Use the Right NYC DOB System for Permits, Inspections, Violations, Records and Building Closeout
New York City does not use one database for every building task. A newer filing may be in DOB NOW, an older job may be in BIS, complaints remain in BIS, public compliance records may be in DOB NOW: Safety, and inspections use DOB NOW: Inspections or the newer Inspections Plus module.
This action guide shows owners, tenants, contractors, architects, engineers and business operators where to search, which office to contact, how to move a filing through objections and permits, and what must happen before a project is legally complete.
Choose the NYC DOB Task You Need Right Now
Use DOB NOW and BIS Together—They Do Not Show the Same Records
System |
Use it for |
Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
DOB NOW Public Portal |
Newer DOB NOW job filings, permits, CO details, compliance violations, devices, civil penalties and licensees |
It does not display filings that exist only in BIS and does not display 311 complaints |
BIS |
Older permits and applications, complaints, violations, actions, inspections, occupancy information and older CO records |
DOB NOW: Build filings do not appear in BIS |
DOB NOW: Build |
Submitting jobs, uploading documents, paying fees, viewing objections, PAAs, permit requests, renewals, AHVs, LOC and CO requests |
A login and NYC.ID account are required to take filing actions |
DOB NOW: Inspections |
Most construction, plumbing, boiler, elevator, sign, crane, fire-suppression and other inspection requests |
Inspection requests are not accepted by the old portals, phone or in person |
Inspections Plus |
Electrical Development inspections, re-inspections, objections, delegates and cancellations |
As of July 2026, only Electrical Development inspections use this module |
DOB NOW: Safety |
Boiler, elevator, façade, energy, parking-structure, gas-piping and other periodic-compliance filings and violations |
For a complete property violation search, also check BIS |
NYC DOB Phone, Help Form and Customer Service Hours
Contact the DOB Office for the Property’s Borough
Borough |
Customer service office |
Customer service phone |
CO phone |
|---|---|---|---|
Bronx |
1775 Grand Concourse, 5th Floor, Bronx, NY 10453 |
||
Brooklyn |
345 Adams Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 |
||
Manhattan |
280 Broadway, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10007 |
||
Queens |
120-55 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY 11424 |
||
Staten Island |
10 Richmond Terrace, 2nd Floor, Staten Island, NY 10301 |
Which NYC DOB Filing or Permit Path Fits the Project?
Project or task |
Likely filing path |
Important dependency |
|---|---|---|
New building |
New Building filing |
Registered design professional, zoning, energy, structural, utilities, site safety and agency requirements |
Change in use, egress or occupancy |
Alteration-CO |
Schedule of Occupancy and new/amended Certificate of Occupancy path |
Interior renovation without CO change |
Alteration filing |
Tenant protection, asbestos, accessibility, structural and trade work |
Plumbing, sprinkler or standpipe work |
DOB NOW: Build work type |
Licensed contractor, related building filing and required inspection sign-offs |
Electrical work |
Electrical filing in DOB NOW |
Licensed electrician and Inspections Plus for Electrical Development inspection |
Elevator installation or modernization |
Elevator filing |
Elevator permits, tests, inspections and DOB NOW: Safety compliance |
Sidewalk shed, supported scaffold, fence or sign |
Temporary construction equipment / sign |
Permit duration, insurance, removal notification and AHV if work occurs outside normal hours |
Full or partial demolition |
Demolition filing |
Pre-demolition inspection, utility disconnects, safety plans and adjoining-property protection |
Place of Assembly |
PA / TPA filing |
DOB and FDNY requirements; PACO may be required for applicable assembly spaces |
Work before 7 AM, after 6 PM or weekend |
After Hour Variance |
Approved AHV must match the location, dates, hours and work |
Move a NYC Filing From Project Idea to Issued Permit
Research the property in both systems
Check the DOB NOW Property Profile and BIS for active jobs, violations, complaints, occupancy information, landmark or Loft Law flags and prior applications.
Define the work and the correct filing type
Write the scope by floor, use, affected systems and construction operation. Identify whether the work changes use, egress, occupancy, structure, fire protection or energy systems.
Add every required stakeholder
The owner, applicant, contractor and other required parties must be correctly associated. Required stakeholders provide electronic signatures before the permit request is submitted.
Upload coordinated documents and required items
Plans, energy documents, zoning analysis, tenant protection, asbestos, special inspections and agency approvals must describe the same project.
Resolve plan-exam objections
Open every objection, revise the correct drawing or form and resubmit. DOB NOW can be used to schedule a virtual meeting with the plan examiner when needed.
Submit the permit request after job approval
Enter all permit information, obtain electronic signatures, resolve Work Without a Permit civil penalties when applicable and submit the permit request online.
Print the issued permit and protect the approved scope
Associated stakeholders can print the permit in DOB NOW, and anyone can print an available permit from the public portal. Keep required documents posted or available at the site.
Documents and Information to Prepare Before Filing
Property and legal use
- Address, BBL and BIN
- Existing CO or legal-use evidence
- Current occupancy and use
- BIS and DOB NOW property flags
- Zoning district and overlays
- Open jobs and violations
Plans and technical scope
- Architectural drawings
- Structural drawings
- Energy analysis
- Plumbing / mechanical scope
- Fire-protection scope
- Schedule of Occupancy if needed
Project administration
- Owner authorization
- Applicant and contractor details
- License and insurance status
- Construction cost
- Special inspection list
- Agency approvals and required items
What Common NYC DOB Statuses Mean
How to Fix Plan-Review Objections Without Creating More Delays
Use this correction method
- Export or list every open objection.
- Assign each item to the responsible discipline.
- Revise the exact plan, form or calculation.
- Write a direct response with the sheet/detail reference.
- Upload one coordinated revision package.
- Confirm the submission returned to the correct examiner.
Common reasons objections return
- Only part of the objection was answered.
- The response cites a drawing that was not uploaded.
- Architectural and engineering plans conflict.
- The scope, cost and work types do not match.
- Required stakeholder signatures are missing.
- An agency approval or required item remains open.
“Objection 4: Revised. Sheet A-202 now shows the required one-hour corridor separation and door rating. Detail 7/A-501 was added. The life-safety narrative and door schedule were revised to match.”
Request the Correct NYC DOB Inspection and Prepare the Site
Most development inspections
Use DOB NOW: Inspections for construction, plumbing, boilers, elevators, signs, fire suppression, cranes and other supported inspection areas.
Electrical Development inspections
Since June 29, 2026, use the DOB NOW: Inspections Plus module for electrical requests, re-inspections, objections and delegates.
Public inspection results
Search the DOB NOW Public Portal or BIS, depending on the filing. Associated users can also view details inside the filing dashboard.
Before requesting
- Permit is issued and current
- Required documents uploaded
- Plans and permit posted on site
- Correct inspection stage complete
- Work remains visible
- Safe access is available
After an objection or failure
- Read the exact objection
- Identify whether it is certifiable
- Upload permitted proof when allowed
- Request re-inspection only when ready
- Check the final inspection status
- Confirm job and permit sign-off
Do Not Request Final Closeout Until Every Required Discipline Is Ready
Closeout item |
What must be complete |
Common blocker |
|---|---|---|
Construction final |
Work matches approved plans and all construction objections are resolved |
Unapproved field changes or incomplete life-safety work |
Plumbing final |
Required tests, fixtures, connections and related filing sign-off |
Open plumbing permit or failed inspection |
Electrical final |
Electrical inspection is Pass-Final and filing fees are paid |
Open objection, expired license/insurance or unpaid balance |
Elevator final |
Applicable tests, inspection and elevator sign-off |
Open elevator filing or Safety compliance item |
Special inspections |
All required reports submitted by the Special Inspection Agency |
Missing final technical report certification |
Required items |
Final survey, BPP, PW3, agency approvals and other listed items |
One open required item prevents LOC or CO request |
Know the Difference Between CO, TCO, LOC and LNO
Document |
What it proves |
Important rule |
|---|---|---|
Certificate of Occupancy |
Legal use and permitted occupancy after required work, approvals, fees, violations and sign-offs are resolved |
A final CO has no expiration date |
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy |
DOB determined the space is safe to occupy while final items remain |
TCOs typically expire 90 days after issuance and must be renewed or replaced |
Letter of Completion |
Minor alteration work that does not require a new/amended CO has completed closeout |
Permits, final reports, AHVs and required inspections must be complete |
Letter of No Objection |
DOB does not object to the stated legal use of certain pre-1938 buildings that did not require a CO |
Request it from the borough office where the property is located |
Find the Certificate of Occupancy for a Property
Older CO requests
For a CO request before March 1, 2021, search the property in BIS and select View Certificates of Occupancy. Open the available PDF.
Newer CO requests
For a CO request on or after March 1, 2021, search the DOB NOW Property Profile by address and open the Certificate of Occupancy section.
Search and Resolve DOB Violations in the Correct Order
Search BIS and DOB NOW
BIS contains complaints, OATH/ECB information and many DOB violations. DOB NOW Public Portal contains specified compliance violations and newer Safety information.
Identify the violation type and issuing unit
Determine whether the record is a DOB violation, OATH/ECB summons, boiler/elevator/façade compliance issue, Stop Work Order, Vacate Order or complaint.
Correct the physical condition
Permits, licensed contractors, inspections or professional reports may be required before DOB will accept proof of correction.
Submit the correct proof
DOB violations are handled by the issuing unit. OATH/ECB Certificates of Correction are submitted through DOB NOW: BIS Options.
Pay applicable penalties and confirm dismissal
Payment alone does not prove that the violation has been dismissed. Recheck the public record after the issuing unit processes the correction.
Use the Issuing Enforcement Unit—Not a Normal Permit Inquiry
Stop Work Order
Stop the prohibited work, identify the issuing unit, correct the cited condition and request the required enforcement re-inspection.
Vacate Order
Do not reoccupy or remove posted notices without authorization. Use the official Vacate Order rescission process and issuing-unit instructions.
Unsafe condition
Call 911 for immediate danger. Use 311 for non-emergency unsafe construction, illegal work and active site complaints.
Search the Property, Then Request Missing Plans and Folders
Search DOB NOW by address, BBL, BIN or job number
Review newer filings, permits, CO information, compliance violations and civil penalties.
Search BIS for older and complaint records
Review jobs, permits, complaints, violations, inspections, actions and occupancy information.
Use DOB NOW: BIS Options for physical records
Submit a request in advance for folders, plans, microfilm, docket books, reels, index/I-cards or curb-cut cards.
Wait for the pickup notice
DOB emails the requester when records are ready for pickup at the borough office where the property is located.
Use NYC OpenRecords when appropriate
File a FOIL request when the needed document is not available through normal BIS Options or issuing-unit procedures.
Special Checks for Pre-1938 Buildings
No CO may exist
Buildings constructed before 1938 were not always required to have a Certificate of Occupancy unless later alterations changed the use, egress or occupancy.
Legal use still needs evidence
Search old I-cards, BIS jobs, plans and records. When eligible, request a Letter of No Objection from the property’s borough office.
Check the After Hour Variance Before Night or Weekend Work
When an AHV is generally required
Construction work before 7:00 AM, after 6:00 PM or on weekends requires an approved After Hour Variance unless a lawful exception applies.
How the public checks it
Use DOB building data and the After Hours Variance Map to verify whether a project has authorization for the location and time.
Renew Before the Permit Expires
DOB NOW filing
- Open the initial permit filing.
- Select Renew Work Permit.
- Complete the required information.
- Upload supporting documents when required.
- Apply electronic signature and submit.
Current renewal fee
DOB’s permit-renewal instructions list a $130 renewal fee for each work type, except when an exemption or fee deferral applies.
Insurance and license information must remain current.
Check Legal Use Before Leasing or Renovating a NYC Business Space
Question |
Why it matters |
Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
Does the CO allow the proposed use? |
A lease does not authorize a use that conflicts with the legal occupancy |
DOB NOW or BIS CO record and borough CO Unit |
Will occupant load or egress change? |
The project may require Alteration-CO, fire-safety work and occupancy review |
Registered design professional and DOB filing path |
Is a Place of Assembly required? |
A PACO is required for applicable spaces where 75 or more people gather indoors or 200 or more gather outdoors |
DOB Place of Assembly and FDNY requirements |
Are there open violations or jobs? |
They can delay permits, occupancy, financing or final CO |
BIS and DOB NOW Public Portal |
Does the work affect accessibility? |
Entrances, routes, toilet rooms, counters and other features may require upgrades |
Project design professional and plan examiner |
Which Current NYC Codes Should the Project Team Check?
2022 Construction Codes
The NYC Construction Codes include the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas and administrative provisions used for applicable projects.
2025 Electrical Code
The 2025 NYC Electrical Code took full effect on December 21, 2025. DOB NOW electrical filing requirements were updated June 29, 2026.
2025 Energy Code
Enforcement of the 2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code began March 30, 2026 for applicable filings and incomplete energy analyses.
Verify the Applicant, Contractor and License Before Work Starts
Use the DOB NOW license search
Search by last name, business name, license number or construction-superintendent license number. Review active status and associated information.
Match the project documents
- Contract name matches business
- License type fits the work
- Insurance is current
- Permit names the real contractor
- Applicant remains responsible
- Special Inspection Agency is listed
Do Not Use a Generic Percentage-Based NYC Permit Calculator
Why the amount varies
- Job type and work types
- Floor area and construction cost
- Plan examination and permit stages
- Electrical, plumbing, elevator or other filings
- Civil penalties and Work Without a Permit issues
- Renewals, AHVs, CO/TCO and compliance filings
Reliable fee sequence
- Create the correct filing.
- Report accurate cost and work types.
- Review the DOB NOW fee summary.
- Resolve penalties separately.
- Pay the filing, permit or inspection-stage balance.
- Save every receipt.
Fix Common NYC DOB Search, Filing and Closeout Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
No filing appears in DOB NOW |
It may be a BIS filing, pre-filing draft or address/BIN mismatch |
Search BIS, BBL and BIN; associated users should search inside DOB NOW |
BIS shows nothing recent |
The filing was created in DOB NOW: Build |
Search the DOB NOW Public Portal or Open Data |
Public Portal shows no plans |
Plans are not viewable through the public portal |
Request records through DOB NOW: BIS Options |
Job is approved but no permit |
Permit request, signatures, insurance, penalties or permit review remain open |
Open the permit request and check every stakeholder and objection |
Inspection cannot be requested |
Wrong module, unpaid balance, missing document, expired license or permit issue |
Use Inspections Plus for electrical and verify fees, documents and credentials |
LOC request is unavailable |
Job not in Permit Entire status or required items/permits/AHVs remain open |
Complete PW3, reports, inspections, sign-offs and documents |
CO cannot be issued |
Open applications, violations, inspection sign-offs or Schedule of Occupancy issue |
Use the CO checklist and contact the borough CO Unit |
Violation payment made but record remains open |
The physical correction or proof was not accepted |
Contact the issuing unit and confirm correction/dismissal processing |
Pre-1938 building has no CO |
A CO may not have been required at original construction |
Research I-cards and request an LNO when eligible |
What to Say When You Contact NYC DOB
“I am researching [address], BBL [number], BIN [number]. I checked both DOB NOW and BIS. I need [plans/CO/violation/job folder]. Which system or borough unit holds the record?”
“Job [number] is approved, but permit [number/work type] is not issued. Which signature, insurance item, penalty, objection or permit requirement remains open?”
“For job [number] at [address], which construction, plumbing, electrical, elevator, survey, BPP, PW3, violation or Schedule of Occupancy item is blocking the CO?”
“Violation [number] was issued by [unit]. The physical condition was corrected on [date]. Which form, inspection, proof and penalty payment are required for dismissal?”
Do Not Treat the NYC Project as Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- Property and legal use confirmed
- Correct filing and work types used
- All DOB objections resolved
- Required agency approvals completed
- Permit issued before work
- Required permit and plans posted
- Field changes approved or documented
- Special inspections completed
- Construction final passed
- Plumbing final passed
- Electrical final passed
- Elevator final passed when applicable
- Open required items cleared
- Applicable violations resolved
- LOC, CO or TCO issued as required
- Public record rechecked and saved
NYC DOB Manhattan Borough Office and Customer Service Map
Open the Correct NYC DOB Tool or Guide
NYC Department of Buildings FAQs
Should I search DOB NOW or BIS for an NYC property?
Search both. DOB NOW Public Portal contains newer DOB NOW filings and specified compliance records. BIS contains older filings, complaints, many DOB and OATH/ECB violations, actions, inspections and occupancy information. The two systems do not display identical records.
Where do I apply for an NYC building permit?
Most current job filings and permit requests are submitted through DOB NOW: Build. Create an NYC.ID account, add required stakeholders, upload documents, resolve objections and submit the online permit request after the job filing is approved.
What are NYC DOB customer service hours?
Borough-office in-person and drop-off customer service hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Phone lines are open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Ticket kiosks stop issuing cashier and record-room tickets at 3:45 PM.
How do I schedule an NYC DOB inspection?
Use DOB NOW: Inspections for most development inspections. Since June 29, 2026, Electrical Development inspections use DOB NOW: Inspections Plus. Inspection requests are not accepted through the old portals, by phone or in person.
Why is my NYC job approved but the permit is not issued?
Job approval and permit issuance are separate. The permit request may still need required information, electronic signatures, current license or insurance details, resolution of permit objections, payment or Work Without a Permit civil-penalty clearance.
How do I find a Certificate of Occupancy?
For CO requests before March 1, 2021, search BIS and select View Certificates of Occupancy. For requests on or after March 1, 2021, search the DOB NOW Property Profile and open the Certificate of Occupancy section.
What is the difference between a CO and a Letter of Completion?
A Certificate of Occupancy states the legal use and permitted occupancy and is required for new buildings and certain major changes. A Letter of Completion may close minor alteration work that does not require a new or amended CO.
How do I remove a DOB violation?
Correct the condition, provide acceptable proof to the issuing unit and pay applicable civil penalties. Payment alone does not dismiss the violation. Recheck the public record after DOB processes the correction.
How do I request old NYC building plans?
Submit a record request through DOB NOW: BIS Options for folders, plans, microfilm, docket books, reels, I-cards or curb-cut cards. DOB will email you when the material is ready for pickup at the property’s borough office.
What if a pre-1938 building has no Certificate of Occupancy?
Some pre-1938 buildings were not required to have a CO unless later work changed the use, egress or occupancy. Research BIS, I-cards and other records. When eligible, request a Letter of No Objection from the property’s borough office.
Official Information Used for This Page
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the New York City Department of Buildings.
This page was rebuilt using official NYC DOB resources for DOB NOW, BIS, inspections, Inspections Plus, office locations, building data, violations, permit applications, CO/TCO, LOC/LNO, permit renewals, current codes and 2026 service updates.
Last verified: July 22, 2026.
Portal modules, staff, office locations, fees, code requirements and filing procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements through NYC DOB before filing, paying, visiting an office or beginning work.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.