Section 28-101.4.2. Applications for construction document approval submitted prior to and within twelve months after the effective date of this code

Any work for which an application for construction document approval was
  submitted to the department prior to the effective date of this code and
  not thereafter abandoned, or for which an application  for  construction
  document  approval  is  submitted  to  the department within a period of
  twelve months after such date may,  at  the  option  of  the  owner,  be
  performed  in  its  entirety  in  accordance with the provisions of this
  code, or in accordance with the 1968 building code, provided  that  such
  work  is  commenced within twelve months after the date of issuance of a
  permit therefore  and  is  diligently  carried  on  to  completion.  The
  commissioner   may,   for   good  cause,  extend  the  time  period  for
  commencement of the work beyond 12 months. Where  the  owner  elects  to
  perform  the  work  in  compliance  with  the  1968  building  code, the
  following conditions shall apply:
    1. Except as otherwise limited by the commissioner, administration and
  enforcement of the 1968 building code shall be in accordance  with  this
  code,  including  but not limited to approval of construction documents,
  issuance  of  permits  and  certificates   of   occupancy,   tests   and
  inspections,  penalties  and  enforcement.  Controlled  inspections  and
  semi-controlled inspections as referenced  in  the  1968  building  code
  shall  be  deemed  to  be  special inspections and shall comply with the
  provisions of this  code  relating  to  special  inspections.  Materials
  regulated  in  their  use  by the 1968 building code shall be subject to
  applicable provisions of this code.
    2. Safety  of  public  and  property  during  construction  operations
  including  demolition  shall  be  governed by chapter 33 of the New York
  city building code.