Search, File, Inspect and Close a New York City Building Permit
New York City uses several connected systems—not one universal permit page. New filings are generally handled in DOB NOW, older jobs remain in BIS, electrical development inspections moved to Inspections Plus, and landmark work uses LPC Portico.
This guide helps owners, contractors and design professionals choose the right filing, search both databases, prepare required documents, estimate a common filing fee, schedule inspections and obtain the final Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion.
Choose the Exact NYC Building Permit Task
Search DOB NOW and BIS Before Assuming a Permit Is Missing
DOB NOW Public Portal
Use DOB NOW for applications and transactions submitted through the newer online system.
- Job filings
- Work permits
- Certificate of Occupancy records
- License and registrant records
- Safety and compliance filings
- Current DOB NOW violations
Buildings Information System
Use BIS for older jobs, legacy permits and property records created before the applicable DOB NOW module launched.
- Legacy applications and permits
- Complaints and violations
- Older inspection history
- Property Profile Overview
- Legacy Certificates of Occupancy
- Older license records
Contact the DOB Office for the Property’s Borough
Borough |
Office address |
Customer service |
Certificate of Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|
Bronx |
1775 Grand Concourse, 5th Floor Bronx, NY 10453 |
||
Brooklyn |
345 Adams Street, 3rd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 |
||
Manhattan |
280 Broadway, 1st Floor Customer Service New York, NY 10007 |
||
Queens |
120-55 Queens Boulevard Kew Gardens, NY 11424 |
||
Staten Island |
Borough Hall, 10 Richmond Terrace, 2nd Floor Staten Island, NY 10301 |
Choose the Filing That Matches the Actual Work
Project |
Typical filing |
Important dependency |
|---|---|---|
Entirely new building |
New Building |
Zoning, structural, energy, site safety, utilities, agency approvals and final CO |
Work changing use, egress or occupancy |
Alteration-CO |
New or amended Certificate of Occupancy |
Interior renovation without changing use, egress or occupancy |
Alteration filing |
General construction, structural, mechanical, plumbing and energy work types |
Limited plumbing or fire-suppression repair under the LAA rules |
Limited Alteration Application |
Work cost and scope must remain within the LAA limits |
Electrical wiring, service, fixtures or equipment |
Electrical filing |
DOB-licensed electrical contractor and 2025 NYC Electrical Code |
Plumbing, sprinkler or standpipe work |
Trade filing |
Licensed plumber or fire-suppression contractor |
Complete building demolition |
Full Demolition |
Asbestos, utility disconnects, tenant safeguards and demolition requirements |
Sidewalk shed, supported scaffold or construction fence |
Protection filing |
Site safety, public protection and separate permit duration rules |
Permanent or illuminated sign |
Sign filing |
Zoning, structural attachment and electrical filing |
Work before 7 AM, after 6 PM or on weekends |
After Hours Variance |
Separate AHV approval; a normal work permit does not authorize after-hours work |
Work on a landmark or in a historic district |
LPC permit plus DOB filing |
Landmarks Preservation Commission approval through Portico |
Change to a co-op or condo unit |
DOB filing with board stakeholder |
Board authorization is required in DOB NOW for applicable filings |
Minor Work That May Not Need a DOB Work Permit
Examples DOB identifies as minor work
- Painting
- Plastering
- Installing new cabinets
- Replacing plumbing fixtures in place
- Resurfacing floors
- Non-structural roof repair
Stop and verify when the work includes
- Removing or moving walls
- Structural framing
- New plumbing locations
- Electrical wiring or panels
- Gas piping
- Changing use, egress or occupancy
Move From Project Idea to Issued Work Permit
Research the property first
Search DOB NOW, BIS, the current Certificate of Occupancy, ZoLa, landmark status, complaints, violations and open jobs.
Select a New York State PE or RA when plans are required
Most new buildings, additions, structural alterations and occupancy changes require construction plans filed by a Professional Engineer or Registered Architect.
Create or use an NYC.ID account
DOB NOW: Build requires an NYC.ID login for owners, design professionals, filing representatives, inspectors and contractors participating in the filing.
Build the correct filing structure
Select New Building, Alteration-CO, Alteration or the correct equipment, protection, demolition or trade filing. Add every work type rather than hiding trade work inside a general description.
Upload coordinated plans and required items
Submit drawings, energy analysis, cost affidavit, zoning information, special-inspection documents, owner statements and agency approvals.
Pay filing fees and submit
Use the fee calculated by DOB NOW. Do not rely on a generic minimum copied from an old article.
Resolve plan-exam objections
Read every objection, revise all affected documents and schedule a virtual plan-exam appointment when needed.
Have the licensed contractor pull the work permit
Before issuance, required fees, civil penalties, responsible special-inspection agencies, contractor licenses and insurance must be current.
Post permits and follow approved plans
Keep the permit and required site documents available. File amendments before constructing a material change from the approved plan.
Pass inspections and complete sign-off
Resolve objections, submit required technical reports and obtain the final CO, Temporary CO or Letter of Completion.
Prepare These Items Before Filing
Property and ownership
- Correct property address
- BIN, block and lot
- Current Certificate of Occupancy
- Owner email and legal entity
- Condo or co-op authorization
- Landmark and zoning results
Plans and reports
- Architectural drawings
- Structural drawings
- Site or zoning plan
- Energy analysis
- Cost Affidavit / PW3 data
- Special-inspection statements
Permittees and agencies
- Licensed or registered contractor
- Active liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation
- Disability insurance
- LPC approval when required
- DEP asbestos documentation
Owner, Design Professional and Contractor Responsibilities
Participant |
Main responsibility |
Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
Property owner |
Authorize filing, provide accurate ownership/use information, participate as stakeholder and maintain legal occupancy |
Owning the property automatically allows the owner to pull or perform every permit type |
Professional Engineer or Registered Architect |
Determine filing type, prepare plans, answer objections and coordinate code/zoning compliance |
Plan approval alone authorizes construction |
General Contractor |
Pull the work permit, maintain registration and insurance, supervise permitted construction and request applicable inspections |
A DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license replaces DOB registration |
Licensed electrician |
File electrical work, obtain electrical permit and use the current inspection module |
A general contractor may file electrical work |
Licensed plumber or fire-suppression contractor |
File regulated plumbing, gas, sprinkler or standpipe work |
The architectural filing replaces the trade filing |
Special Inspection Agency |
Perform and certify required special inspections |
DOB’s final inspection replaces every required special inspection |
Estimate a Common DOB Base Filing Fee
This tool estimates selected New Building and 2026 Alteration/Alt-CO-related base filing formulas. The exact DOB NOW filing structure and official invoice control.
Why One NYC Permit Fee Cannot Fit Every Project
New buildings
Base filing fees may be calculated from square footage, building type, floor count and total building size.
Alterations
Fees may use estimated job cost, building category, floor count and whether the filing is initial, subsequent or connected to an Alt-CO.
Separate charges
Record management, permits, renewals, plan examination, equipment, inspections, certificates, AHVs and civil penalties may be separate.
2026 item |
Published amount or rule |
Scope |
|---|---|---|
Permit renewal |
$130 |
DOB NOW work-permit renewal fee |
Record management fee |
$45 |
One-, two- or three-family new building or alteration applications |
Record management fee |
$165 |
Other building types |
Full-demolition record management |
$45 family / $165 other |
New full-demolition filings from February 2, 2026 |
Certificate of Occupancy copy |
$5 per copy |
Department fee rule |
After Hours Variance |
Filing fee plus daily charge |
Work before 7 AM, after 6 PM or on weekends |
Work without permit |
Civil penalties and possible additional fees |
Must be resolved before permit issuance or sign-off |
Use the Correct DOB Inspection Module
Development inspections
DOB NOW inspection tools provide online scheduling, status tracking, notifications and inspection results for applicable development inspections.
Electrical inspections
Beginning June 29, 2026, Electrical Development Inspections are submitted and managed in DOB NOW: Inspections Plus.
Special inspections
Required special and progress inspections are completed by approved agencies and must be certified separately.
Before requesting a DOB inspection
- Work permit is active
- Approved plans are available
- Correct inspection type selected
- Work is ready and accessible
- Required work remains exposed
- Prior objections are corrected
Before final sign-off
- DOB objections resolved
- Trade inspections complete
- Special inspections certified
- Energy progress inspections complete
- Other agency approvals received
- Required items cleared
Use the Correct NYC Code Edition
Construction Codes
2022 NYC Construction Codes
Effective November 7, 2022 for applicable filings.
Energy Code
2025 NYCECC
Enforced for completed applications filed on or after March 30, 2026.
Electrical Code
2025 NYC Electrical Code
DOB NOW electrical requirements launched June 29, 2026.
Existing Building Code
Not yet effective
The new NYC Existing Building Code is scheduled to take effect July 17, 2027.
DOB Approval May Not Be the First Approval
Condition |
Agency or system |
Complete before proceeding |
|---|---|---|
Individual landmark or historic-district property |
Landmarks Preservation Commission |
File through LPC Portico and obtain the applicable landmark permit |
Renovation, alteration or demolition affecting building material |
Department of Environmental Protection |
Certified asbestos investigation and required ACP documentation |
Full demolition |
DEP and DOB |
ACP-5 before demolition sign-off and other demolition prerequisites |
Fire alarm, sprinkler, standpipe or fire-safety systems |
DOB and/or FDNY |
Coordinate trade filings, testing, inspection and final acceptance |
Sidewalk, roadway, curb or public-space work |
NYC Department of Transportation |
Separate street, sidewalk, roadway or revocable-consent approvals may apply |
Restaurant, food or health-regulated use |
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene |
Health approvals remain separate from DOB construction approval |
Loft Law flag |
NYC Loft Board |
Loft Board request, Letter of No Objection or certification before DOB approval |
Condo unit or co-op shareholder filing |
Condo or co-op board stakeholder |
Board representative attestation in DOB NOW for applicable filings |
Use LPC Portico Before Exterior or Landmark-Sensitive Work
Check designation
Use ZoLa and the LPC map to determine whether the building is an individual landmark, interior landmark or inside a historic district.
File through Portico
LPC permit applications are filed and processed online through Portico. LPC no longer accepts permit materials outside the portal.
Coordinate with DOB
An LPC permit does not replace the DOB filing. Both approvals may be required before construction begins.
Complete the DEP Asbestos Step Before Permit Issuance
Alteration work
Within the affected work area, DOB generally requires the applicable asbestos assessment or completion documentation before the work permit may be issued.
Full demolition
An ACP-5 must be submitted before DOB signs off the full-demolition application to confirm asbestos has been removed or properly addressed.
A Normal Work Permit Does Not Authorize Night or Weekend Work
Before 7:00 AM
An approved After Hours Variance is generally required for construction activity.
After 6:00 PM
Do not continue normal construction solely because the building permit remains active.
Saturday or Sunday
Weekend construction generally requires the applicable AHV approval.
Track the Earliest Expiration Date
One-year maximum
A DOB NOW work permit generally expires no later than one year from issuance.
Insurance may shorten it
The permit expires earlier when the permittee’s liability, workers’ compensation or disability insurance expires first.
License may shorten it
The permit may also expire when the permittee’s license or registration expires.
Open the initial work permit
Log in to DOB NOW: Build and locate the permit in the Work Permits dashboard.
Select Renew Work Permit
Use renewal without change when the same permittee and business remain. Use renewal with change when the permit information must be superseded.
Update insurance and license records
Submit updates early enough for DOB Licensing to process them before expiration.
Pay and submit
The published DOB NOW renewal fee is $130. Upload any required document and apply the permit applicant’s electronic signature.
New DOB Rules That Can Stop Permit Issuance
Effective date |
Change |
Practical effect |
|---|---|---|
February 2, 2026 |
New fee calculations for related Alteration/Alt-CO filings |
Construction cost and building category can replace the old flat-fee assumption |
February 2, 2026 |
Condo/co-op board added as stakeholder |
Board representative must authorize applicable unit filings |
February 2, 2026 |
Loft Board requests moved into DOB NOW |
A Loft Law flag can block job and CO approval until resolved |
March 30, 2026 |
2025 NYCECC enforcement begins |
Completed applications filed on or after this date use the new Energy Code |
May 3, 2026 |
Site Safety Training updates |
Updated training content and a one-year card-renewal grace period |
June 29, 2026 |
2025 Electrical Code questions launch |
Electrical filings must answer the updated DOB NOW requirements |
June 29, 2026 |
Inspections Plus launches for electrical development inspections |
Electrical inspections move out of the older inspection module |
July 13, 2026 |
Construction Superintendent limited to one active permit |
DOB NOW will not issue a new permit when the designated superintendent is already assigned to another active permit |
July 27, 2026 |
Local Law 152 transactions move to DOB NOW: Safety |
Use the new module for gas-piping certifications and related requests |
Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion?
Final Certificate of Occupancy
Required for new buildings and major alterations affecting legal use, egress or occupancy.
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
Allows temporary legal occupancy when DOB determines the space is safe but final items remain. TCOs typically expire after 90 days.
Letter of Completion
Issued for minor alterations that do not require a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy.
Request Plans and Historical Files Through DOB NOW: BIS Options
Search DOB NOW and BIS first
Identify the property, job number, filing type and borough before opening a records request.
Submit a BIS Options records request
Requests may be made for folders, plans, microfilm, docket books, reels, index or I-cards and curb-cut cards.
Wait for the availability email
DOB sends an email when the record is available for pickup at the borough office where the property is located.
Bring the correct confirmation
Follow the email instructions and confirm record-room hours before visiting.
What Common DOB NOW Statuses Mean
Fix Common NYC Permit Problems
Problem |
Best next action |
|---|---|
Permit is not visible in BIS |
Search the DOB NOW Public Portal because newer DOB NOW filings do not appear as normal BIS jobs. |
Old job is not visible in DOB NOW |
Search BIS using the address, BIN and job number. |
Owner cannot pull work permit |
Confirm the required licensed or registered contractor and active insurance. |
Filing fee is higher than $130 |
Review the job type, building category, square footage, floor count, estimated cost and separate work types. |
Electrical inspection option is missing |
Use DOB NOW: Inspections Plus for Electrical Development Inspections filed under the new process. |
Plan remains in objections |
Upload a coordinated revision and schedule a plan-exam appointment when clarification is needed. |
Permit cannot be issued |
Check contractor license, insurance, fees, civil penalties, special-inspection agencies and required items. |
Property is landmarked |
Submit the LPC application through Portico and coordinate LPC and DOB approvals. |
Asbestos item blocks the permit |
Contact the Certified Asbestos Investigator or abatement team and submit the applicable DEP documentation. |
Final inspection passed but no completion document |
Check open required items, trade sign-offs, special inspections, fees, violations and other agency approvals. |
Construction occurs at night or on weekends |
Check whether an active After Hours Variance covers the address, date and work. |
Permit expired during construction |
Stop affected work, renew the permit in the system where it was issued and confirm insurance and license status. |
What to Say When Contacting DOB
Permit requirement
“I am planning [exact work] at [borough and address], BIN [number]. Can you confirm whether this needs a New Building, Alteration-CO, Alteration, LAA or trade filing and which other agencies must approve it?”
Open job or permit
“DOB NOW or BIS shows job [number] and permit [number] as [status]. Which objection, required item, contractor document, inspection, payment or agency approval is preventing issuance or final sign-off?”
Do Not Consider the NYC Project Finished Until These Are Complete
- DOB NOW and BIS property history reviewed
- Legal use and Certificate of Occupancy confirmed
- Zoning and landmark status checked
- Correct filing type selected
- PE or RA retained when required
- Asbestos requirement cleared
- Licensed contractors verified
- Work permits issued and active
- Approved plans followed
- DOB and trade inspections passed
- Special and progress inspections certified
- Final CO, TCO or Letter of Completion issued
NYC Department of Buildings Map
Open the Correct NYC Permit Resource
New York City Building Permit Questions
Where do I search for an NYC building permit?
Search the DOB NOW Public Portal for newer filings and BIS for older jobs and permits. Use the property address, BIN, block and lot, job number and permit number when available.
How do I apply for a New York City building permit?
Most applications are filed through DOB NOW: Build. A New York State Professional Engineer or Registered Architect usually prepares and submits plans, resolves objections and obtains approval. A properly licensed or registered contractor then pulls the work permit.
Is the NYC DOB minimum permit fee $130?
No universal $130 minimum applies to every filing. Fees depend on the job type, building category, floor count, square footage, construction cost and transaction. The $130 amount applies to specific transactions, including a standard DOB NOW work-permit renewal.
Can a homeowner pull an NYC work permit?
Owners may participate in DOB NOW filings, but work permits are generally issued to properly licensed or registered contractors with active insurance. Electrical, plumbing and fire-suppression work requires the applicable licensed trade contractor.
What work can be done without a DOB permit?
DOB identifies examples such as painting, plastering, installing cabinets, replacing plumbing fixtures in place, resurfacing floors and non-structural roof repair. Structural, electrical, gas, relocated plumbing and occupancy changes normally require further review.
What construction codes apply in NYC in 2026?
The 2022 NYC Construction Codes remain the current construction-code framework. The 2025 NYC Energy Conservation Code applies to completed applications filed on or after March 30, 2026, and DOB NOW electrical filings use the 2025 NYC Electrical Code requirements beginning June 29, 2026.
How do I schedule an NYC DOB inspection?
Use the applicable DOB NOW inspection module for the permit. Beginning June 29, 2026, Electrical Development Inspections are submitted through DOB NOW: Inspections Plus. Special inspections are completed and certified by approved agencies.
How long is an NYC work permit valid?
A DOB NOW work permit expires on the earliest of the contractor’s insurance expiration, license expiration or one year from issuance. Renew the permit in the system where it was issued before continuing expired work.
Do I need Landmarks approval before a DOB permit?
Work on an individual landmark or a building within a historic district may require an LPC permit through Portico. LPC approval and DOB approval are separate, and both may be required.
How do I close an NYC building permit?
Complete DOB, trade, special and progress inspections; resolve objections and required items; pay outstanding fees; obtain other agency approvals; and secure the applicable final Certificate of Occupancy, Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion.
Official Information Used
Building-Department.org is an independent guide and is not the New York City Department of Buildings.
This page was rebuilt using official NYC Department of Buildings permit, DOB NOW, BIS, borough-office, inspection, licensing, fee, code, Energy Code, Electrical Code, permit-renewal, Certificate of Occupancy, record-request and 2026 service-update resources, together with official Landmarks Preservation Commission and asbestos guidance.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
DOB modules, fees, code applicability, inspection routing, forms and agency requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details in DOB NOW or with the borough office where the property is located before filing, paying 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.