Use the Correct Bronx DOB Office, Choose BIS or DOB NOW and Reach the Right Inspection Unit
The Bronx Borough Office is now at 1775 Grand Concourse—not the old Arthur Avenue location shown on many directory pages. Most permit, inspection, payment, violation and record tasks begin online, while the borough office helps with property records, Certificate of Occupancy questions, plan-exam issues and Bronx-specific enforcement or inspection matters.
This guide shows what to do online, what requires a licensed professional, when an office visit helps, which Bronx phone number to call and how to avoid searching only one of NYC’s two building-history systems.
Choose the Bronx DOB Task You Need
Bronx DOB Route Finder
Select the problem that most closely matches your situation.
Bronx Borough Office Address, Phone Numbers and Hours
Use the Borough Office Only When the Task Actually Needs It
Task |
Best starting point |
When the Bronx office helps |
|---|---|---|
Search permits, jobs or violations |
BIS + DOB NOW Public Portal |
Records cannot be found or property history needs explanation |
File a construction application |
DOB NOW: Build |
Specialized manual plan-exam, determination or emergency appointment |
Request an inspection |
DOB NOW: Inspections |
Bronx development-inspection unit has a project-specific question |
Obtain old plans or microfilm |
DOB NOW: BIS Options request |
Pick up records only after DOB sends availability notice |
Certificate of Occupancy question |
BIS / DOB NOW CO search |
No CO found, LNO question or unresolved borough file issue |
File an unsafe-condition complaint |
NYC 311 |
Do not substitute a borough-office call for an official complaint |
Certificate of Correction |
DOB NOW: Safety / BIS Options |
AEU assistance is generally centralized in Manhattan, including After Hours |
General homeowner question |
Buildings After Hours |
First and third Tuesday, 4:00 PM–7:00 PM |
Search Both BIS and DOB NOW Before Drawing a Conclusion
Use the Buildings Information System for older history
- Property Profile Overview
- Older job applications
- Permits created before DOB NOW
- Complaints
- DOB violations
- OATH/ECB summons history
- Occupancy information
- Licensed-tradesperson directory
Use the DOB NOW Public Portal for newer filings
- DOB NOW applications
- Newer permits and work types
- Certificates of Occupancy
- Compliance filings
- Civil penalties shown in profiles
- Tenant Protection Plans
- Newer DOB NOW violations
- Current filing status
Search the exact address in BIS → note the BIN, block and lot → review Jobs/Filings, Actions, Complaints and Violations → search the same identifiers in the DOB NOW Public Portal.
Match the Bronx Project to the Correct DOB Route
Project or issue |
Likely route |
Who normally files or acts |
|---|---|---|
Painting, plastering, cabinetry or limited ordinary repair |
Check permit exemption first |
Owner or contractor; other codes and licensed-trade rules still apply |
Apartment or house renovation |
Alteration filing |
Registered Architect/Professional Engineer plus licensed contractor where required |
Change of use, occupancy or egress |
Alteration-CO |
Registered Design Professional and licensed permit holder |
New building or major enlargement |
New Building filing |
Registered Design Professional, licensed contractor and required inspection agencies |
Limited plumbing, gas or fire-suppression work |
Limited Alteration Application |
Licensed Master Plumber or Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor |
Electrical installation or alteration |
Electrical filing |
NYC-licensed electrical contractor |
Full building demolition |
Full Demolition filing |
Design professional, licensed contractor and construction-safety participants |
Public assembly space |
Place of Assembly filing |
Registered Design Professional and responsible operator/owner |
Night, early-morning or weekend construction |
After Hours Variance |
Permit holder submits request through DOB NOW |
Renovation in an occupied multiple dwelling |
Permit + Tenant Protection Plan |
Owner, design professional and contractor share defined responsibilities |
How a Bronx Construction Filing Moves From Plans to Permit
Research the building before designing the project
Review the Certificate of Occupancy, zoning, open jobs, violations, complaints, landmark status and prior filings in BIS and DOB NOW.
Confirm the current legal use and proposed scope
A project that changes occupancy, use, egress, floor area or the number of dwelling units follows a different route from a renovation that does not affect the Certificate of Occupancy.
Hire the correct applicant and permit holder
The Applicant of Record is commonly a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer. Plumbing, electrical, fire suppression and other work require the appropriate NYC licensee.
Create the DOB NOW filing and add all stakeholders
The owner, design professional, filing representative, contractor, special inspectors and progress inspectors must use the correct NYC.ID-connected accounts and roles.
Upload coordinated plans and supporting documents
The drawings, zoning analysis, energy documents, Tenant Protection Plan, special-inspection statements and work types must tell the same story.
Clear plan-exam objections and required agency items
Review objections by discipline, revise the correct sheets and submit a clear response. Fire alarm work also requires FDNY plan approval and later as-built approval.
Complete payment and permit issuance
The associated permittee completes the permit request, required insurance and licensing checks, payments and any pre-permit conditions.
Complete inspections, required certifications and sign-off
Development inspections, special inspections, progress inspections, trade sign-offs and final DOB actions must be completed before the job is closed or a final Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
What to Collect Before the Architect or Contractor Files
Property history
- BIN, block and lot
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Open jobs and permits
- Complaints and violations
- Prior plans or records
- Zoning district
Project team
- Owner information
- Registered Architect or PE
- General contractor
- Licensed trade contractors
- Special inspectors
- Filing representative if used
Project documents
- Existing-condition plans
- Proposed plans
- Zoning analysis
- Energy analysis
- Tenant Protection Plan
- Special-inspection requirements
Reach the Correct Bronx Inspection Unit
Inspection issue |
Bronx contact |
Use this unit for |
|---|---|---|
Construction Development |
Inspections of active permitted development and plan-compliance questions |
|
Construction Enforcement |
Illegal construction, structural stability, building-use complaints and enforcement follow-up |
|
Electrical Development |
Permitted electrical-installation inspection questions |
|
Plumbing Development |
Plumbing, gas and mechanical development-inspection questions |
|
Unsafe condition or public complaint |
Call 311 |
Create an official complaint record for illegal or unsafe work |
Construction Safety Enforcement / SWO |
Central construction-safety violations and Stop Work Order questions |
Schedule through DOB NOW: Inspections
Use the owner email shown in Section 26 of the PW1 when registering as the owner. Select the exact permit and required inspection type.
Confirm which inspection authority applies
Some inspections are performed by DOB, while others are completed by approved special inspectors, progress inspectors, licensed professionals or FDNY.
Keep approved documents and safe access available
Have the permit, approved plans, required logs, test reports and prior objections ready. Do not conceal work that must be inspected.
Read every objection before requesting reinspection
Some eligible inspection objections may be certified electronically. Others require a physical reinspection or corrected filing.
Verify all sign-offs—not only the last field visit
Check construction, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, boiler, elevator, special-inspection and Certificate of Occupancy requirements before calling the job complete.
Request Bronx Building Records Before Going to the Record Room
Find the best search identifier
Use BIS to locate the block, lot, BIS job number or pre-BIS application number. Use the DOB NOW Public Portal for a DOB NOW job number.
Log in to DOB NOW and select BIS Options
An active eFiling/NYC.ID-connected account is required to create a Record Request.
Select the exact record type
Depending on the identifier, DOB may allow a request for folders, plans, microfilm, docket books or reels.
Submit and monitor email
The official DOB guide says an initial status email is sent after submission and another email is sent when records are available.
Pick up records promptly
The current linked record-request guide instructs requestors to collect available records at the borough office within two business days after the availability email.
Folder
Can contain older new-building and alteration applications, specifications, ownership information, drawings and plans.
Microfilm
May contain earlier documents from a property folder before electronic uploads became standard.
Docket book
Contains older property transactions but does not substitute for architectural drawings or plans.
Certificate of Occupancy, Temporary CO or Letter of No Objection?
Certificate of Occupancy
Documents the permitted use, occupancy, exits and other legal conditions of the building. A new building or major alteration must obtain the required CO before legal occupancy.
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
Allows occupancy for an approved limited period while specified remaining work or requirements are completed. Monitor the expiration date.
Letter of No Objection
May confirm legal use for certain older buildings where a Certificate of Occupancy was not required. It is not a substitute for a CO when a CO is legally required.
Search BIS and DOB NOW for an existing CO
Do not submit a new request until you have checked the property profile and DOB NOW records.
Compare the document to the actual use
Check dwelling-unit count, commercial use, occupancy group, floors, exits and special conditions.
Call the Bronx CO unit when the record is unclear
Contact 718-960-4740 with the address, BIN, block/lot and job numbers.
Use the correct LNO or CO process
A change in use, occupancy or egress may require an Alteration-CO filing rather than a simple Letter of No Objection request.
“I searched BIS and DOB NOW for [address, BIN and block/lot]. I found [document/job number or no CO]. Can you confirm whether the legal use is established, whether a Letter of No Objection may apply or whether an Alteration-CO filing is required?”
Identify the Enforcement Record Before Trying to Correct It
Record type |
What it means |
Correct next action |
|---|---|---|
DOB violation |
An administrative DOB enforcement record placed against the property |
Search details, correct the condition and complete the stated dismissal process |
OATH/ECB summons |
A summons with an OATH hearing and possible penalties |
Address the hearing/default and separately prove correction when required |
Class 1 immediately hazardous summons |
A hazardous condition requiring immediate correction |
Correct immediately and submit an acceptable Certificate of Correction |
Work Without a Permit |
Required permit was not obtained before work |
Stop affected work, legalize or remove it and resolve separate DOB civil penalties |
Stop Work Order |
DOB has ordered covered work to stop |
Do not resume until every condition is cleared and DOB formally rescinds the applicable order |
Complaint |
A reported condition awaiting or documenting agency response |
Read the inspection disposition; a complaint is not automatically a violation |
For a property owner
- Search BIS and DOB NOW
- Read the violation description
- Check OATH hearing status
- Identify civil penalties
- Hire required professional/licensee
- Submit correction proof correctly
For a tenant or neighbor
- Use 311 for unsafe work
- Save the complaint number
- Search inspection disposition
- Check posted permits
- Review Tenant Protection Plan notice
- Contact Tenant Advocate when applicable
Extra Protection When Construction Affects Bronx Tenants
Tenant Protection Plan
Each permit application for construction, alteration or partial demolition in an occupied building may require a project-specific Tenant Protection Plan.
Posted notices
Owners must post active permits and applicable Tenant Protection Plan notices and Safe Construction Bill of Rights information.
Office of the Tenant Advocate
Tenants affected by construction in occupied multiple dwellings can contact the DOB Tenant Advocate.
Use Buildings After Hours for the Right Questions
2026 schedule rule
Bronx and other DOB borough offices are open on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 4:00 PM–7:00 PM.
The official 2026 notice lists Election Day, November 3, as closed; the November session is November 17.
Good reasons to attend
- Plan a home renovation
- Understand an open violation
- Research property history
- Learn BIS and DOB NOW
- Discuss plan-exam questions
- Speak with inspection staff
When a Specialized Appointment or Project Advocate Helps
Manual plan-exam appointment
Use the PER11 Manual Appointment and Drop-Off Request for qualifying audits, determinations and emergency appointments.
Project Advocate
Submit a Project Advocate Service Request when a complex project needs coordinated DOB assistance beyond ordinary status questions.
Borough Commissioner issue
Certain objection appeals and formal determinations require the correct plan-exam and borough-commissioner process—not a general walk-in request.
How to Confirm Bronx DOB Fees and Penalties
Cost category |
Where the amount comes from |
What to verify |
|---|---|---|
Job filing and plan examination |
DOB NOW filing type, work type, scope and NYC fee rules |
Initial filing invoice and later amendments |
Permit issuance and renewal |
Permit request, estimated cost, duration and permit status |
Permittee account and insurance/licensing holds |
After Hours Variance |
Approved AHV dates and daily fee |
Approval before paying and performing after-hours work |
Work Without a Permit |
Separate DOB civil penalties plus permit/legalization costs |
Penalty status before submitting Certificate of Correction |
OATH summons |
OATH hearing or default penalty |
Hearing status separately from DOB correction requirements |
Record copies |
Record Room copy service |
Current counter fee and whether certification is needed |
What Common DOB Statuses Mean
Fix Common Bronx DOB Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
You arrived at Arthur Avenue |
Old directory information |
Use 1775 Grand Concourse, 5th Floor |
Permit or violation is missing |
Only BIS or only DOB NOW was searched |
Search both using the address, BIN, block/lot and job number |
Owner cannot submit the full renovation |
Filing requires an RA/PE or licensed trade contractor |
Use DOB’s project requirements to assemble the correct licensed team |
Approved plans exist but work cannot start |
Permit is not issued or a pre-permit condition remains |
Check permit request, insurance, licensing, fees and required documents |
Record Room cannot provide plans immediately |
No advance BIS Options request or availability notice |
Submit the DOB NOW Record Request and wait for email |
Inspection request is unavailable |
Wrong account, work type, permit or inspection system |
Confirm the email, permit and inspection unit tied to the filing |
Violation remains after payment |
Correction proof or DOB civil penalty remains open |
Complete the hearing, corrective work and Certificate of Correction separately |
CO does not match actual use |
Unauthorized conversion or incomplete alteration filing |
Consult an RA/PE about legalization or an Alteration-CO filing |
Tenant cannot find a permit |
Permit is not posted, work is unpermitted or record is in another system |
Search BIS/DOB NOW, document the condition and use 311 when appropriate |
Walk-in visit did not solve a plan-exam issue |
Specialized appointment or assigned examiner is required |
Use PER11, assigned examiner contact or Project Advocate request |
What to Say When Contacting the Bronx Borough Office
“I searched BIS and DOB NOW for [address, BIN and block/lot]. I need help locating [job, plan, CO or violation]. The record number I found is [number].”
“Job [number] shows [status]. Can you identify the exact objection, fee, stakeholder, permit request or document preventing the next action?”
“Permit [number] at [address] requires [inspection type]. Can you confirm the correct inspection unit, prerequisite sign-offs and whether DOB or a special inspector performs it?”
“The current property use is [use], but the record shows [CO/LNO/no document]. Can you confirm whether the borough office can assist or an Alteration-CO filing is required?”
Do Not Consider the Bronx DOB Matter Complete Until These Items Are Confirmed
- Correct Grand Concourse office used
- BIS and DOB NOW both searched
- Existing legal use confirmed
- Correct filing type selected
- RA/PE hired when required
- Licensed contractors verified
- All work types included
- Plan objections cleared
- Permit formally issued
- Permit and notices posted
- Required inspections completed
- Special inspections certified
- Violations and penalties resolved
- Trade permits signed off
- CO, TCO or completion document obtained
- Final property record saved
Bronx DOB Borough Office Map
Bronx DOB Office, Permit, Inspection and Record Resources
Bronx Department of Buildings Borough Office FAQs
What is the current address and phone number for the Bronx DOB office?
The current official address is 1775 Grand Concourse, 5th Floor, Bronx, NY 10453. Customer Service is 718-960-4710. The Certificate of Occupancy unit is 718-960-4740.
Is the Bronx DOB office still at 1932 Arthur Avenue?
No. That is an outdated office address. NYC DOB’s current office-location page lists the Bronx Borough Office at 1775 Grand Concourse, 5th Floor.
What are the Bronx Borough Office hours?
In-person customer service is generally Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Phone lines are open until 4:30 PM. Ticket kiosks stop issuing cashier and record-room transaction tickets at 3:45 PM.
Does every Bronx home renovation require a DOB permit?
Most construction requires DOB approval and permits, but qualifying minor alterations and ordinary repairs may be exempt. Structural, electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, fire-suppression, occupancy and egress work commonly require permits or licensed professionals.
Can a Bronx homeowner file and pull every permit without a contractor?
No. Many applications must be filed by a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer, and permits for construction or trade work must be obtained by the properly licensed contractor or licensee. Limited owner-performed work may be possible, but it must be confirmed for the exact scope.
Should I search BIS or DOB NOW for a Bronx property?
Search both. BIS contains older job applications, permits, complaints, violations and occupancy information. The DOB NOW Public Portal contains newer DOB NOW applications, permits, Certificates of Occupancy and compliance records.
How do I schedule a Bronx DOB inspection?
Use DOB NOW: Inspections for eligible inspection types. For project-specific questions, contact the Bronx Construction Development unit at 718-960-4709, Electrical Development at 718-960-4750 or Plumbing Development at 718-960-4720.
Can I walk into the Bronx Record Room and immediately obtain plans?
Do not rely on same-day retrieval. Submit a Record Request in DOB NOW: BIS Options first. DOB emails the requestor when the material is available for pickup at the borough office.
What should I do when no Certificate of Occupancy is found?
Search BIS and DOB NOW, then call the Bronx Certificate of Occupancy unit at 718-960-4740. Certain older buildings may qualify for a Letter of No Objection, while a changed use or occupancy may require an Alteration-CO filing.
How do I resolve a Bronx DOB violation?
Identify whether it is a DOB violation, OATH summons, civil penalty or Stop Work Order. Correct the condition, address the OATH hearing or default when applicable, pay required penalties and submit the correct Certificate of Correction or dismissal documents.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the New York City Department of Buildings.
This page was rebuilt from NYC DOB’s official office-location page, Bronx inspection-unit contacts, DOB NOW, Buildings Information System guidance, permit requirements, appointment instructions, Certificate of Occupancy resources, violation procedures, record-request guide and 2026 Buildings After Hours schedule.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Office procedures, personnel, portal functions, fees and agency rules can change. Confirm time-sensitive information through NYC DOB before traveling, paying, filing plans, starting work or responding to an enforcement deadline.
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
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