Municipal permitting reference
How building permits work in New York City
NYC building permits are issued by the Department of Buildings (DOB) under the NYC Construction Codes. Many projects require multiple work permits, professional certification, and Special Inspections.
- Responsible authority
- NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
- Indicative planning range
- Alteration Type 2 (no use change): weeks. New Building / Alt Type 1: 6–18+ months.
Planning orientation only; not a municipal service guarantee.
Typical permitting sequence
- 1
Zoning analysis
NYC Zoning Resolution defines districts (e.g. R6, C4-2, M1-5). Compute FAR, height, setbacks, and use group.
- 2
Hire RDP
A Registered Design Professional (architect or engineer) files the application via DOB NOW: Build.
- 3
PW1 / Schedule A
File primary application with project description, occupancy, FAR, etc.
- 4
Plan examination
Plan examiner reviews for zoning + code. Objections must be cleared.
- 5
Permit issuance
Once approved, contractor pulls work permits per trade.
- 6
Construction & inspections
Special Inspections (TR1) required for many items; sign-offs filed through DOB NOW.
- 7
Letter of Completion / TCO
New construction needs Certificate of Occupancy; alts may close with Letter of Completion.
Common permit categories
- • New Building (NB)
- • Alteration Type 1 / 2 / 3
- • Demolition
- • Plumbing
- • Sprinkler
- • Sign
Local considerations
- • Landmark buildings need LPC approval before DOB will issue.
- • DOB Now: Build is mandatory for almost all new filings.
Primary municipal reference
Use the municipality's site for authoritative forms, fees, current service standards, codes, portal access, and project-specific requirements.
Open the official New York City permit resourceAnalyze actual permit activity
Compare this process overview with current municipality-reported filing counts, permit types, maps, neighborhoods, and address history.
View New York City, NY permit statistics