SEPARATE exception tests with different criteria — a scaffold can require one without the other.