What is the application process in NYC DOB NOW? New York City

In New York City, obtaining a permit for construction or renovation work is a multi-step process that involves plan submission, review, and inspections to ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations. Most construction projects require plans to be filed by a New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA), collectively known as Registered Design Professionals (RDPs). These plans undergo thorough reviews by the Department of Buildings (DOB) to verify their compliance with construction codes, zoning laws, and safety requirements. Alternatively, the Professional Certification Program allows RDPs to certify compliance without initial DOB review. This blog explores the plan submission process, permit issuance, and the inspection steps involved in bringing a project to completion under NYC regulations.

NYC DOB NOW Application Process

The NYC DOB NOW Application Process is facilitated through DOB NOW, the Department's self-service online platform. This tool enables owners, design professionals, licensees, and filing representatives to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of applications or inspections, pull permits, and manage renewals. Most permits are processed through DOB NOW: Build. While the system is transitioning to handle all permit applications, some permit renewals for projects in the Buildings Information System (BIS) and certain applications are still managed through the eFiling system.

Plan Submission and Review

Most construction work requires a permit from the Department of Buildings. Before a permit can be obtained, typically plans are filed on the owner’s behalf by a New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA), often referred to as a Registered Design Professional (RDP). These plans are reviewed by a Department Plan Examiner to determine compliance with construction codes and zoning for the purpose of ensuring safety and that the proposed use and occupancy is permissible. Alternatively, plans for certain scopes of work can be submitted by the RDP through the Department’s Professional Certification Program, also known as Pro-Cert, where plans are not reviewed by DOB and the RDP certifies that the proposed construction work complies with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations. The Department conducts audits of professionally certified applications to ensure compliance. Larger scopes of work such as the construction of a new building and the expansion or demolition of an existing building require the hiring of a Department-licensed safety professional and the submission of a Site Safety Plan to the Department for its review and approval. There are some types of work that do not require an RDP to submit plans for approval. This generally includes electrical work, which must be performed by a Department-licensed electrician, and Limited Alteration Applications (LAA), which includes minor plumbing work that is filed by a Department-licensed plumber, fire suppression contractor, or fuel burner installer.

Permit Issuance

Once the plans are approved, the contractor must request a permit to perform the work. The contractor must file a permit application to obtain a permit. Currently permits can be obtained within two business days of the request. Electrical and Limited Alteration Application (LAA) permits are issued at the time the permit application is submitted to the Department. Construction work requiring a permit must be performed with a permit. Failure to obtain a permit will result in the issuance of a Work Without a Permit Violation and a Stop Work Order, which require resolution and carry significant financial penalties. Violations for Work Without a Permit are issued to the property owner.

Inspections

Once the work is completed, the contractor requests a Development Inspection from the Department in DOB NOW: Inspections or depending on the type of work, an RDP can perform and certify the final inspection. These inspections are performed to ensure the work was performed safely Page 4 of 38 and in keeping with the approved plans. Once an inspection passes or is certified by an RDP, the job status will be complete (signed off), or the owner or the RDP can request a Letter of Completion or can apply for a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy. Additionally, for certain projects involving structural, fire-protection, plumbing, or mechanical work, there are inspections that need to be performed by a Department-approved Special Inspector.

Navigating the NYC DOB NOW Application Process efficiently can significantly streamline your project’s permit and approval stages. Understanding how to efficiently submit applications, track progress, and manage renewals ensures compliance and minimizes delays. Built Engineers provides an expert regulatory filing service to streamline applications and reduce delays. Have questions or need assistance with your filing? Contact us today to get started!