DOB NOW: Build Frequently Asked Questions - Buildings

Buildings


Design ProfessionalsConstruction ProfessionalsLicensingbuilding UP

Permits & Plan Exam
After Hour Variances
Obtain CO
Required Items
Using DOB NOW
Using eFiling
Using BIS
Inspections & Violations
Industry Code of Conduct

Permits & Plan Exam

After Hour Variances

Obtain CO

Required Items

Using DOB NOW

Using eFiling

Using BIS

Inspections & Violations

Industry Code of Conduct


DOB NOW: Build Frequently Asked Questions

View questions related to:

Account Management

Appointments

Boiler Equipment

Boiler Removal Notification (OP49)

Certificate of Occupancy

Civil Penalty Review Request

Concrete

Cranes

Determinations & Second Review of Objection

Earthwork

Electrical Energy Storage Equipment, Green Roof, Solar

Electrical Filings

Elevator Filings

Emergency Work Notifications (EWNs)

Energy Review

Foundation

Full Demolition

General Construction

Letter of Completion

Limited Alteration Applications (LAAs)

Mechanical Systems

New Building and Alteration-CO

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Payment

Permits

Place of Assembly (PA) / Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) Filings

Plan Examiner Meetings

Plans/Work (PW1)

Plumbing, Sprinkler, Standpipe

Post Approval Amendments

Protection & Mechanical Methods

Registering for an Account

Required Documents

Roles & Responsibilities: Owner

Roles & Responsibilities: Professional

Search for Filings

Schedule of Occupancy

Site Safety Plans

Submission

Subsequent Filings

Supersede and Withdrawal

Support of Excavation

Temporary BINs (TBINs)

Tenant Protection Plans

Work Without Permit Review

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Click a topic, or press the enter key on a topic, to reveal its answer.

Registering for an Account

How do I create an account for DOB NOW?

An NYC.ID account Is required to access DOB NOW. Go to nyc.gov/dobnow and select create account. You will be redirected to the NYC.ID registration page. Use the email address and password you want associated with all your filings in DOB NOW. After an NYC.ID account is created, log into DOB NOW and create a profile as a non-licensee or licensee. See nyc.gov/dobnowtips for more resources and the NYC.ID New Users Guide (Non-Licensees) for step-by-step instructions.

Is NYC.ID the same as IDNYC?

No. NYC.ID is a single sign-on account for all online services and is part of the MyCity initiative. IDNYC is a government-issued photo ID card. Starting June 2024, all DOB NOW users will require an NYC.ID to login.

How do I know if I already have an NYC.ID?

Log into DOB NOW at nyc.gov/dobnow. If you don’t have an NYC.ID it will automatically take you to the page to create an NYC.ID account. If you have an NYC.ID it will take you to the NYC.ID login page and you can select forgot password, if needed.

I am trying to register for NYC.ID but I got the error message that my email is already in use.

There is already an NYC.ID account with your email address. Go to nyc.gov/dobnow. Enter your email address and select Login. It will take you to the NYC.ID login page. From this page select Forgot Password at the bottom. Reset your password and then go back to the DOB NOW page to login.

I forgot my NYC.ID password, how can I reset it?

To reset your NYC.ID password, enter your email address on the DOB NOW login page and select Login to be taken to the NYC.ID login page. On the NYC.ID page, select forgot password.

Is it ok if my password is different from the one I used in DOB NOW?

Yes, you are creating a new account for NYC.ID and the password is specifically for NYC.ID.

If I am already registered in eFiling, do I need to register again for DOB NOW?

Yes. An NYC.ID account is required to access DOB NOW. Login to DOB NOW using your eFiling username and password, you will be redirected to the NYC.ID registration page. Create an NYC.ID account using the same eFiling email address. Once an NYC.ID account is created, login to DOB NOW. If you’ve never logged into DOB NOW, you will need to create a profile as a non-licensee or licensee. If you already have a DOB NOW account, you will be directed to the Dashboard, no further action is required. See nyc.gov/dobnowtips for more resources and the NYC.ID Returning Users Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Do I need to create an NYC.ID to register with eFiling?

No, create an eFiling account to continue the following transactions in eFiling:

All filings submitted before September 3, 2019, that were filed in BIS and are still in process.

New Building (NB) Applications for Affordable Housing (All other NB filings must be submitted in DOB NOW)

Alteration Type 1 (Alt-1) Applications for Affordable Housing

Fee deferred filings

Alt-1 no work (All other Alt-CO job filings must be submitted in DOB NOW.)

BIS job related fees: PAA Fees, Records Management Fees, Benchmark Violation Penalty Payment, Filing Fee Balances and AEU Hazardous Violation Penalty Payment.

If I already have a DOB NOW: Licensing account, do I need to register again for DOB NOW?

Yes. An NYC.ID account is required to access DOB NOW. Log into DOB NOW using the email associated with your DOB NOW account. You will be redirected to the NYC.ID registration page. Once an NYC.ID account is created, log into DOB NOW to access the Dashboard, no further action is required. See nyc.gov/dobnowtips for more resources and the NYC.ID Returning Users Guide for step-by-step instructions.

If I am already registered in DOB NOW: Inspections do I need to register again to access DOB NOW: Build?

DOB NOW: Inspections uses a different account management system. You will need to create an NYC.ID to access DOB NOW: Build.

Do I need an NYC.ID to use DOB NOW: Inspections?

No, there is no change to the DOB NOW: Inspections login process. However, if you are a new licensee who was approved in DOB NOW: BIS Options or a new Registered Architect, Professional Engineer or Registered Landscape Architect, you will also need to create an eFiling account so that you can obtain a PIN for use in DOB NOW: Inspections. Before you upload the authentication form as part of creating a profile in DOB NOW: Build, create an eFiling account. You will be authenticated for use in DOB NOW and eFiling at the same time. Once authenticated you will receive an email with your PIN for use in DOB NOW: Inspections.

Can I keep the NYC.ID I have and transfer all my DOB filings?

If your NYC.ID account was created with the same email address associated with all of your filings in DOB NOW, all records will be reflected on your dashboard when logged in. No action is required.

If your NYC.ID account was created with a different email address, you may change the email address in your NYC.ID account to the one associated with your DOB NOW filings or create a new NYC.ID with the email associated with your DOB NOW filings. You can have more than one NYC.ID account.

To make updates to your NYC.ID account, log into DOB NOW and select Manage/Associate Licenses from the person icon in the top right corner. Click on the link in the text: update your NYC.ID account. Log into NYC.ID and select the Email tab to update your email address. If an error screen appears when you log into NYC.ID, select Profile from the top menu bar. Click on the link in the email sent from NYC.ID to confirm your new email address. Then log into DOB NOW for the change to be reflected in your filings.

I already have an NYC.ID account for use in the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission’s Portico permitting portal. Do I need to create another NYC.ID account?

If your NYC.ID account was created with the same email address associated with all your filings in DOB NOW, all records will be reflected on your DOB NOW dashboard when you log in. No action is required.

I created my NYC.ID account with a different email address. Should I change the email address associated with my account in eFiling so I don’t lose access to my filings in DOB NOW?

No, if you change the email address in your eFiling account you will lose access to all your records in DOB NOW. Create your NYC.ID with the email address associated with your eFiling account. Then log into DOB NOW to maintain access to your records. Then you can change your email address in NYC.ID and all your filings in DOB NOW will update to the new email address the next time you login.

I created my NYC.ID with a username and not an email address, can I still log into DOB NOW?

Update the username in NYC.ID to your email address by going to mycity.nyc.gov and selecting Login from the top menu. Once your NYC.ID account is updated with an email address, use that email address to log into DOB NOW.

Who needs to create an NYC.ID account to use DOB NOW?

Owners, Filing Representatives, Professional Engineers, Registered Architects, Licensed Contractors, Special Inspectors, and Progress Inspectors all must create an NYC.ID account to use DOB NOW to review and submit jobs, permits and requests.

I created my NYC.ID but did not click on the link in the activate email. How can I get the email resent to me?

Enter your email address on the DOB NOW login page to be redirected to NYC.ID. Log into NYC.ID and it will take you to the page to request to have the email resent.

When I clicked on the email to activate my account and selected Continue, I am taken to a page that says server not found.

If you click the email on a mobile device, you will need to manually go to the DOB NOW homepage at nyc.gov/dobnow to finish registration.

Can I add a secondary email address to my DOB NOW account?

A separate account is required for each email address. Create an NYC.ID account for your primary account and then create a new NYC.ID account for your secondary email address. You will be able to access all DOB NOW filings associated with the email address you are logged in with.

How do I create an NYC.ID account if I have a primary and secondary email address associated with my eFiling account?

A separate account is required for each email address. Create an NYC.ID account for your primary account and then create a new NYC.ID account for your secondary email address. You will be able to access all DOB NOW filings associated with the email address you are logged in with.

Account Management

How do I associate a license to my DOB NOW profile?

Once your account is set up, you will be able to login to DOB NOW and start your tasks. To update your associated license(s), hover over the dropdown arrow next to the person icon in the top right corner of the DOB NOW screen. Select Manage/Associate Licenses. Existing Licenses associated with the login will be listed at the bottom of the Account Details page. Additional Licenses may be linked by clicking +Associate License. See the DOB NOW Account Management presentation or the NYC.ID Returning Users Guide for step-by-step instructions.

How do I add an additional business name to my DOB NOW account?

One business name can be associated to a DOB NOW profile for most users, but Professional Engineers, Registered Architects, and Registered Landscape Architects can associate multiple businesses to their profile. For PE/RA/RLA licensees only, to add a new business, select Manage/Associate Licenses from the person icon in the upper right corner of the screen to go to the Account Details page and click on +New Business next to the associated license.

Can I have more than one business name associated with my account?

State licensees (Registered Architects, Professional Engineers and Registered Landscape Architects) can have multiple business names associated with their account. Log into DOB NOW and select Manage/Associate Licenses from the person icon in the top right corner. Select +New Business.

Can I have more than one address associated with my account?

State licensees (Registered Architects, Professional Engineers and Registered Landscape Architects) can have multiple addresses associated with their account. Log into DOB NOW and select Manage/Associate Licenses from the person icon in the top right corner. Select +New Business. This functionality is currently not available for owners.

If an owner has more than one address, separate email addresses and NYC.ID accounts are required.

While you can only enter one address in the DOB NOW profile, one email address can be used to associate an owner to multiple properties so that when you log into DOB NOW with the one email address you will see all filings you are associated with. The address information that is entered when a DOB NOW profile is created populates in a filing, but the system does not use that information to associate you to filings.

I entered my address in my DOB NOW profile but when I log into DOB NOW I do not see all of the filings associated with my address.

The filings listed on your DOB NOW dashboard are associated to your email address, not the property address. When a filing is created in DOB NOW, the licensed professional manually enters the email address provided by the owner in the stakeholder section to associate that person to the filing. When you log into DOB NOW, you are only seeing filings where you have been manually entered as a stakeholder on the filing. The address information that is entered when a DOB NOW profile is created populates in a filing, but the system does not use that information to associate you to filings.

How do I change the Address or Business Name on my account?

Log into DOB NOW and select Manage/Associate Licenses from the person icon in the top right corner. Click on Edit next to the Address Information field. The address change will only show on filings where your role is not a DOB licensee or registrant. If you are a state licensee (Registered Architect, Professional Engineer or Registered Landscape Architect), select +New Business and enter a new business with the same name to provide a new address.

If you have a DOB license or registration associated with your account, follow the directions provided by the Licensing Unit for your License Type. For welder, journeyman, elevator agency licensees, log into DOB NOW: Licensing and submit a Change Address request. Once the Licensing Unit has updated the new address information, it will populate in DOB NOW the next time you log in on filings associated with your license/registration.

How do I change the name associated with my DOB NOW profile?

To change your name in DOB NOW Account Details, login to DOB NOW and select Manage/Associate Licenses from the person icon in the top right corner. Click on the link in the text: update your NYC.ID account. Login to NYC.ID and select the Name tab to update the information. If an error screen appears when you login to NYC.ID, select Profile from the top menu bar. If you had already logged into DOB NOW with an NYC.ID and then changed your name in NYC.ID, all filings in DOB NOW (new and existing) will update with the new name the next time you login. The name change will only show on filings where your role is not a DOB licensee or registrant.

If you have a DOB license or registration associated with your account, follow the directions provided by the Licensing Unit for your License Type. For welder, journeyman, elevator agency licensees, login to DOB NOW: Licensing and submit a Change name request. Once the Licensing Unit has updated the new name information, it will populate in DOB NOW the next time you log in on filings associated with your license/registration.

When I am prompted to Create Profile when logging into DOB NOW, my first and last name are blank. They are grayed out and I can’t type in the fields. How can I edit these?

The name is populated from your NYC.ID account. Log into your NYC.ID account, select the Name tab, and enter the correct name information. Your DOB NOW profile and all filings in DOB NOW (new and existing) will update with the new name information the next time you log in. The name change will only show on filings where your role is not a DOB licensee or registrant.

If you have a DOB license or registration associated with your account, follow the directions provided by the Licensing Unit for your License Type. For welder, journeyman, elevator agency licensees, log into DOB NOW: Licensing and submit a Change name request. Once the Licensing Unit has updated the new name information, it will populate in DOB NOW the next time you log in on filings associated with your license/registration.

How do I change the email address associated with my DOB NOW account?

If you change the email address before you log into DOB NOW at least once, you will lose access to all your records. Create your NYC.ID with the email address associated with your eFiling account and all your DOB NOW filings. Then log into DOB NOW to maintain access to your records. Then you can change your email address in NYC.ID and all your filings in DOB NOW will update to the new email address the next time you login.

To change your email address in NYC.ID, log into DOB NOW and select Manage/Associate Licenses from the person icon in the top right corner. Click on the link in the text: update your NYC.ID account. Log into NYC.ID and select the Email tab to update your email address. If an error screen appears when you log into NYC.ID, select Profile from the top menu bar. Click on the link in the email sent from NYC.ID to confirm your new email address. Then log into DOB NOW for the change to be reflected in your filings.

How can I deactivate my DOB NOW account?

To deactivate your NYC.ID account (that will deactivate your access to all City websites where you use an NYC.ID, not just DOB NOW) login to DOB NOW and select Manage/Associate Licenses from the person icon in the top right corner. Click on the link in the text: update your NYC.ID account. Login to NYC.ID and select the Deactivate tab. If you want to remove a license from your DOB NOW profile, submit an inquiry at nyc.gov/dobhelp.

I do not have access to the eFiling account associated with my license number. How do I create an account with a new email address?

A notarized request letter is required stating that you would like your eFiling account deleted. The letter must include your first and last name, the email address associated to your eFiling account and, if applicable, your license type and license number. Scan the letter and a copy of your state-issued identification, such as a driver’s license, or DOB ID as one PDF file. Upload the PDF file at nyc.gov/dobhelp. Select Module eFiling Authentication Forms, fill out the required fields and upload the file in the Supporting Information Upload section.

Once the eFiling account is deleted you will then be able to create a new eFiling account with the new email address.

I am using a new email address to login to DOB NOW. Why can’t I see the filings associated with my prior email address?

Your DOB NOW filings are associated with the email address you used at the time the filing was submitted. At this time, there is not a way to see prior filings when you log in with a new email address.

If you need to take action on any filings with your prior email address, a supersede request will need to be submitted for each job.

When entering the General Contractor’s information on the permit, the insurance expiration dates are not updated. Why?

Once the insurance information is updated with the DOB Licensing Unit, the Licensed Contractor will need to log into DOB NOW at least once for the new information to populate when the email address is entered in the permit.

Search for Filings

Are filings in DOB NOW: Build also viewable in BIS?

No. Jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build do not appear in the Buildings Information System (BIS).

Where should I go to see information on jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build?

You can access all information on jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build through the DOB NOW Public Portal or the City’s Open Data Portal.

How can I research all the filings and permits on an address?

Use both DOB NOW and BIS to find building data.

When logged into DOB NOW, how can I search by address?

There is a Search by BIN option. This is more inclusive than searching by address because some buildings have multiple addresses. This search will pull up all filings, even if you are not a stakeholder on the filing. However, an applicant can search by address on their own dashboard and this option is also available on the DOB NOW public portal (without logging in).

How do I find the status of my job in DOB NOW: Build?

You can find the filing status by searching the DOB NOW public portal at www.nyc.gov/dobnow. Search by address and then select BUILD: Job Filings at the bottom of the screen. If you are associated with the job, you can also see the filing status on your dashboard when you log into DOB NOW: Build.

Is there a way to remove completed filings from the dashboard when logged into DOB NOW?

Completed filings cannot be removed from the dashboard but there are many sort options so they can be filtered out. The initial sort on the dashboard is by modified date so completed filings will show at the bottom over time.

Is there functionality for an Application Programming Interface (API) for DOB NOW: Build which will allow Auto-Population from an External Database?

There is currently no API functionality available in DOB NOW: Build.

What is the difference between a filing and a job?

A job is an application submitted for construction work on a property, which can vary from making alterations to a single unit in an existing building or to constructing a new building with many units. Each job contains at least one filing but may contain multiple filings. Once an application is saved, a job number is generated. The job number acts as folder for all filings related to the job. All filings related to the same construction work should have the same job number and then an alphabetic and numeric extension that indicates the filing type and sequence: I-Initial, S-Subsequent, and P-Post Approval Amendment (PAA). Each additional filing on the job is called a subsequent filing and is usually created for a different work type. Each filing requires its own approval and permits. For example:

M00111111-I1 is created with work type General Construction (GC). M00111111 is the job number for all related work on that property. A new applicant needs to do plumbing work on the same property and creates a subsequent filing, M00111111-S1 with work type Plumbing (PL). An electrician also needs to do electrical work on the property and creates a subsequent filing, M00111111-S2 with work type Electrical (EL). Filing M00111111-S1 gets approved and now the applicant of the PL work needs to update the plans on the filing, so he creates a PAA, M00111111-P1.

What payment methods can I use to make my payment?

eCheck, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Venmo may be used to pay on the site. If you pay with a credit or debit card, a 2% fee will be added to your total payment amount. There is no fee if you use an eCheck. A credit card payment is processed immediately but an eCheck payment can take up to 10 business days to be processed.

When an invalid check is submitted in DOB NOW, the job filing is placed on hold and a $20 fee is added to the original fee. A $20 fee will be added for each returned check. Once a hold is placed on a job filing, it will not be lifted until notification is received from the bank that the subsequent payment has cleared, which for a credit card takes 1 business day and for eCheck takes 10 business days from the date of submitting the subsequent payment.

Roles & Responsibilities: Owner

How do I get associated to a job as the owner?

The person who creates the filing (registered design professional, filing representative or owner) enters your email address in the Stakeholders section of the job. Jobs that you are associated with will appear on your dashboard when you log into DOB NOW: Build.

An NYC.ID account Is required to access DOB NOW. Go to nyc.gov/dobnow and select create account. You will be redirected to the NYC.ID registration page. Use the email address and password you want associated with all your filings in DOB NOW. After an NYC.ID account is created, login to DOB NOW and create a profile as a non-licensee or licensee. See nyc.gov/dobnowtips for more resources and the NYC.ID New Users Guide (Non-Licensees) for step-by-step instructions

I entered my address in my DOB NOW profile but when I login to DOB NOW I do not see all of the filings associated with my address.

The filings listed on your DOB NOW dashboard are associated to your email address, not the property address. When a filing is created in DOB NOW, the licensed professional manually enters the email address provided by the owner in the stakeholder section to associate that person to the filing. When you log into DOB NOW, you are only seeing filings where you have been manually entered as a stakeholder on the filing. The address information that is entered when a DOB NOW profile is created populates in a filing, but the system does not use that information to associate you to filings.

I already created an NYC.ID account but when my email address is entered into a DOB NOW filing in the owner’s section, my email address is not recognized.

The owner needs to start at the DOB NOW page at www.nyc.gov/dobnow and enter the email address. This will take you (on June 3 or later) to the NYC.ID login page. Log into NYC.ID and then it will take you to the DOB NOW Create Profile Page. Select No, I do not have a DOB issued license, complete the contact information, and select Submit. The account is not authenticated for use in DOB NOW until the profile information is submitted. Once this step is completed, the owner information will populate when an email address is entered into a DOB NOW filing.

As an owner, what information can I enter and access in DOB NOW: Build?

Owners can review the filing, complete the Owner’s Attestation section on the Statements and Signatures tab and make payments on their jobs. They can also view all documents that are part of their job.

As an owner, how do I sign the required documents and when should I do this?

After you review the filing, you must complete the Owner’s Attestation section on the Statements and Signatures tab. The owner must be logged in with the same email address that was entered in the filing under the Owner Information in the Stakeholders section. Open the job from the dashboard and then select the Statements & Signatures tab. Check the box to attest the filing and then select the Save button at the top of the screen.

Can there be more than one owner listed on the job filing?

Currently, in DOB NOW: Build, a job filing may only have one owner associated.

How do I change the owner on a job filing?

The new owner will need to log in to DOB NOW: Build and submit a supersede request. From the job filings dashboard, select the Supersede option under the Filing Action column and then select Owner. The owner cannot be changed if a Letter of Completion has been issued for the job or if a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.

Can an owner submit a work permit?

On a General Construction (GC) permit only, the owner can be the applicant.

Roles & Responsibilities: Professionals

As a Design Professional, what information can I enter and access in DOB NOW: Build?

Design Professionals can enter, update and view all filing information that they are associated with, and submit completed filings. They can also make payments on jobs that they are associated with. Design Professionals can also overwrite any data entry in the application that was entered by a Licensed Professional except information in the Statements and Signatures tab.

Can a Registered Design Professional submit a work permit?

Registered Architects (RA) or Professional Engineers (PE) can submit a work permit. They are required to enter insurance information and upload a certificate of insurance in the Documents section of the permit application.

How do I see the Plan Examiner’s comments?

Plan Examiners will enter comments on the drawings and upload the marked-up plans. When Design Professionals log into the portal, they can download the marked-up plans. The Plan Examiner will also create Objections on the filing if applicable that can be viewed on the Objections/Appointments tab of the filing.

When do I need to identify the progress/special inspector for Technical Reports?

The Technical Reports do not need to be identified until the permit is created. A job filing can be submitted and approved without identifying the progress/special inspector.

For a Technical Report, I entered the Special Inspector’s agency number and email address but got a message that the license is invalid. The agency is valid, what is the problem?

The Special Inspection Agency has to be approved for that specific Special Inspection type. For a list of the approved Special Inspections for the Special Inspector, look up the SIA using the Skilled Trades Licensees Search in the Buildings Information System.

Where do the Design Professional and Owner provide their authorized electronic signature on the PW2 form?

The Design Professional and Owner attest on the Plans/Work (PW1) section of the filing, not the permit (PW2).

As a Licensed Contractor, what information can I enter and access in DOB NOW: Build?

Licensed Contractors can enter and submit information for work permits (PW2) and After Hour Variance (AHV) permits. They can view all data (PW1, Scope of Work, PW3 and Technical Reports) that is part of the filing. They can also make payments on jobs that they are associated with.

As a Licensed Contractor, will I be able to edit a PW1?

No. The Licensed Contractor cannot enter data into the PW1, Scope of Work, PW3 or Technical Reports.

As a Licensed Contractor, will I be able to pull a permit if my insurance or license is expired?

No, you will receive a notification that the insurance or license has expired and you will be unable to submit the PW2.

How do I sign and seal my filing in DOB NOW: Build?

Design Professionals and Licensed Contractors must electronically sign in DOB NOW: Build. Electronic signatures are completed in the Statements and Signatures tab. In addition, Design Professional and Licensed Contractors must physically sign and seal the Statements and Signatures form and upload the completed document for the associated required item.

How do I provide my signature and seal electronically in DOB NOW: Build?

Design Professionals and Licensed Contractors must upload the completed Design Professional/Licensee Seal and Signature form (DPL-1 Form) with their signature and seal in the required documents section of DOB NOW: Build.

What are the safeguards against someone using my seal and signature in DOB NOW: Build?

Only the Design Professional or Licensed Contractor may upload the completed Design Professional/Licensee Seal and Signature form. This submitted form is then validated to the licensee registration information.

As a Filing Representative, what information can I enter and access in DOB NOW: Build?

Filing Representatives can enter and view all filing information (PW1, Scope of Work, PW3, Technical Reports and PW2) that are part of the filing. They can make payments on jobs that they are associated with. They cannot upload plans or submit filings/permits.

How can a filing representative see what needs to be completed on an application before it is submitted by the applicant?

Filing representatives now have the capability to select the Preview to File button to see what is needed to proceed with the filing.

Can a filing representative submit a work permit?

No, a filing representative can do the data entry of the work permit application but only the applicant of the permit (contractor) can submit it.

When can a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) be the applicant on a job filing?

An RLA can only file Builders Pavement Plan (BPP), Curb Cut (CC), and Earthwork (EA) jobs. BPP is still filed in BIS/eFiling. Curb Cut and Earthwork are filed in DOB NOW: Build. Earthwork includes a Landscape subcategory, which replaces the prior OT/LAN work type in BIS/eFiling. For other work types, DOB NOW limits the license type to only Registered Architect (RA) and Professional Engineer (PE). If RLAs needs to be associated to other work types, they can be added under the Preparer or Delegated Associates sections.

How do I know if the final inspection on a job is to be performed by a Registered Design Professional or the Department of Buildings?

The final inspection requirements for alteration filings are determined by the work type. A registered design professional performs the final inspection (Technical Report-Final) for the individual work types below:

Antenna

Earthwork

Foundation

Green Roof

Mechanical Systems

Solar

Structural

The final inspection for the General Construction (Alteration) work types may be performed by either the Department of Buildings or a registered design professional. The PW1 includes a question in the Filing Includes section to select the final inspection options.

See the February 2020 Service Notice for a list of the final inspection requirements by work type and Buildings Bulletin 2020-011 for more information.

Where can I find information on Technical Reports for Special/Progress Inspections and Energy Code Progress Inspections?

See the Technical Reports Guide for a list of inspections and the applicable work types.

How do I remove the certification on a Technical Report-Final to continue work or file a PAA?

The Progress Inspector can remove certification from the Technical Report Final by logging in, editing the Technical Report and selecting the “Remove Certification” option. This option changes the permit status from Signed Off to Permit Issued and allows a PAA to be created.

Plans/Work (PW1)

What information needs to be entered to save a filing and get a job number?

Complete section 1 (location information) and section 2 (stakeholders) on the PW1. Once those sections are saved, a job number will be created, and you can return to your job to enter the rest of the data.

How often should I save my work when I am completing the filing?

You should save your work often. Do not wait until you have completed the enter filing to save it. If you experience an Internet connectivity issue while completing the filing, you could lose any unsaved work.

Why are some of the fields highlighted in red?

If you attempt to submit a filing without completing all the required fields, the system will highlight the missing required fields in red.

Why are some of the fields grayed out?

Your role as a Design Professional, Licensed Contractor, Owner, or Filing Representative determines what information you can enter. If there are fields grayed out when you open the filing it means the information cannot be changed. Some fields, like BIN, Community Board and Zip Code are grayed out because they will be auto-populated by the system once the filing is Saved.

Where can I find information about the characteristics listed on the Zoning Information tab?

See the DOB NOW Application User Guide for information on each section of the PW1 application. Zoning information is also available on the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP) website.

Can I change my application from new work to legalization?

If the application is in pre-filing status and has not been paid for, the change can be made in the Filing Includes section of the PW1. Once the filing fee is paid, changes cannot be made to the Filing Includes section, which will be greyed out and is not editable. If the application is paid for and in pre-filing or approved status, submit a request to withdraw the filing and then a refund can be requested.

Can I change the address on a filing?

No. Once the address is entered and the filing is saved, an address confirmation is displayed stating that the Location information cannot be changed once Yes is clicked. If changes are required, withdraw the filing and refile.

Submission

Do I need to include all required documents when I submit my filing?

In the Required Documents of a filing, each document has a Prior To designation. Documents that are required Prior to Filing must be uploaded or waiver/deferral requested to submit the filing. Documents that are required Prior to Approval do not need to be uploaded prior to the initial review and may be uploaded later when the filing is in Objections status; however, plan examiners will not be able to approve the filing until the documents are accepted, waived or deferred to a later stage. For Professional Certification Filings, Prior to Filing and Prior to Approval documents must be uploaded or waiver/deferral requested to submit the filing. Some documents can be waived or deferred. See the Waiver and Deferral Document Request List.

What happens if I forget to add a related job number to my DOB NOW: Build filing?

This may slow down the review of the application and/or cause additional objections to be added later. It is recommended that you file a related job as a subsequent job filing whenever possible.

How can I connect my job filed in DOB NOW: Build to an NB or Alt 1 job in BIS?

Enter the associated job number(s) in Section 8 (Additional Information) of the PW1 in DOB NOW: Build. For a job filed in eFiling, note the DOB NOW job number in the comment section on the PW1 (Section 24).

Who can submit a job filing in DOB NOW: Build?

Only a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer may submit a job filing in DOB NOW: Build.

How do I make corrections or changes to my filing?

Corrections can be made on the filing after it has been submitted but

only

before the filing has been assigned to a Plan Examiner or QA Administrator for Review. Select Correction from the Filing Action column on the Job Filings dashboard. Corrections are allowed for filings with status of:

Pending Plan Examiner Assignment

Pending Prof Cert QA Review

If corrections result in additional fees, those fees must be paid before the filing can be resubmitted.
Once the application has been filed, changes can be made except for the following fields below which will be greyed out and are not editable:

Location Information

Applicant Information

Job Filing Review Type

Building Type

Property Owner’s Information

After saving the changes, select the Resubmit button to submit the filing. The filing will not be reviewed by DOB until it is resubmitted.

What's the difference between standard and professional certification filing types?

Standard Plan will be reviewed by DOB plan examiners, Professional certification enables Professional Engineers (PE) and Registered Architects (RA) to certify that the plans they file with the Department are in compliance with all applicable laws.

I need to change my application from professionally certified to standard plan. How can I make this change?

Once the application has been saved, changes cannot be made to the Job Filing Review Type. If the application is in pre-filing status and has not been paid for, it can be deleted and a new application can be created with the correct Job Filing Review Type. If the application is paid for and in pre-filing or approved status, submit a request to withdraw the filing and then a refund can be requested.

I made a mistake with the location and have already saved the application. How can I change the location?

Once the application has been saved, changes cannot be made to the Location Information fields, which will be greyed out and are not editable. Verify all information before saving the application. If the application is in pre-filing status and has not been paid for, it can be deleted and a new application can be created with the correct Job Filing Review Type. If the application is paid for and in pre-filing or approved status, submit a request to withdraw the filing and then a refund can be requested.

How do I resubmit a job when it is in Objections status?

On the Plan/Work (PW1) tab, go to the Objections/Appointments tab and click Edit to see the Objection Details.

In the objections details you will see that the Objection Status is Open. Once you resolve the issue and add Comments, go to the Objection Status dropdown and update the status to Resolved. The status needs to be changed for all open objections.

Then select Update under the Action column and Save the filing.

The applicant needs to again complete the Statements & Signatures section.

After steps 1-4 are completed, the applicant will be able to click on the Re-Submit button on the upper left of the screen.

Click Next to review each page of the job filing, place a check mark in the box to re-apply the electronic signature.

Click on the File button to re-submit the job filing.

My job is in Incomplete status. How do I see the reason and resubmit the filing?

To see the incomplete reason, click on the History button that is located on the main screen of the job filing above the Pay Now button and then select Trace History. Click on Comments to see the incomplete reasons. Once the issue(s) is resolved, the applicant needs to complete the Statements & Signatures tab, click on the Resubmit button on the upper left of the screen, click Next to review each page of the job filing, place a check mark in the box to re-apply the electronic signature and click on the File button to resubmit the job filing.

How can I respond to the Chief Plan Examiner when my job is in Incomplete status?

Enter your response in the Comments section on the Plans/Work (PW1) tab of the filing and Resubmit. The CPE/ACPE will review the Comments once the filing is resubmitted.

How do I resubmit a job that is in QA Failed status?

A QA Failed Reasons tab will appear on the left menu under the Documents tab. Click on the tab to see the detailed failed reasons.

Once the issue(s) is resolved, the applicant needs to again complete the Statements & Signatures tab. If there is a work permit attached to the filing, the contractor will also need to complete the Applicant/Contractor Statement on the Work Permit (PW2).

After steps 1-2 are completed, the applicant will be able to click on the Re-Submit button on the upper left of the screen. click Next to review each page of the job filing, place a check mark in the box to re-apply the electronic signature.

Click on the File button to re-submit the job filing.

I am trying to submit a filing but I get an error message that the BIN is obsolete.

A temporary BIN is required to do work at that address. To request a BIN, contact the topographical bureau at the appropriate Borough President’s office and request confirmation of the address. As part of that process, have the Borough President stamp and sign a PD-1 Plot Diagram form for the work that you plan to do. If you are splitting or merging existing lot numbers, you will need to request a lot merger or apportionment from the Department of Finance. Then submit your forms in DOB NOW: Build along with a brief explanation of the work that you are planning to do. From the DOB NOW dashboard select +Requests and then Temporary BIN. For more information see page 81 of this Training Presentation.

Energy Review

See also NYCECC Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove the requirement for TR8 Energy Code Progress Inspections if the work is an alteration of a state or national historic building (landmark)?

On the NYCECC Compliance section of the application, select the second radio button and then select the last option, Work does not require any TR8 Energy Code Progress Inspections. This option must be selected to remove the TR8 tab from the filing.

Why is a physical EN2 now required when requesting an LOC?

Currently, an EN2 is only required as a document for the GC work type. If it is indicated on the NYCECC tab that a TR8 is required, then an EN2 needs to be uploaded.

EN drawings must be filed with the GC filing; however, the applicants sealing most of the EN sheets are engineers on subsequent filings. Will plan examiners accept EN sheets uploaded with GC drawings sealed by others?

Yes, plan examiners will accept drawings signed and sealed by others.

How do I add the TR8 tab on a job filing?

The option to add TR8 inspections is determined under the NYCECC Energy Compliance section. If No is selected to the question that indicates if the work involves the alteration of an historic building, the TR8 tab will appear on the filing.

Appointments

How do I schedule an appointment for a DOB NOW job?

Appointments for DOB NOW: Build jobs cannot be scheduled in the Appointments system for BIS jobs. After the plan examiner performs the initial review of the job filing in DOB NOW and raises objections, the applicant and owner will receive an email notification and the job will be in Objections status. If the plan examiner has determined that an appointment is required, the applicant can schedule an appointment in the job filing using the Objections/Appointment section of the application.

Who can be added to an appointment request in DOB NOW: Build?

In addition to the applicant, a Class 2 Filing Representative and a registered design professional can be added as Delegated Associates in the Stakeholders section of the filing. The DOB NOW profile of the Class 2 Filing Representative must include the Class 2 license number to be added to a filing as a delegated associate. Once added to the filing, Delegated Associates can be added to an appointment request.

Can Delegated Associates attend an appointment without the applicant?

Yes, an appointment can be attended by Delegates without the applicant.

Can I change the Plan Examiner that I’m scheduled to meet with?

Once a job filing is assigned to a specific plan examiner, that is the plan examiner you will meet with for the duration of the plan examination process.

How do I modify or reschedule my appointment?

If you need to modify or reschedule your appointment, you must notify DOB by cancelling your appointment in the system and creating a new meeting request.

What happens if my Plan Examiner cancels the appointment?

If DOB needs to reschedule the appointment, the initial appointment will be cancelled and an email notification will be sent telling the applicant to create a new meeting request.

Can I schedule more than one appointment for the same job?

You can only schedule one appointment at a time for the same job.

I need an appointment but I don’t have the option to schedule one. Why?

Appointments can only be scheduled by the applicant when a job is in Objections status (not Plan Examiner Review) and if the plan examiner has indicated that a meeting is required. Only one appointment can be completed when the job is in Objections status. If another appointment is needed, the job has to be resubmitted by the applicant and then the plan examiner can review again. The plan examiner can then issue additional objections and can again indicate that a meeting is required.

How do I request an appointment with the plan examiner when my job is in Objections/Disapproved status?

The applicant should make every effort to respond to the first round of objections without an appointment. If there is a second round of objections, plan examiners are advised to require an appointment.

How long are appointments for New Building and Alteration-CO jobs?

Appointments for NB and Alt-CO jobs will be 40 minutes. Appointments for Alteration jobs remain 20 minutes.

Plan Examiner Meeting

How will I meet with the plan examiner?

For jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build, meetings with plan examiners are held online using GoTo Meeting or an option is provided to meet with the plan examiner in-person.

Will the plan examiner reviewing my DOB NOW: Build job also be reviewing my applications for other work types submitted in the borough or through eFiling?

In many cases but not all. To increases chances of all filings related to the same project being reviewed by the same plan examiner, create additional filings as subsequent filings.

Do I need any special software to access the online meeting?

If you don’t already have the GoTo Meeting software, it will download automatically after clicking the GoTo Meeting invitation link. Plan to join the meeting a few minutes early to make sure you have everything you need.

How will the Plan Examiner know that I have responded to any objections?

When you respond to an objection, you will need to resubmit the filing and it will be re-assigned to the plan examiner to review.

Who can schedule and attend meetings with a Plan Examiner?

Design Professionals, Licensees, Class 2 Filing Representatives, and Owners associated with a filing can schedule and attend appointments.

How do I upload new plans for the plan examiner to see during the appointment?

An applicant can upload new plans at any point while the job is in Objections status (before, during, after the appointment). Once the plans are uploaded, select the Save button at the top of the screen for the Plan Examiner to be able to view the document. However, resubmit (which is for the filing as whole), can only be done after any appointments are dispositioned (objections resolved, documents and plans uploaded). Filings remain in Objections status throughout an appointment and until resubmit occurs. (A filing must be in Objections status for an appointment to be scheduled and to occur.)

How do I submit a request to reassign the Plan Examiner on a job in DOB NOW?

To request reassignment, submit a PER11 Form to the appropriate plan exam email address on the form.

Required Documents

How do I request a waiver or deferral of documents?

Check the Document Waiver and Deferral Options to determine if a required document is eligible for a waiver or deferral. If the document can be deferred or waived, from the filing in DOB NOW: Build, go to the Documents section and from the Action field next to the Document name, select Request Deferral or Request Waiver. See How to Submit a Waiver or Deferral Request.

When can I request a waiver or deferral of a Document?

See the Waiver and Deferral Document Request List to determine if a document is eligible for a waiver or deferral. The request can be made at any time in the filing process. The document must be in Required or Rejected status, not Submitted. See the Step-by-Step Guide for more information.

How do I waive the DHCR document?

If data obtained from NYS Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR) indicates the building contains at least one rent-regulated unit, the owner is required in the Owner's Attestation section under Statements and Signatures to select Yes to Question 1 (occupied dwelling units during construction) and Yes to Question 5 (rent controlled or rent stabilized housing). This will remove the DHCR document from the required documents section of the filing. If No is selected to either of these questions, documentation is required to prove that the building will not be occupied during construction or does not contain any occupied rent regulated housing accommodations to proceed with the application.

What should be uploaded for the Lowest Floor Elevation Plan document that is required prior to permit?

A system update is being made to remove the Lowest Floor Elevation Plan as a required document. Lowest Floor Elevation Plan is also a technical report that appears as a requirement on the TR1 tab. Only the technical report should be required. Until the system fix is made, a diagram or letter showing the elevation can be uploaded as a document to proceed.

Where can I access the approved plan set in DOB NOW: Build?

The approved plan set will be located in the Documents tab, under the “Plans” document name. The approved plan set will have an electronic approval stamp at the bottom right corner of the plan set. Only the stakeholders associated with the job will be able to view the Plans.

The job number is not on my plans in DOB NOW: Build. How do I add it?

Plans submitted in DOB NOW: Build are required to include the DOB NOW job number with the extension that indicates initial (I1), amendment (P1) or subsequent (S1) on the lower right corner of each drawing sheet. See the Service Notice for more information.

Are plan sets and required documents associated with jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build published in Open Data?

No, the plan sets and required documents are not available in Open Data. Only data fields entered in the filing are published in Open Data. If you are associated with the filing, you can see the plans and all required documents. If you are not associated with the filing, submit a records request in DOB NOW: BIS Options.

How do I remove the Preliminary Commissioning Report as a required document?

The Preliminary Commissioning Report is triggered by the values entered on the energy submission of the filing, energy scope of work, HVAC-R Heating and Cooling tabs. If it is indicated that the BTU is greater than or equal to 480,000 for cooling equipment or if the BTU is greater than or equal to 600,000 for heating equipment, the commissioning question on the energy submission automatically updates to yes. To remove commissioning, update the BTU values to a lower BTU, which may require submitting a PAA to the energy scope of work by selecting PAA under the filing action of the energy submission.

What do I need to submit as the required waiver document on a supersede request?

If “No” is selected for submitting updated plans or minor plan changes, a question appears to request a waiver to keep existing plans and documents. If “Yes” is selected, a waiver document will appear as a required document. An AI1 can be submitted with a detailed reason for waiver.

Can a document that is required to be submitted prior to approval be deferred to prior to signoff?

If a document is eligible for a deferral, it can be deferred to one Prior to stage at a time. For example, if a document is required Prior to Approval and the deferral is approved, it will change to Prior to Permit. Later, another deferral can be requested for the same document and if that is approved then it will change to Prior to Signoff.

What is the process to submit a Preliminary Commissioning Report in DOB NOW?

To submit a Preliminary Commissioning Report in DOB NOW, send the document to CX@buildings.nyc.gov for review. A link may be requested from the applicant if the file is too large to upload. The plan examiner will stamp the document if accepted and send it back to the applicant. Submit the stamped Preliminary Commissioning Report into DOB NOW.

Permits

What do the terms combined filing and composite permit mean?

A combined filing is one application with more than one work type. There are restrictions on which work types can be combined in a filing. When an application is created, the system will only allow you to select the work types that can be combine filed. Once a combined filing is approved, a composite permit can be created with more than one work type or a permit can be created with just one work type. Once a combined filing or composite permit is created, a work type cannot be withdrawn from the filing nor the permit.

If I pull a composite permit, can I later withdraw one of the work types?

No, a single work type cannot be withdrawn from a composite permit. The work types on a composite permit cannot be changed once it is permitted. The entire permit would need to be withdrawn and then new permits could be created for individual work types. We ask that users take this into consideration when choosing to create a composite permit.

If the job application has multiple work types, do I have to pull a composite permit?

No, it is the applicant’s choice whether to pull a composite or single work type permit. If different contractors are doing the work, then a composite work type cannot be submitted. It should also be considered that once a composite permit is pulled, individual work types cannot be withdrawn from that permit.

If I am filing a professional certification application, can I submit the work permit (PW2) with the application if there is an SSP and/or TPP required?

No. If the work requires a Site Safety Plan (SSP) or Tenant Protection Plan (TTP) the permit (PW2) cannot be submitted with the application (PW1). The permit can only be submitted after the SSP or TTP has been approved.

When is a Demolition Sub-Contractor required on a permit?

The Demolition Sub-Contractor's information is required for General Construction (GC), Foundation (FO), Earthwork (EA) and Support of Excavation (SE) filings when the Additional Considerations, Limitations or Restrictions section on the PW1 indicates that the work includes “demolishing more than 50% of the floor area of the buildings." For Structural (ST) filings, a demolition sub-contractor is required when Partial Demolition is selected in the Structural Scope of Work. A permit may require a Site Safety Plan with or without the Demolition Sub-Contractor information. Demolition sub-contractors are general contractors with demolition endorsements on their registrations. The demolition sub-contractor has to log into DOB NOW to attest before the permit can be submitted.

If a permit is renewed with changes and the filing representative is also changed, will this affect the filing representative information on the PW1?

The filing representative on the filing and on the permit are not linked; changing one will not change the other.

Does the cost of a composite permit differ from the cost of a work permit for a single work type?

Yes. For composite permits, the permit renewal fee of $130 will be charged for each work type.

What is the service level from submitting the permit application to when it is reviewed?

Currently the QA Review process takes 3 business days or less.

How do I resubmit a permit that is in QA Failed status?

Follow these steps to resubmit a permit that is in QA Failed status:

To see the reasons, open the work permit application and go to the QA Failed Reasons tab on the left vertical menu, above the Documents tab.

Once the issue has been resolved, change the QA Failed Status to Resolved and enter any Comments.

The applicant needs to complete the Applicant/Contractor Statement section and then Save the filing.

Click Resubmit at the top of the screen to submit the permit.

How do I print a work permit?

If you are associated with a filing, you can print a permit by logging into DOB NOW: Build and from the Work Permits dashboard, locate the work permit. From the Filing Action field, select Print Work Permit. On the confirm screen, click Yes. The permit can then be printed using your browser’s print option.

If you are not associated with the filing, you can log into DOB NOW: Build and enter the job number into the Search field. From the Filing Action field, select Print Work Permit. The permit can also be printed from the DOB NOW public portal (not logging in) and searching by address. From the BUILD: Job Filings section, double click on the job number, select Work Permit and then Print Permit.

How do I renew a curb cut permit?

Curb cut permits cannot be renewed. If the work is not complete, a new application needs to be created. If the work is complete and the permit is expired, DOB NOW:Inspections will allow inspection requests for BIS and DOB NOW permits that have expired.

Why is the permit expiration date less than one year on my DOB NOW: Build filing?

Current code and rule provisions are applicable in DOB NOW. Please see Rule 101-08 that explains that all insurance requirements must be maintained for the duration of the permit. Your permit will expire based on the date of the earliest expiring insurance.

If the expiration date of a permit in DOB NOW is less than one year from date of issuance because of expiration of the license or insurance, the permit will be extended automatically at no cost if the insurance or license is renewed before the expiration date.

Permits issued in DOB NOW have an expiration date that is the earliest of:

insurances expiration (general liability, disability, or workers’ compensation);

license expiration;

one year from date of issuance.

When insurance or license expiration dates are updated in BIS, any permits that are set to expire in the next 31 days will be extended the night after the update occurs in BIS.

In order to get the automatic permit extension, renewal information must be submitted at least five (5) days in advance to DOB’s Licensing & Exams Unit to ensure sufficient time for processing. (See instructions to submit new insurance certificates or license renewal information.) If there is a lapse in insurance or license, then the licensee will need to renew the permit and pay the $130 fee. For permits that expire because it has been more than one year since the date of issuance, the licensee must also continue to renew and pay the $130 fee.

What is the Project Specific General Liability (PGL1) document?

When a permit is created, DOB NOW determines if PGL1 insurance is required (including demolition and size of the building) and one document called Project Specific General Liability (PGL1) needs to be provided. Use the online tool provided in eFiling to generate the certification document and upload it as one pdf with the ACORD form.

What is the difference between Permit Issued and Permit Entire status?

If a filing only has one work type and the permit is issued, the job status will be Permit Entire. Filings with multiple work types require a composite permit or a separate permit for each work type. The job status will remain Permit issued until all required permits are issued. The job status will be Permit Entire once a permit has been issued for all the work types on the filing.

Can I schedule an inspection if my permit is expired?

Yes. DOB NOW: Inspections will allow any delegate on the record to submit an inspection requests for BIS and DOB NOW permits that have expired. For BIS permits, the licensed professional’s information and insurance (general liability, disability, and workers’ compensation) must be current.

How do I withdraw a work type from a combined filing or composite permit?

Once a combined filing or composite permit is created, a work type cannot be withdrawn from the filing nor the permit. For example, if the filing has the work types Plumbing (PL) and Sprinkler (SP), the SP work type cannot be withdrawn once the filing is saved. If a work type needs to be withdrawn, the filing will need to be withdrawn and refiled.

Can the homeowner be the applicant on a permit?

Yes. For filings with the work type General Construction (GC) only, the owner listed as the stakeholder on the filing can be the permit applicant.

I created a permit as a homeowner on a GC filing but a number appears under the License Number field. Why?

The License/Registration/Tracking Number field populates with a preparer number that is auto-generated by DOB NOW. The number is not a license number and has no effect on the permit.

What insurances are required if the homeowner is the applicant on the permit?

We are working on system enhancements to modify the insurance requirements for owners but the current work around is to enter the expiration date of the homeowner’s insurance in the Liability, Worker’s Compensation and Disability sections. Enter this information in the Expiration Date field in the Applicant’s Insurance Information section of the work permit application. Enter N/A in the box under each insurance type.

What should I submit for the Owner Insurance Waiver Document?

An Owner Insurance Waiver Document is required if an owner is the permit applicant. A copy of the homeowner’s insurance can be submitted.

How do I get a No Work permit?

A No Work permit is issued when legalization is selected under Filing Includes on the PW1.

Can I renew the permit on a Legalization filing?

A no work permit is issued when legalization is selected on the filing. No work permits cannot be renewed. If new work is being performed, submit a subsequent filing and select New Work in the filing includes section to obtain a permit.

Payment

How do I pay online through DOB NOW: Build?

When you are ready to pay, you will be directed to the City’s online payment portal by clicking the Pay Now button.

What payment methods can I use to make my payment?

eCheck, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards; debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo; as well as PayPal and Venmo may be used to pay on the site. If you pay with a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Venmo, a 2% fee will be added. There is no fee if you use an eCheck. Credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Venmo may take up to 2 or more days to be reflected on the website, but an eCheck payment can take up to 10 or more business days to be processed.

When an invalid check is submitted in DOB NOW, the job filing is placed on hold and a $20 fee is added to the original fee. A $20 fee will be added for each returned check. Once a hold is placed on a job filing, it will not be lifted until notification is received from the bank that the subsequent payment has cleared.

What is an eCheck and how do I use it?

An eCheck is an electronic payment using your checking account. Just like with a paper check, the funds will be withdrawn from your checking account. If you choose to pay with an eCheck, you will be asked to enter your check routing and account number. Your routing number is the 9 digit number on the bottom of your check. Your account number is your checking account number, which is usually 10-12 digits.

Can I make payments in person at a borough office?

No. When you file a job in DOB NOW: Build, all payments must be submitted online with a limited number of exceptions.

The following payments are required to be made at the borough office:

Payments to the Borough Office Cashier:

CCD1 and ZRD1 Form Determinations and Appeals (if not submitted in DOB NOW, see December 2023 Service Notice)

Reinstatements

Work without a Permit Civil Penalties (L2) (except electrical filings that included a WWP fee)

Record Room Copies

Payments to the Central Cashier

Electrical Firm Accounts

License Fees that are not payable in DOB NOW

Who can make a payment in DOB NOW: Build?

Anyone who is associated with a job can make a payment on that job. Owners, Design Professionals, Licensed Professionals, and Filing Representatives can make payments in DOB NOW: Build.

Can I submit a job filing before paying?

You will not be able to submit a filing until you have paid.

How do I estimate the fees for my application?

After completing the relevant scope of work information, Save the filing and the fees will display when the Pay Now button is selected.

How does DOB NOW calculate my fees?

DOB NOW calculates fees according to the NYC Construction Codes as amended by Local Law 56 of 2016. Please see Table 28-112.2 for further information.

Can I make a partial payment?

Partial payments are not allowed for Alteration jobs. For NB and Alt-CO jobs, an option is provided to pay minimum/50% of the filing fee. If less than the full amount of the filing fee is paid, the balance must be paid before requesting the work permit.

I am attempting to make a payment, but the system has been displaying a message saying please wait. It’s been a few minutes now and the message is still displaying. What should I do?

The pop-up blocker is preventing the payment from processing. Disable the pop-up blocker on your browser to process the payment.

I am making a credit card payment and I clicked on the back button on the Payment Method screen. The system took me to eCheck payment details on the Enter Payment Details page instead of the credit card details. What should I do?

Re-click on the credit card tab on the Enter Payment Details page to continue with a credit card payment.

On the Enter Payment Details page, I received the error message, “Invalid input: Billing – ADDRESS. Payment not processed. Please try again later.” What did I enter wrong?

You cannot enter special characters like # in any of the fields. Remove the special character(s) and continue to the next screen.

My payment has timed out, and I clicked on the link to return to the payment page. However, it took me to the CityPay site. How do I get back to the payment screen?

Go to the filing in DOB NOW and click on the Pay Now button again to continue with making a payment.

When I selected “DOB NOW: Build Payments (Department of Buildings)” from the CityPay website it took me to the DOB NOW: Build information webpage on the DOB website. How do I continue with the payment?

Go to the filing in DOB NOW and click on the Pay Now button again to continue with making a payment.

I tried to make a payment but the system displays “There was an error processing your payment. Please try again later.”?

The system was unable to process the payment. There may be a connectivity issue between CityPay and the bank. Wait a moment and then go through the process again to proceed with payment.

How do I waive the fees for the filing?

The fee exempt status of a filing is determined by the selection made in the Stakeholders section under Owner Information. If the Owner Type is selected as Non-Profit Organization, NYC Agency, Other Government Owned or NYCHA/HHC, then the fees will be removed and an ACRIS report is required to verify the building is tax exempt. See this guide.

I submitted payment for my supersede request but the status is still “Pending Payment Verification.” When will the status update?

Payments made by eCheck take up to 10 business days to be processed in DOB NOW. Once the check clears, the status will change to submitted.

When are landmark fees applied in DOB NOW?

See the Landmarks Preservation Commission Fees page for more information. If the application is for interior work, submit a waiver for the Landmark Approval letter. If the waiver is approved, then a refund can be requested for the landmark fee.

When will the filing fee appear on a filing?

The filing fee populates on an Alteration when the Estimated Job Cost is provided under Additional Information and the Building Type is selected under the Zoning Information, Building Characteristics section.

What is the maximum amount I can pay through CityPay?

The limit for credit card payments is $100,000 per transaction, while eCheck payments can go up to $10,000,000 per transaction. If you need to make a payment exceeding these amounts, reduce the estimated job cost, pay a fee below the maximum limit and then adjust the estimated job cost to pay the remaining balance.

Civil Penalty Review Requests (L2)

A job is approved with a work without permit violation. How do I know how much the civil penalty is and how can I pay it?

For jobs created in DOB NOW after July 1, 2019, the civil penalty review request (L2) is made in DOB NOW as part of the filing by selecting L2 (Civil Penalty Review) from the Filing Action column of the job on the DOB NOW dashboard. The L2 Fee is calculated in DOB NOW as part of the L2 request. Once the Violation details are added and the request is saved, select View Request to see the L2 fee.

If you want to pay the full civil penalty, submit payment in-person at the borough office in which the property is located. Provide the cashier with a copy of the PDF that is generated when View Request is selected. Then upload the receipt to the L2 request in DOB NOW. The L2 request then needs to be submitted and approved before the permit can be submitted.

To find out the civil penalty amount for a BIS job or a job created in DOB NOW prior to July 1, 2019, submit a PER11 form to request a fee adjustment.

When can I submit an L2 request in DOB NOW?

For BIS filings, the permit status needs to be In Process. For jobs filed in DOB NOW, the system will allow you to enter the L2 request when the application (PW1) is Approved.

My L2 request is not associated with a permit. How do I submit it?

L2 requests for codes LEG, SAPW, SWBC and SWOE cannot be submitted in DOB NOW. Use a PER11 Appointment Request Form and email it to the appropriate borough office Plan Exam address with the L2 form.

The Work without a permit civil penalty was paid on the initial legalization filing. How do I waive the civil penalty for the same violation(s) on the subsequent job?

If the civil penalty was paid in full on the initial filing, submit the Subsequent as a new work application. If the civil penalty was not paid in full, submit as a legalization application.

Is there a legalization fee for applications filed to address a work without permit violation?

When a work without permit violation is issued, there is no legalization fee and only a civil penalty for work without permit calculated as an L2 fee. To address the WWP violation, select New Work (not Legalization), in the Additional Considerations, Limitations or Restrictions section, select Yes to the question Filing to Address Violations and enter the DOB violation or OATH/ECB Summons number(s) and proceed with the L2 process. When the L2 is created, the civil penalty fee has to be paid before the permit is issued. See 1 RCNY 102-04 (b) (7) for more information about legalization and civil penalties.

Is there a civil penalty for applications filed to address a work without permit violation?

If legalization is not selected and an OATH summons number for WWP is on the BIN, in the Additional Considerations, Limitations or Restrictions section, select Yes to the question Filing to Address Violations and enter the DOB violation or OATH/ECB Summons number(s). When a WWP violation is entered, a civil penalty for work without permit is calculated as an L2 fee. When the L2 is created, the civil penalty fee must be paid or an L2 waiver approved before the permit is issued.

How do I enter the percentage of work completed without a permit on the L2 request if the percent is less than 1 or includes a decimal?

Select Reduction Request (REDT) as the L2 reason and enter the percentage of work completed without a permit as a whole number. If the percent includes a decimal, round to the nearest whole number. If the value is less than 1% enter a 1.

When is a legalization fee applied to a job filing where no work without permit violation was issued?

A legalization fee is applied if Legalization of Completed Work where No Notice of Violation for Work Without a Permit was issued is selected in the Filing Includes section of the PW1. If no WWP violation was issued to the BIN, select No to the question Are there any OATH/ECB summonses related to this work?, a $600 or $6000 fee, depending on the building type, is added to the filing fees as a legalization fee. Once legalization is selected on a filing it results in a no work permit and Post Approval Amendments are not allowed. See 1 RCNY 102-04 (b) (7) for more information about legalization and civil penalties.

Work Without Permit Review (Local Law 158)

What filings require a Work Without Permit Review in DOB NOW?

Local Law 158 of 2017 applies to job filings on a BIN that had a work without permit violation within the previous year. Professionally certified job filings at those locations must go through a Work Without Permit Review by a plan examiner. Once a filing is saved, DOB NOW will check to see if there is a hold on the BIN for Local Law 158 and provide a warning that the application will require review if submitted as a professional certification application.

How do I submit my application for Work Without Permit Review?

An application that requires a Work Without Permit Review will be automatically routed to a plan examiner when it is submitted.

If my filing is rejected during Local Law 158 review, can I change my filing to standard plan review?

Once a filing is saved as filing type professional certification it cannot be changed to standard plan review. To proceed with a standard plan review filing, a new application needs to be created. The application that was rejected needs to be withdrawn and then a refund can be requested.

How do I submit the justification for a Work Without Permit Review?

If one of the following exceptions applies, enter the applicable exception reason in the Comments field of the PW1 Plan/Work section and upload supporting documentation as “LL158/2017 Pro Cert Supporting Documentation”: (1) The work without a permit violation that resulted in the professional certification restriction was on a part of the building that is not owned by the building owner; or (2) one of the following L2 reasons: BFP, ECB, EWG, EWP, EXP1, EXP2, GOV, TPT, SAPW. If your request for an exception is denied, a new application must be submitted as standard plan.

If the property reached the maximum amount of DOB civil penalties imposed ($10,000 for 1-2 families and $15,000 for other properties), does the LL 158/17 pro cert restriction apply?

Yes, the pro cert restriction applies. Pro cert restriction is unrelated to the civil penalties.

If the property reached the maximum amount of DOB civil penalties imposed ($10,000 for 1-2 families and $15,000 for other properties), does the LL 158/17 doubling of civil penalties still apply?

The LL 158/17 doubling of civil penalties applies up to the maximum. For example, a commercial property that owes $8,000 in civil penalties would have their civil penalties doubled up to $15,000. Doubling of $8,000 is $16,000 but the maximum penalty that can be imposed is $15,000 so only $15,000 civil penalties will apply.

Site Safety Plans

What work types may require a Site Safety Plan?

A Site Safety Plan (SSP) may be required for General Construction (GC), Structural (ST), Foundation (FO), Support of Excavation (SE) and Earthwork (EA) filings, depending on the building characteristics and scope of work. All Full Demolition (FD) filings require a site safety plan. EA filings only require a site safety plan with sub-categories Soil Improvement and Excavation.

Who can make a Site Safety request (plans or waiver)?

Any registered DOB NOW user can make a Site Safety request.

How do I submit a site safety waiver letter?

A site safety waiver is not a form. It is a request made in DOB NOW. To submit a waiver of site safety requirement, go to the Job Filings Dashboard screen, click on Requests and then select Site Safety. Select request type Site Safety Waiver.

What documents are required to submit a Site Safety waiver request?

No documents are required. The reasons for the waiver request are entered in the Comments section of the request. On the Documents tab, it shows a Site Safety Waiver – CSC Waiver Letter. This is not a required document; the request can be submitted without a document.

How do I submit an SSP for a job filing created in DOB NOW before December 28, 2020?

If the job was created in DOB NOW before December 28, 2020 or the job was created in eFiling/BIS and requires a Site Safety Plan, pay the $610 review fee in BIS Options and email the receipt of payment with the site safety plan to the Construction Safety Compliance Plan Examination Unit at cscplanexam@buildings.nyc.gov.

When can I request a Site Safety plan review or waiver?

Requests for Site Safety Plans reviews or waivers can be submitted in DOB NOW: Build before the job is approved. Once the job is submitted, the plan examiner will review the site safety criteria including the building height, stories, footprint, and additional considerations for alteration and demolition. A banner will appear on the filing and an email will be sent to the stakeholders on the job indicating that the site safety criteria have been approved and that the site safety plans can be submitted. Applicants for jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build will be required to pay the $610 review fee before the initial request for a Site Safety Plan review on a job filing can be submitted.

Why am I getting a message that the permit cannot be created if my job is approved?

It can take up to 24 hours for the site safety determination to be made on a job after it is approved. A report is run in the system every night and once the determination is made, a site safety plan/waiver can be submitted or the permit can be created without it.

When do I request a Site Safety Plan waiver and when do I submit a CCD1?

Request a waiver when the filing in DOB NOW triggers a site safety plan requirement in error. To request a waiver, reduction or modification of requirements of the site safety monitoring program, submit a completed CCD1 form to ccd1const-safety@buildings.nyc.gov. The determination request must address the content of BC 3310.11 and is subject to the review fees of the Administrative Code and 1 RCNY 101-03.

Can I change the owner information on a Site Safety request?

No, the owner information on the Site Safety request is automatically populated from the owner information provided on the job filing (PW1). If the owner information needs to be changed, submit a request to supersede the owner on the job filing.

How do I make changes to the SSP after it is approved?

If the Applicant needs to update the Site Safety Plan after it has been approved, select Update Approved Site Safety from the Action column for the filing or from the Site Safety Request dashboard. Make changes as appropriate, pay the review fee, and then Save and Submit. Payment of the $545 review fee will be required each time an update to the approved site safety plan is submitted. The update must be approved by DOB.

Can a licensed professional file a professional certification SSP to accelerate SSP plan review/approval?

No, the only option is to submit a Site Safety Plan for plan examiner review.

How do I submit a Site Safety Plan for full demolition?

Full demolition applications filed in BIS require SSP to be emailed to the Construction Safety Compliance unit for review. Full demolitions filed in DOB NOW can be initiated by any registered DOB NOW user by selecting +Request on the dashboard or selecting Site Safety under the Select Action column of the Job.

Will the Site Safety Plans be visible to the public?

The plans cannot be viewed in the DOB NOW public portal. Only the stakeholders on the filing can log into DOB NOW and view the plans.

Previously only a Site Safety Plan for major buildings required DOB approval. For minor buildings, the Site Safety Plan was prepared and kept on the site. Have the requirements changed?

The requirements have not changed.

How do I file a CCD1 for a Site Safety Plan?

There is no change to the determinations process. Submit a completed CCD1 form to ccd1const-safety@buildings.nyc.gov. The determination request must address the content of BC 3310.11 and is subject to the review fees of the Administrative Code and 1 RCNY 101-03.

How do I request a Site Safety Release on a job?

For both BIS and DOB NOW jobs, any user associated to the job can request site safety release in DOB Now: Build. From the dashboard, select +Requests and Site Safety, then select Site Safety Release and the appropriate request type. See July 2022 Site Safety Updates for more information.

How do I release a Construction Superintendent on a job?

To release a Construction Superintendent, submit the Site Safety Release request in DOB NOW. An authorization letter and photographs are required to be uploaded in the Documents section. The authorization letter can be signed by one of the following:

Applicant of Record of the specific job filing

Progress Inspector identified on the Technical Report-Final associated to the job

Permit Holder if the licensee is a Registered General Contractor including 1/2/3 family homes

Construction Superintendent associated to the specific permit

Once it is approved by the Construction Safety Compliance Unit, the site safety requirement will be removed from the job and the job Construction Superintendent will no longer be designated on the job.

How do I release a Site Safety Coordinator or Site Safety Manager on a job?

To release a Site Safety Coordinator or Site Safety Manager, submit the Site Safety Release request in DOB NOW. The Construction Safety Compliance Unit will schedule an inspection and once the inspection is in Pass/Final status, the site safety requirement will be removed from the job and the request will be approved in DOB NOW. If the permit is renewed, a Site Safety Coordinator or Site Safety Manager will not be required.

How do I request Sidewalk Shed Removal?

To request Sidewalk Shed Removal, submit the Site Safety Release request in DOB NOW. Select Site Safety Release and Sidewalk Shed Removal and then the appropriate request type. Provide a DOB NOW Sidewalk Shed (SH) job number and indicate whether it is a request for full or partial removal. After the Sidewalk Shed Removal request is submitted in DOB NOW, the Construction Safety Compliance Unit will schedule an inspection and once the inspection is in Pass/Final status, the Sidewalk Shed Removal request will be approved in DOB NOW: Build and the sidewalk shed can be removed from the site.

A request to release site safety (site safety coordinator or manager) and the sidewalk shed at the same time requires full (not partial) removal of the sidewalk shed and the SH filing must be associated with the same BIN.

Why do I get a notification that site safety approval is required when trying to submit a permit on a subsequent filing?

Site safety plans are only required for initial (I1) filings. However, the site safety plan or waiver has to be approved on the initial filing before a permit can be submitted on a subsequent filing.

Is a Construction Superintendent required in DOB NOW for 1-,2-, or 3-family buildings?

The Construction Superintendent is not required in DOB NOW if all the following criteria is met:

Under Zoning Information, Building Type is 1-,2-, or 3-family

The job type is New Building, Alt-CO, Enlargement or Demolition

A Registered General Contractor (GC) is the permit holder. The GC cannot have a Safety Registration Number or Insurance Tracking Number. See the Contractors page for more information.

If the CS requirement is removed, the registered GC will appear as the site safety stakeholder on the permit. The GC is not required to perform the duties of a Construction Superintendent (maintain a log, etc.).

See the 2022 Construction Codes Service Notice for more information.

Is a Construction Superintendent required for 1-,2-, or 3-family buildings in DOB NOW if the General Contractor has a Safety Registration?

Yes, a General Contractor with a Safety Registration Number or Insurance Tracking Number only will not remove the Construction Superintendent requirement for 1-,2-, or 3-family buildings. The GC must be registered with the NYC Department of Buildings to remove the CS requirement. See the Contractors page and select the General Contractor Registration link for more information.

The Construction Superintendent requirement was removed from my job. How do I remove the CS as the site safety stakeholder on the permit?

To remove the CS, renew the permit. From the Filing Action column for the work permit, select Renew Permit.

How do I pay the fees for Site Safety Plan review for a BIS job?

To pay the fee, login to DOB NOW at nyc.gov/dobnow and select the BIS Options icon. From the BIS Options dashboard, select +BIS Site Safety Plan Review Fee Payment. Enter the BIS job number and select payment type initial site safety plan review or amended site safety plan review. An amended site safety plan review fee of $545 is required before submitting amendments to an approved site safety plan if it is not minor revisions as described in the Site Safety Plan (SSP): Minor Revisions Industry Notice.

Once payment is made, email the receipt of payment with the site safety plan to the Construction Safety Compliance Plan Examination Unit at cscplanexam@buildings.nyc.gov.

How do I submit a Site Safety Waiver for a BIS job?

Site Safety Waivers for BIS jobs are submitted by email to the Construction Safety Compliance (CSC) Unit at Csquestions@buildings.nyc.gov.

Tenant Protection Plans

When is a TPP required?

If the owner section of the application (PW1) indicates that there are occupied dwelling units in the building, then a TPP is required, except for Alt-CO subsequent filings where the TPP is approved on the initial filing. The TPP cannot be waived if there are occupied dwelling units. The TPP must be approved before a permit application can be submitted.

Do I need to file a TPP for an LAA, electrical permit or Temporary Construction Equipment?

Currently, TPPs are not required in DOB NOW for Temporary Construction Equipment (fence, sidewalk shed, supported scaffold, and suspended scaffold), curb cuts, signs, electrical, or Limited Alteration Application (LAA) filings. For temporary construction equipment, the TPP is submitted with the associated alteration filings.

Is a TPP required for a one-family home?

Yes, a TPP is required for applicable work types if the home is occupied. The TPP can be prepared by the applicant of record instead of the architect or engineer retained by the applicant of the permit.

On a site where the work involved does not affect tenants, is there a way to waive TPP?

If the owner section of the application (PW1) indicates that there are occupied dwelling units in the building, then a TPP is required. The TPP cannot be waived if there are occupied dwelling units.

Who can request a TPP?

A registered design professional (Registered Architect or Professional Engineer) submits a TPP. The RA/PE does not need to be a stakeholder on the filing (PW1).

How do I submit a TPP for a job filing created in DOB NOW before December 28, 2020?

The Tenant Protection Plan is listed in the Document section of filings created in DOB NOW before December 28, 2020, and a TPP1 form is required to be uploaded before plan approval.

When can I request a TPP?

Currently, the TPP review request can only be created and submitted after the job filing is approved. The TPP must be approved before a work permit can be requested. For professionally certified jobs, the work permit (PW2) cannot be submitted at the same time as the PW1 if there is a TPP requirement on the filing. In the future, DOB NOW will be changed so that a TPP review request can be submitted at the same time as completing the job filing.

What is the contractor’s role in requesting the TPP?

The contractor (permit applicant) is responsible for retaining the registered design professional who requests the TPP. For one- or two- family homes, the applicant of record of the job filing (PW1) can request the TPP.

Does each permit for a project need a separate TPP if it is filed under separate related applications or subsequent filings?

Yes, every filing needs a TPP unless it is an Alt-CO subsequent filing and the TPP was approved on the initial filing. All other subsequent filings requires a TPP because scope of work is being added.

Is a TPP required for commercial or community facility buildings without residential units?

A TPP is not required but an OPP (Occupant Protection Plan) might be necessary. If an OPP is required, it is not filed with DOB but must be made available at the work site.

Can I change the owner information on the TPP request?

No, the owner information on the TPP request is automatically populated from the owner information provided on the job filing (PW1). If the owner information needs to be changed, submit a request to supersede the owner on the job filing.

Do I need to submit plans or documents with the TPP request?

The only document that is required is a DPL-1 form if the applicant of the TPP request is different from the applicant on the job filing (PW1). The TPP request replaces the TPP1 form and the form should not be uploaded in DOB NOW. Any supporting documents including plans and drawings can be uploaded in the Documents section, using the Additional Supporting Documents tab, above the Documents tab. Plans and drawings are not required but can be included to explain a complex Tenant Protection Plan.

How do I find out why the TPP request was QA Failed?

The reasons will be included in an email notification sent to the applicant and owner. The applicant of the TPP request and owner can also log into DOB NOW and open the TPP request from their dashboard. A QA Failed Reasons tab will appear on the left menu under the Documents tab. The QA Failed reasons need to be addressed and then the applicant needs to resubmit the TPP request for it to be reviewed again by DOB.

How do I print an Occupant Notice to be displayed at the job site?

For jobs created in DOB NOW prior to December 28, 2020 or BIS jobs that required uploading a TPP1, use the Occupant Notice template. After the permit is approved, the notice can be printed from the DOB NOW public portal (not logging in) and searching by address. From the BUILD: Job Filings section, double click on the job number, select Work Permit and then Print Occupant Notice.

If you are associated with a filing, you can print the notice by logging into DOB NOW: Build and from the Work Permits dashboard, locate the work permit. From the Filing Action field, select Print Occupant Notice. On the confirm screen, click Yes. The notice can then be printed using your browser’s print option.

How do I print the Tenant Protection Plan?

Log into DOB NOW and open the job either from the Job Filings dashboard or use the Search option to locate the job by number or BIN. Select the Tenant Protection Plan tab on the job, open the TPP request and then select the View Request button to generate a PDF version of the request.

How can the public view the Tenant Protection Plan?

The Tenant Protection Plan information can be viewed in the DOB NOW Public Portal at www.nyc.gov/dobnowby searching by address or job number. If the job was created prior to December 28, 2020, the Tenant Protection Plan will be listed under the Documents section of the job filing. From the Property Profile page, select BUILD: Job Filings and view the job filing. If the job was created December 28, 2020 or later, select Active Tenant Protection Plans at the top of the page.

How do I make changes to the TPP after it is approved?

If the Applicant needs to update the TPP after it has been approved, select Update/Supersede from the Action column for the filing or from the TPP dashboard. Make changes as appropriate, and then Save and Submit. The update must be approved by DOB.

What is a normal turnaround time for a TPP QA review?

The current service level is 3 business days or less.

My TPP was audited, and I was instructed to submit a TPP Update. How do I do this?

Only the Applicant of the Approved TPP can submit a TPP Update by navigating to the TPP request from the dashboard or job filing and selecting Update/Supersede from the Filing Action column.

How do I notify DOB 72 hours before starting work on a building with a TPP?

Any stakeholder on the filing (applicant, owner, filing representative or permit applicant) can submit the notification in DOB NOW after the permit is issued. From the dashboard, select +Notifications and then Tenant Protection Plan 72 Hour. To change the work start date, cancel the prior notification by going to the Tenant Protection Plan 72 Hour Notifications dashboard and selecting the trash can icon from the Action column.

Can I supersede the Applicant on the TPP request?

Yes. The Applicant on a Tenant Protection Plan Request can be superseded by selecting the Update/Supersede option.

Can the TPP Applicant of Record perform the Tenant Protection Compliance special inspection?

Section 28-120.1 of the New York City Administrative Code requires the registered design professional preparing the tenant protection plan to be retained by the General Contractor. Section 1704.1.1.2 of the Building Code requires the Special Inspection Agency and inspectors to be independent of the contractor responsible for the work. Therefore, the RDP preparing the TPP is not permitted to be the Special Inspector.

Who can be the Special Inspector on the Tenant Protection Compliance special inspection?

Until further notice, a Special Inspection Agency (SIA) registered for Luminous Exit Path Markings can also perform Tenant Protection Compliance special inspections. The TPP applicant cannot serve as the SIA on the Tenant Protection Compliance special inspection. See Buildings Bulletin 2022-014 for further information.

When is a Tenant Protection Compliance special inspection required in DOB NOW?

A Tenant Protection Compliance TR will be added to the job in DOB NOW if the work requires a Tenant Protection Plan. A Tenant Protection Compliance TR does not apply to

a 1-, 2-, 3- family home; or

Work limited to the interior of an owner-occupied single dwelling unit with no disruption to the essential services of other units (Questions 8 and 9 on the Owner’s Attestation); or

Work limited to the interior of a single dwelling unit in an occupied dwelling three stories or less in height (Question 10 on the Owner’s Attestation

Is a Tenant Protection Plan required for all Alt-CO filings?

For Alt-CO filings the TPP is required on the job, not the individual filings. Once the TPP is approved on the initial filing, it is not required on the subsequent filings.

For the Tenant Protection Compliance special inspection, are electronic site logs acceptable?

The law doesn’t require the logs to be maintained in a specific format. Therefore, both paper and electronic logs are acceptable to the Department provided the logs are made available to the Department upon request, including when inspectorial staff are onsite.

Will DOB be establishing qualification requirements for special inspectors who conduct inspections to verify tenant protection plan compliance?

1 RCNY 101-06, which pertains to special inspectors and special inspections agencies, is slated to be revised in the next 6 months. This rule will be amended to include the qualification requirements for the special inspector for tenant protection plan compliance. It is anticipated that the qualifications will be Professional Engineer or Registered Architect with relevant experience, which is the same as what is currently required for special inspectors for luminous exit path markings. Relevant experience is defined as “direct participation and practice related to the underlying construction activities that are the subject of the special inspection where such participation has led to accumulation of knowledge and skill required for the proper execution of such inspection.”

When is a special inspector for the Tenant Protection Compliance special inspection required to report a condition to DOB?

Pursuant to Item 6.3 of Section 1704.1.1.2 of the Building Code, “the special inspector shall report conditions noted as hazardous to life safety or health that are not immediately corrected to the immediate attention of the commissioner.” Such notification should be made via 311.

Are weekly TPP Special Inspections required if work is limited to the interior of a unit that will not be occupied during construction?

Weekly TPP Special Inspections are not required if the unit is an owner-occupied co-op, condo, or building that will be unoccupied during construction, as long as the unit was occupied by the owner prior to the construction and the work will not disrupt the essential services of other units.

When did the special inspection requirement for TPPs become effective?

Local Law 126 of 2021 added the special inspection requirements for projects that require a TPP. The law went into effect on November 7, 2022. Therefore, special inspections are required for all projects requiring a TPP that have been permitted on or after November 7, 2022.

Who is responsible for hiring the special inspector for the Tenant Protection Compliance special inspection?

Section 1704.1.1.2 requires the special inspector to be independent of the contractor performing the work. Therefore, the owner is responsible for hiring the special inspector.

Post Approval Amendments

My filing is approved. How do I add or remove a floor from an application?

Work on floors can be changed with a PAA. The PW3 must also be updated to include the increase or decrease in the estimated work cost.

How can I make a minor plan change to my approved job?

For minor plan changes for jobs after approval, submit a Post Approval Amendment (PAA) in DOB NOW. Upload a complete plan set with the new, unapproved sheets and the already approved sheets with the approved stamp. Include a description of the changes in the Comments field (Section 24) of the Plans/Work tab (PW1).

For a PAA, if I am only revising one sheet, do I need to upload a complete set or just the one sheet?

For Professional Certification filings a complete plan set is always required. For Standard Plan Examination filings, a complete plan set needs to be uploaded if changes are being made to the approved plans. Submit the new unapproved sheets with no approved stamp and include the previously approved plans with a DOB stamp. The new unapproved sheets should indicate the P1 suffix on the filing extension, however, the approved plans with a DOB stamp should not be changed. Once the PAA is approved, the new plan set uploaded will replace the previous plan set for the filing. If no changes are being made to the plans, then a new plan set is not required with the PAA; select No to the question, Are you submitting updated plans?

Is fee estimation for additional filing fees associated with PAAs done automatically in DOB NOW?

Yes. If the cost/scope of the job changes resulting in additional fees, the PAA will collect those automatically and payment must be made online before submitting the PAA.

Can I change the owner on a PAA?

No. Owner changes are done through a supersede request. The new owner can log into DOB NOW: Build, Search by Job Number, and from the Filing Action select Supersede and then Owner. Select the Owner Type and then Save the request. If the owner type is not fee exempt, select the Pay Now button to pay the $130 fee. Then the Applicant of the job needs to log into DOB NOW and complete the Statements & Signature section. Then the new owner can also complete the Statements & Signature section and submit the request.

Is owner’s signature required on a PAA?

Yes, in DOB NOW the questions on the Owner’s Attestation section can be changed with a PAA so the owner must provide a signature again in this section to submit the PAA.

Where do I file a post approval amendment (PAA) on an existing BIS OT/GC, Alt-1 or NB job?

OT/GC filings in D status or later by December 23, 2020 and Alt-1 or NB jobs in D status or later by February 26, 2021 will continue to be processed in BIS. PAAs on existing BIS filings will continue to be filed in BIS.

Do I need to upload an AI1 form with the plans to explain the changes in the PAA?

Do not upload an AI1 form with the plans when doing a PAA. Use the Comments field (Section 24) in the PAA filing to provide a description of the changes.

Can I request a sign-off for a PAA?

No. PAAs are filed to update the information on an initial filing. The filing status of a PAA will always remain Approved.

Subsequent Filings

When can I submit a subsequent job filing?

Subsequent filings can be initiated and submitted after the initial job filing is submitted (not in pre-filing status). Users no longer have to wait until the initial filing is approved. A subsequent filing can be submitted anytime until an LOC has been issued for the initial filing.

Do I have to request a Letter of Completion (LOC) for a subsequent job filing?

Yes, an LOC needs to be requested for each filing, initial and subsequent filings.

If an initial job application is filed as professional certification can the subsequent application be filed as a standard plan filing type?

Yes, initial and subsequent jobs can have different filing types.

Can a subsequent filing have a different design applicant than the initial filing?

Yes, the applicant on an initial filing and a subsequent filing can be different. If the applicant is the same, one application can be submitted if the work types are eligible to be combine filed.

Do I have to pay the record management fee on a subsequent filing?

No, the $165 record management fee is now charged only once on the initial filing and is no longer a fee on subsequent filings.

Can I have an open PAA for the initial filing and a subsequent filing at the same time?

Yes.

How can I make a minor change to a legalization filing?

Post-Approval Amendments (PAA) are not allowed on filings that include legalization work. If a change needs to be made, a subsequent filing will be required or the job must be withdrawn and refiled. For Boiler Equipment filings the only option is to withdraw and refile the job. In addition, permits cannot be renewed if the job includes legalization work.

I have a subsequent filing in pre-filing status and some of the fields are grayed out? How do I complete these fields?

Fields from the subsequent filing are populated from the initial filing (I1). The fields will not update on the subsequent filing until the I1 is submitted. To prevent this issue, we recommend completing as much of the I1 as possible before creating the subsequent filing.

Letter of Completion

How do I request a letter of completion (PW7) for a DOB NOW: Build job?

If the job is in Permit Entire status and all requirements have been completed, select Request LOC from the Filing Action column for the job filing on the dashboard.

Who can request a Letter of Completion in DOB NOW?

The owner or applicant of record can request an LOC. Once the LOC is approved it can be viewed by anyone in the DOB NOW public portal (without logging in).

What needs to be completed on the job to submit an LOC Request?

The application must be in Permit Entire status.

Cost Affidavit (PW3): Final Cost Details must be verified.

All documents must be submitted.

The Final Technical Report inspection has been certified (if applicable).

All permits have been inspected and are in Signed-off status.

All AHV Permits are in an approved status.

When I submitted a Letter of Completion (LOC) request, the system asked for verification of the final cost. I already selected that the final cost is the same as estimated cost. What do I need to do to submit the LOC request?

Even if the final cost is the same as estimated cost, details need to be added to the Final Cost Details section. Select +Add to complete the table with Category of Work, Description of Work, etc.

Are there any differences between 'LOC Issued', 'Complete', and 'Signed Off' under filing status?

Signed Off is a status for the permits on a job filing. LOC Issued is for the job (once all work types are signed off). Complete is the final status of electrical jobs.

If there are three work types on a job and none of them are signed-off, can I submit an LOC request to sign-off all the related work types within the filing?

A permit needs to be issued for each work type and each permit on a job filing needs to be signed-off first (a Pass/Final inspection or certified TR Final).

How do I print the Letter of Completion once it has been issued?

Open the job from the dashboard and select the Print Letter of Completion button on the top of the screen. The LOC will also be emailed to the stakeholders on the filing when it is issued.

How do I request final sign off for Temporary Construction Equipment job filings and permits?

A final inspection technical report is not required for temporary construction equipment (construction fence, sidewalk shed, support of excavation, supported scaffold, suspended scaffold, and protection and mechanical methods) job filings. To sign off the permit and receive a Letter of Completion (LOC) for FN, SH, SE, SF, SC and PMM work types, submit a removal notification to the Department of Buildings by logging into DOB NOW: Build and selecting +Notification. Any stakeholder on the filing can submit the removal notification. Upon submission of the removal notification, the permit status will be updated to Signed Off and the job status will be updated to LOC Issued once all the permits on the filing are signed off.

See the Temporary Construction Equipment Service Notice and Local Law 146 of 2021 for more information.

Supersede and Withdrawal

How do I withdraw the progress inspector or special inspector on a job?

To withdraw the progress inspector or special inspector prior to permit issuance, select the edit icon on the applicable row in the TR1/TR8 section and delete the prior Inspector’s email address (inspection requirement remains). If the job filing is permitted, select +Withdraw Inspectors (Post Permit) in the TR1/TR8 section. See the Supersede and Withdrawal Guide for more information.

How do I withdraw the applicant or owner of the job?

The applicant that is requesting to be withdrawn can log into DOB NOW: Build and from the Job Filings dashboard, select the Withdrawal option under Filing Action. The owner cannot be withdrawn. To replace the owner, submit a supersede request.

Who can request the withdrawal of an applicant of record or contractor in DOB NOW?

The Owner or Applicant of Record (PE/RA) can submit a withdrawal request on the filing (PW1). The Owner or Contractor can submit a withdrawal request on the permit (PW2). The stakeholder (AOR/Contractor/Owner) who initiates the request will automatically be identified as the Requestor of the withdrawal request. A filing representative cannot create the withdrawal request.

How is withdrawing a contractor different than doing a permit renewal with change?

Withdrawing a contractor means you are removing and not replacing the contractor at the same time. By doing a permit renewal with change, the contractor is withdrawn and superseded by a new contractor in one transaction.

Who needs to attest on a request to withdraw the applicant of record in DOB NOW?

Only the requestor needs to attest on the request.

Who needs to attest on a request to withdraw a contractor on a permit in DOB NOW?

Only the requestor needs to complete the Statements & Signatures section on a request to withdraw a contractor. If the contractor is the requestor, the owner does not need to attest.

Is a withdrawal inspection required to submit a request to withdraw the applicant?

For applicant (PE/RA/contractor) withdrawal requests submitted in DOB NOW, an inspection is not required. Requests to withdraw the job filing that are submitted through the help form may require a withdrawal inspection.

Will the withdrawal of the applicant of record or contractor trigger a stop work order?

If there is not an applicant of record or contractor on the job, then work must stop.

Can I request to withdraw or supersede an applicant of record in DOB NOW if there is no permit on the filing?

Yes. To withdraw or supersede the Applicant of Record select the Withdraw or Supersede option under Filing Action on the DOB NOW job filings dashboard. A withdrawal or supersede request cannot be submitted for jobs that have a Letter of Completion (LOC).

Is there a process to remove a stop work order when the contractor is withdrawn so that it is automatically rescinded when the new contractor takes over?

Stop Work Orders are not removed as part of the withdrawal process. To rescind a stop work order, continue to contact the Construction Enforcement Inspections unit in the borough that the property is located.

How do I withdraw the entire job filing?

To withdraw the entire job filing (not just the applicant), complete a Withdrawal Letter and submit the request to the help form at www.nyc.gov/dobnowhelp. Withdrawal of a permitted filing may require a withdrawal inspection. First submit the Withdrawal Letter to the help form. If approved, the Withdrawal Letter signed by the Borough Commissioner will be emailed back to the requestor. If a withdrawal inspection is required, upload the signed letter in DOB NOW: Inspections in place of the PW1 or request a manual inspection from the unit as directed. Once the withdrawal inspection is Pass/Final, upload this letter again with a copy of the inspection report for the withdrawal request to be processed.

Can the initial job filing be withdrawn if there are subsequent job filings associated with it?

The initial job can be withdrawn even if there are subsequent job filings associated with it. If the subsequent job filings need to be withdrawn, separate withdrawal requests are required.

What happens to the job status if a withdrawal request is submitted in DOB NOW for an Applicant or Contractor?

When the request is submitted, the job filing status will change to "On Hold-Pending Withdrawal of Applicant of Record/Contractor". All stakeholders will be sent emails informing them of the change. If withdrawal of the Applicant of Record is approved, the filing status will change to "On Hold-Applicant of Record Withdrawn". If withdrawal of the Contractor is approved, the filing status will change to "Stop Work-Contractor Withdrawn". Work cannot proceed and additional action cannot be taken on the filing until the withdrawn stakeholder is replaced.

If the Applicant of Record is withdrawn, how will this affect the Post Approval Amendments (PAA) on the filing?

PAAs in-progress on the job filing will be updated to display the withdrawn user as the previous stakeholder in the application highlights. Any PAAs that were previously approved before the withdrawal of the Applicant of Record will not be changed.

Who can submit a request to supersede the applicant of record in DOB NOW?

Anyone who is eligible to be the Applicant of Record on the job filing can create the supersede request. The owner needs to attest to the supersede request.

How do I supersede the contractor on a permit?

A supersede letter should not be submitted. Instead, the new contractor should renew the permit in DOB NOW: Build. Search for the job number on the dashboard and from the Filing Action column, select View Work Permits. Then from the Filing Action column for the work permit, select Renew Permit. In the permit application Reason for Filing section, select Renew Permit with changes. Complete the application, pay the $130 renewal fee and submit.

Can a filing representative submit a withdrawal or supersede request?

No, only the applicant of record or owner can initiate withdrawal or supersede of an applicant or contractor once the permit has been issued in DOB NOW.

Do you need to upload plans to supersede an applicant of record?

For Professional Certification filings and all filings prior to permit, a complete plan set is always required. For Standard Plan Examination filings post permit, plans are required unless all work is already completed in accordance with plans and PAA and the supersede request is submitted for administrative reasons only.

What happens to the job filing if the Withdrawal request is rejected?

If the withdrawal request is rejected, the job filing will revert to the original job filing status. All stakeholders will receive an email informing them of the change in status. A rejected request cannot be resubmitted. To proceed with another withdrawal request, the Applicant of Record, Contractor or Owner must submit a new request.

Can I request withdrawal of an applicant of record in DOB NOW if there is already a pending request to withdraw the contractor?

A withdrawal request cannot be initiated if a superseding request or another withdrawal request is in progress on the same job filing.

Can I schedule an inspection on a permit that has a pending contractor withdrawal request?

DOB NOW: Inspections will not allow users to schedule inspections on a permit when the status is "On Hold-Pending Contractor Withdrawal” or if the filing status is “On-Hold Pending Applicant Withdrawal” or “On-Hold Pending Applicant Supersede”. If an inspection was requested prior to the withdrawal or supersede request and is awaiting DOB decision, the inspection will be performed as scheduled.

How do I supersede the applicant or owner of the job?

The new owner or applicant can log into DOB NOW: Build, Search by Job Number, and from the Filing Action select Supersede and then Owner or Applicant. If the request is to only supersede the owner, select Yes to the question “Are you submitting this supersede request with the current applicant of record.” If Yes is selected only the owner is superseded and the current applicant will have to complete the Statements & Signature section of the supersede request. If No is selected, the filing will be put on hold until a new applicant submits a supersede request.

How do I supersede the owner and the current applicant of record?

To supersede the owner and the current applicant of record, submit the supersede request for the owner and select No to the question “Are you submitting this supersede request with the current applicant of record.” The Owner will need to complete the Statements & Signature section and the filing will be put on hold until a new applicant submits a supersede request.

How do I supersede the progress inspector or special inspector on a job?

To supersede the progress or special inspector prior to permit issuance, select the edit icon on the applicable row in the TR1/TR8 section and delete the prior Inspector’s email address. If the job filing is permitted, select +Supersede Inspectors (Post Permit) in the TR1/TR8 section. See the Supersede and Withdrawal Guide for more information.

How do I supersede the superintendent on a work permit?

The superintendent can be changed by doing a permit renewal with change.

How can I withdraw the construction superintendent on a work permit?

From the Job Filings dashboard, select the Menu button (≡) under the Home Button on the left side of the screen, then select Work Permits. From the Work Permit dashboard, select Withdraw Site Safety Stakeholders under the Filing Action column. The permit status will be changed to On Hold – Pending Withdrawal of Site Safety Stakeholder until the permit is renewed with a new construction superintendent.

Is a contractor notification letter (superseding letter) from the owner required to submit a permit renewal with change?

No, a letter from the owner is not required to do a permit renewal with change in DOB NOW.

How do you withdraw a permit pulled in error with inspections?

Submit a withdrawal letter at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp to withdraw an entire permit.

If my withdrawal request is rejected, where do I see the reason?

The reason for rejection will be included in the email notification sent to the requestor of the withdrawal request and can also be found in DOB NOW on the Trace History tab of the request.

Can work continue on a permit if a request is submitted to withdraw a contractor?

No further work can happen until a new permit is issued to a new contractor.

Is there a fee to submit a supersede request in DOB NOW?

Yes, to submit a request in DOB NOW to supersede the applicant of record or owner on a job filing after a permit has been issued, a fee of $130 must be paid unless the filing is fee-exempt. There are no fees for withdrawal requests in DOB NOW.

How do I label and number the plans that are submitted with a request to supersede the applicant?

If the changes to the plans are minor, submit the plans with the supersede request and on the plan set provide the job number using the same extension (I1, S1). Use the 00 numbering (GC.001.00) since the new applicant is taking over the filing. If the plans will include major changes, submit the supersede request without plans and then do a PAA for the plan changes.

How do I update the owner’s email address to request a withdrawal inspection?

An owner can request an inspection if the email address used to register for DOB NOW: Inspections
matches the email address listed in Section 26 of the PW1. A new owner can submit a Post Approval Amendment (PAA) in eFiling without the signature and seal of the Applicant of Record if the only change requested is to supersede the previous owner or add an owner’s email address. Complete Sections 1, 2, 4, 24 and 26 of the PW1: Plan/Work Application. Indicate in Section 24 that the PAA is being filed by the owner to supersede the owner or add an owner’s email address. For more information, see the Supersede Owner and Add Owner Email Address Requests for BIS Jobs Service Notice.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What Internet browsers can I use to access DOB NOW: Build?

The latest version of Google Chrome is the preferred browser for using DOB NOW.

Will my active BIS job appear in DOB NOW: Build?

No. Only jobs submitted in DOB NOW: Build will appear in DOB NOW: Build.

If I have an open action in DOB NOW: Build, will I be able to schedule an inspection in DOB NOW: Inspections?

You will not be able to schedule an inspection until all of your outstanding actions (an open PAA, a withdrawal or a supersede request) are approved in DOB NOW: Build.

I am currently receiving email notifications on my filing from DOB NOW: Build. Can I add additional recipients to the email notification distribution?

No. Currently, only email addresses associated with the filing receive DOB NOW: Build email notifications.

How do I view training materials and learn about new training sessions?

Visit the DOB NOW training page at www.nyc.gov/dobnowtraining.

Can I delete a filing?

A stakeholder on a filing (Applicant, Owner, Filing Representative, Delegated Associate, Permit Applicant) can delete the following type of filings, even if they are paid for, if they are in Pre-Filing or Objections/QA Failed status:

After Hours Variance Permits (AHV)

Elevator Filings

OP 49 Boiler Removal Notifications

Post Approval Amendments

Supersede Requests

Withdrawal Requests

Work Permit (PW2) Renewals

From the Job Filings dashboard, select the Menu button (≡) under the Home Button on the left side of the screen, then select the applicable dashboard. From the dashboard, under the Filing Action column, select delete or click on the trash icon. Once the filing is deleted, it cannot be restored, a new filing will need to be created. If the filing is in another status, see the Supersede and Withdrawal section for more information.

How do I submit a Construction Code or Zoning Resolution Determination?

To appeal the affirmation of an objection and request a second review of plan examination, submit an AI1 form and all supporting documentation in one PDF to the email address of the borough where the property is located as listed in the Determinations Fact Sheet.

Is it mandatory to file General Construction, Foundation, Earthwork and Support of Excavation and Protection & Mechanical Method jobs in DOB NOW?

Unless the job is Affordable Housing or Fee Deferred, the job cannot be filed in eFiling/BIS and must be filed in DOB NOW. Affordable Housing jobs continue to be filed at the Development Hub and Fee Deferred jobs are dropped off at a Borough Office.

Which job types can be combine filed?

Each bullet below is separate, e.g. currently Plumbing cannot be combine filed with General Construction, etc.

Plumbing (PL), Sprinkler (SP), Standpipe (SD)

Sidewalk Shed (SH), Supported Scaffold (SF), Fence (FN)

General Construction* (GC), Foundation (FO), Earthwork (EA), Mechanical Systems (MS), Structural (ST) *GC must be included to combine file these work types

Support of Excavation (SE) and Protection and Mechanical Methods (PMM)

Foundation (FO) and Earthwork (EA)

Where do I file a Fire Alarm application?

All new fire alarm applications are filed at FDNY, and not the Department of Buildings.

Where do I file an application for a subdivision condominium?

Continue to file subdivision condominium (SC) applications in BIS.

Where do I file a full demolition job?

Full demolition (FD) applications are filed in DOB NOW: Build. To file a FD job in DOB NOW, login at nyc.gov/dobnow, select +Job Filing and choose Full Demolition. Initial Full Demolition filings must be standard plan exam and can only contain the FD work type; subsequent filings may be created for other work types.

When I select Penthouse for Work on Floors of an Alteration application under Location Information, what should I enter in the Floor Numbers fields?

Enter the sequence number like you would in a Schedule of Occupancy. If there is just one Penthouse in the building, enter sequence number 1 in both the From: and To: fields. Sequence numbers should also be entered for Sub-Cellars.

Is a PC1 (Professional Checklist) required for professional certification jobs in DOB NOW?

No, the PC1 is included in the attestation under the Statement and Signatures tab on the application.

What is the definition of Total Construction Floor Area?

Under Additional Information, provide the floor area affected by the proposed scope of work. For façades, provide the total area of the scope of work. This information is collected for alteration applications but does not have any impact on filing fees.

What do I select for building type if I am doing construction on an individual condo/co-op unit in a building?

Select Other, not 1-2 family home. Only for a violation is a condo or co-op considered a 1-2 family home.

How do I file as an owner of a condo/co-op unit?

In the Stakeholders section of the PW1, enter the Owner Information and select the owner type as Condo Unit or Co-Op Tenant Shareholder. Complete the Owner’s Attestation under the Statements & Signatures tab and attest to authorization from the condo or co-op board to file the application. This is the information that was provided in Section 26A of the paper PW1 form.

Who can enter the Cost Affidavit (PW3) information?

The applicant of record, filing representative, and associated delegates can enter the PW3 information. Owners cannot update the PW3 section.

How do I update the Final Cost on the Cost Affidavit (PW3)?

To update the final cost, select the Cost Affidavit (PW3) tab and select the applicable answer to the question “Is Estimated Job Cost same as Final Cost?” If “Yes” is selected, click +Add to update the final cost. If “No” is selected, click +Add and enter the cost details. Click update and then save for the Final Estimated Cost to display.

What do the colors and checks mean on the status bar at the top of a job filing?

The progress of the filing is illustrated by a circle shaded in blue. The circle shows the current stage the filing is in. A white check mark will appear in the circle once the stage has been completed by DOB and the filing has moved on to the next step in the filing process. A red exclamation point will appear to indicate that the filing is waiting for action by the applicant because DOB has issued Objections or the filing is in QA Failed status. Once the filing is complete, white check marks will appear in all the circles on the status bar. If the filing is a PAA, an approval is indicated by a solid blue circle without a check mark.

Can I file a new Antenna job if there is already one pending on the property?

No. Only one Antenna application can be filed at a time to ensure the square footage does not go beyond the maximum permitted amount.

Boiler Equipment

What is the difference between the boiler equipment work type categories Modification and New Installation?

Select new installation filing if there was no boiler in the location that the new boiler is being installed or the filing is to register an unregistered boiler. Select modification if there is a part replacement or upgrade to a component. Only one work type category can be selected on a filing.

What is the Device Tracking Number?

It is a temporary number given to a device and is for system tracking only until the work permit is issued. It is not a device number.

Will boiler device information that is created in DOB NOW appear when searching in BIS?

No. DOB NOW is the system of record for filings submitted in DOB NOW. BIS will maintain historical data of filings that were submitted before September 3, 2019.

What do I do if I am filing a boiler replacement in DOB NOW and the device information is incorrect or missing?

If the information is not editable, submit an inquiry at www.nyc.gov/dobnowhelp.

How many devices can be added on a Boiler Equipment filing?

A maximum of 10 devices can be filed/added to the same Job Filing. Ten new Boilers can be installed, along with 10 new associated Fuel Burners and 10 new associated Fuel Storage tanks. All Boiler devices on the same Job Filing must have the same Proposed Information.

When I add a device in a Boiler Equipment filing, how do I select multiple devices in Scope of Work?

On the List of Boiler Equipment first select the Boiler Energy Source and then select the + button above Device Details.

Where do I enter chimney information (material types) in a Boiler Equipment filing?

On the left navigation bar, select the Tracking Number under Boilers. In the Proposed Information section there are fields to enter the Chimney/Vent Information.

Once Schedule C is signed, sealed and uploaded, does it automatically go to inspections?

A paper Schedule C form should not be submitted in DOB NOW. The information that was on the Schedule C form is now data entered in the application directly in the Scope of Work section.

How do I file a Plumbing (PL) and Boiler Equipment (BE) permit?

These are separate work types in DOB NOW. You can connect these filings by submitting one work type as an initial application and the second work type as a subsequent filing. After the initial filing is submitted, a subsequent filing can be created and both applications will have the same parent job number.

Do I need a Plumbing (PL) permit to replace an Oil Boiler?

No, an oil burner replacement is done by the Oil Burner Installer (OBI) as a Boiler Equipment (BE) or Limited Alteration Application (LAA) filing in DOB NOW.

If I am replacing a boiler but the existing boiler does not have a device number, what should I do?

You can reference the job number that registered or legalized the boiler or you can file as a new boiler.

How do I file for oil-fired equipment, other than boilers, in DOB NOW: Build?

Submit a Boiler Equipment/Fuel Storage application and select/identify the other type of equipment. Provide a detailed description of the scope of work in order to avoid any confusion at the time of inspection.

Can I add additional boiler equipment to an approved filing with a PAA?

No, once the filing is submitted, additional boiler equipment cannot be added. If the filing is in objection status or approved, you must file a new or subsequent boiler application to add additional equipment.

Can I delete boiler equipment from an approved filing with a PAA?

A device cannot be removed with a PAA. The applicant can leave the boiler record on the filing and then when it comes time for inspection, have the inspector put the boiler that was never installed straight into 'Void' status. The plans should be updated on the PAA to show the accurate number of boilers with a note about the boiler that needs to be voided.

How can I change the Existing Scope of Work Information for a boiler replacement?

If the permit is not signed off and the filing is in Approved or Permit Entire status, create a PAA and enter the changes to the boiler scope of work in the Proposed Information section. Once the PAA is approved, the Existing Information on the initial filing will be updated.

Boiler Removal Notification (OP49)

Who can file an OP49 in DOB NOW?

A Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, Oil Burner Installer, High Pressure Boiler Operator or Licensed Master Plumber can file a Boiler Removal Notification (OP49).

How do I file an OP49 in DOB NOW?

From the DOB NOW dashboard, select “+Boiler Removal Notification”. See page 115 of this presentation for more information.

When should I file a Boiler Removal Notification (OP49)? Are any supporting job applications required before an OP49 can be filed?

File an OP49 when a boiler has been permanently disconnected or removed

and

is not being replaced by another boiler to supply heat to the same building. A job (permit) application also must be filed for one of the following:

the permanent capping and removal (PL or OT) of all connections to the boiler; or

job plans showing the installation of a different type of heating appliance, such as a Heating Ventilation (HVAC) system.

Why was my OP49 rejected?

Below are the most common reasons an OP49 is rejected:

A DPL-1 Form was not uploaded. This document is required for all license types except for Stationary/Mobile Engineers and Insurance Company Boiler Inspectors.

The correct owner’s or owner representative’s information was not entered on the filing.

A cap and removal or replacement heating appliance installation job application number was omitted.

The provided Job application number either does not support or conflicts with the stated reason why the boiler device record should be deactivated.

The incorrect “Type of Inspection Conducted” was selected.

The boiler device has not actually been removed and is instead claimed to be non-jurisdictional; in such cases an OP49 is not appropriate.

An incorrect inspection date was entered.

There is an outstanding Boiler Replacement or Boiler Installation job which was never signed off. Most of the time, the DOB Boiler Technical Unit must either pass a First Test for the boiler or verify removal on an incomplete boiler job. In some instances, a withdrawal application may be required. Please contact the Boilers Unit at 212-393-2661 or BoilerTechnical@buildings.nyc.gov if you have questions concerning a removed boiler and an open boiler job application.

The OP49 rejection reason given was incorrect Type of Inspection Conducted. Why is what I selected not correct and what should I have selected?

In DOB NOW: Build, OP49 Type of Inspection Conducted definitions are the same as the Boiler Disposition Types found in Section 4B of the paper form. Below are the definitions. (Time is

not

the determining factor for any of these).

Disconnection

: All piping, fuel burner, electrical, flue and applicable oil fuel tank connections have been properly and legally severed and capped, however the physical boiler device remains on the premises.

Removal

– A disconnection AND the physical boiler has been completely removed from the premises. The

same

licensee who performed the actions must complete the OP49 inspection/attestation.

Post Disconnection/ Removal Inspection

– The physical boiler was previously disconnected or removed by someone

other than

the licensee who has performed the inspection and who is completing the OP49 attestation. For example, if Plumber X already removed the boiler and Architect Y inspects the location and completes an OP49, then that constitutes a Post Disconnection/ Removal inspection. The amount of time between the two events is irrelevant for this purpose. This is a very common scenario and not to be confused with Non-Existing below.

Non-Existing

– There was

never

a distinct, physical boiler on the location to match the device number showing in BIS or DOB NOW. An example is when a historical device number was unnecessarily created due to a boiler replacement permit. The same location/BIN may show duplicate device numbers distinguishable only by an N or Y, such as 40000123456N0001 and 40000123456Y0001. If such device numbers represent the same physical boiler (because one of those numbers was created in error) then the incorrect device number may be filed on an OP49 as Non-Existing.

Non-Existing is often mistaken to mean “does not exist at the time of inspection.” But usually, the more appropriate choice is Post Disconnection/Removal Inspection above because the location once had a boiler that was physically removed by someone besides the licensee who is now inspecting the location and completing the OP49.

Can an OP49 be approved without a supporting job application?

All OP49s require a supporting job application. Although filed in DOB NOW: Build, an OP49 is a notification to deactivate a boiler record and does not function like a permit. The applicant and owner must still provide supporting job applications because the Administrative Code stipulates that the underlying work associated with boiler, burner and fuel oil tank disconnection be legally permitted and approved by the Department. In such cases, at minimum a plumbing work type is required to show such code-related work even when no other type of heating device (HVAC, etc.) will replace the boiler.

In cases where the gas/fuel oil piping and/or electrical wiring are being repurposed for a different form of heat such as a gas furnace or forced air system, then it is not necessary to provide a cap and removal job, as long as the licensed applicant lists the job application numbers for the new heating equipment. However, job signoff will still be required in most cases.

How will job application signoff impact approval of my OP49 filing?

The Boilers QA Team will update the OP49 status to Pending Inspection (signoff), provided that all other OP49 information is complete and accurate. Once the supporting job is signed off, submit an inquiry at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp and provide the job number and signoff/completion date. In many cases, a plumbing signoff showing cap and removal of the boiler and other fixtures will suffice. PL work types can be signed off well in advance of final scope of work sign off.

My OP49 has been rejected and the system is not allowing me to re-submit it. Why is this occurring?

Once an OP49 is rejected in DOB NOW: Build, it cannot be resubmitted. If an OP49 is still required, then the applicant must create and submit a new filing.

My OP49 was rejected and now I cannot obtain my Certificate of Occupancy (CO). How can I get my OP49 approved?

If a rejected OP49 is the

only

reason for CO disapproval, submit an inquiry at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp to request assistance.

I have a non-jurisdictional boiler. Should I file an OP49 to have it deactivated in the system?

No. The Boiler Removal Notification (OP49) in DOB NOW: Build is only for deactivating jurisdictional boilers that have been permanently disconnected or removed. Non-jurisdictional boilers that heat single apartments in mixed-use or multi-dwelling buildings, or any boilers under the 100K BTUH threshold in all buildings except for 1-5 Family non-SRO dwellings, require verification by the DOB Boilers Unit prior to device record deactivation. To notify the Department of a non-jurisdictional boiler, submit an inquiry at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp and attach a photo of the H-stamped boiler rating plate. Also provide the full name, telephone number and best times to reach a contact person who can give the Boiler Technical Unit access to the device in case a DOB site visit is required.

Concrete

For what work types can concrete be added to the Scope of Work?

Concrete can be a part of the following work types: Structural (ST), Foundation (FO), Earthwork (EA) and Support of Excavation (SE). For SE filings, concrete only applies when Tangent/Secant Piles is selected as a subcategory in the PW1.

Can concrete work be added to the scope of work for Support of Excavation (SE) filings?

For SE filings, concrete only applies when Tangent/Secant Piles is selected as a subcategory in the PW1.

Is there an additional fee for concrete work?

When Concrete is selected in the scope of work, a flat concrete fee of $390 is added to the cost and must be paid before the filing is submitted. Currently this applies even if the TR2 or TR3 are waived. The fee is waived for fee exempt owners.

Can the same Concrete Lab Director take ownership of the TR2 and TR3?

No. The TR2 Lab Director must be different from the TR3 Lab Director.

Can I waive the TR2 and TR3?

On the Concrete Scope of Work section, the following question must first be answered as Yes.

Is the proposed total concrete placement less than 50 cubic yards? Yes

Then, to waive the TR2 and TR3, answer the following question as Yes:

Are you proportioning your concrete without field experience or trial mixtures? Yes

The below selections will waive the TR2 only:

Are you proportioning your concrete without field experience or trial mixtures? No

Would you like to waive the requirement for testing of fresh concrete sampling (TR2)? Yes

There is no option to waive only the TR3.

What is the process to have the TR2/TR3 waived from an application once the application has already been approved?

To waive the TR2/TR3 after the job is approved, submit a PAA to change the Concrete Scope of Work questions.

When will the TR3 tab appear in the filing?

If not waived, Concrete Design Mix (TR3) will be available under the Technical Report tab after the filing is in approved status.

How do I submit and view the completed TR2 concrete test reports?

The Concrete Testing Lab on the TR2 submits the report in the Test Report section on the TR2 tab by scrolling to the right and selecting the upload button for a Tracking Number. The TR2 tab is populated with the Tracking Numbers from the TR3 tab. Only one test report is required to be uploaded for one Tracking Number on the TR2; other mixes can remain on the TR2 without a test report. The design applicant and owner can view the report that was uploaded by the concrete testing lab by selecting the upload/Submitted button for the Tracking Number. An option will be provided to View the report.

How do I delete a mix from the TR3?

A mix within a tracking number can be deleted by a stakeholder on the TR3 if the Concrete Testing Lab Director has not completed the attestation on the TR3. If the attestation has been completed but the job is not yet in LOC status, another mix can be added by creating a new tracking number (selecting +Concrete Design Mix). Only one test report is required to be uploaded on one tracking number on the TR2; other tracking numbers/mixes can remain on the TR2 without a test report. Changes to the TR3 can be made without a PAA but changes cannot be made while a PAA is in progress.

When does the concrete testing lab have to be identified?

The applicant and owner complete the Statements & Signature section on the TR2 prior to plan approval. The Concrete Testing Lab must be identified by the applicant or filing representative before the permit can be submitted. The Concrete Testing Lab needs to log into DOB NOW and complete the Statements & Signature section on the TR2.

Can I add multiple concrete producers to a filing?

Only one concrete producer can be added to a filing in DOB NOW. If there are multiple concrete producers, then separate filings are needed.

What does it mean when the filing status is Permit Entire – BC/DBC Review Objections?

This status means that the Borough Commissioner or Deputy Borough Commissioner examined the exception report and raised objections. The Applicant’s TR2 attestations will be cleared. The Applicant may need to upload a new Exception Report and re-certify or upload new mixes in the TR3 and provide new Test Results in the TR2 and re-certify. Once the TR2 is certified without exceptions or the Exception Report is approved, the LOC can be requested.

When is a Concrete Safety Manager required on a permit?

A Concrete Safety Manager is required for Structural, Foundation, Earthwork and Support of Excavation jobs when Concrete is selected as a work type subcategory and on the associated work permit application, the requestor selects yes to the question that the approved work includes 2000 cubic yards or more of concrete. Then the Concrete Safety Manager needs to log into DOB NOW to complete the Statement and Signature section before the permit can be submitted.

How do I indicate that a different contractor will be performing the concrete work?

A question on the work permit application asks if the applicant of record for the work permit is also performing the concrete work. If no is selected, then a concrete subcontractor section appears to enter the email address of the additional contractor. This additional contractor needs to log into DOB NOW to complete the Statement and Signature section before the permit can be submitted.

If the TR2 and TR3 are waived but includes concrete work, will the permit be issued with a concrete banner?

Permits issued in DOB NOW indicate the scope of work but do not have a separate banner indicating concrete work.

When can I add a mix to the TR3?

Changes to the TR3 cannot be made while a PAA is in progress or if the concrete testing lab has attested on the TR2. Once the PW1 Applicant of Record completes the Statement and Signature for a TR3 design mix, the user can no longer add mixes under the same tracking number. However, if the LOC has not been initiated, a new mix can be added by selecting +Add Concrete Design Mix on the TR3.

How can I add a new mix to the TR3 if the concrete testing lab certified the TR2?

The Concrete Testing Lab needs to log into DOB NOW and remove the certification of completion on the TR2. Once the certification is removed, a new TR3 mix can be added.

When can I upload a test report to the TR2 tab?

The TR3 mix tracking number will populate on the TR2 tab when the job is in Permit Entire status. If there are multiple work types on the filing, a permit needs to be pulled for each one. If the job is in Permit Issued status the test report section will not populate on the TR2.

Cranes

How do I file a suspended scaffold in DOB NOW?

To file for a suspended scaffold in DOB NOW, select the new Suspended Scaffold (SC) work type and subcategory Suspended Scaffold or Industrial Rope Access. Depending on the scope of the work, the applicant of record can be a licensed Rigger, a licensed Sign Hanger, or a Registered Design Professional (PE/RA). Only a PE/RA can select Filing Review Type Professional Certification. See the Suspended Scaffold Service Notice for more information.

How do I change the scope of work on an approved CD5?

When filing an amendment to a CD5 in DOB NOW, the scope of work cannot be changed. If there is new scope of work that requires a professional engineer or registered architect to be the applicant instead of a rigger, a new filing for Suspended Scaffold (SC) is needed.

How do I change the owner on a Crane Device (CD) application?

Submit an amendment to change the current owner of the CD. Select Cranes from the DOB NOW: Build module and then from the +Crane Device drop down list, select Amendment and then Change Ownership. Specify the new owner and upload the Bill of Sale to prove ownership of the device. See the Cranes Step by Step Guide for more information.

Earthwork

What kind of work is included in the Earthwork (EA) work type?

The EA work type includes all earthwork: Excavation, Landscape, Sitework (Grading and fill), and Soil Improvement.

What is the difference between Support of Excavation (SE) and Earthwork (EA)?

Earthwork includes Excavation, Landscape, Sitework (Grading and fill), and Soil Improvement. Support of Excavation includes Berming/Sloping/Benching, Ground Freezing, Shoring/Bracing, Slurry Shaft/Wall, Soil Grouting/Improvement/Mixing, Tangent/Secant Piles, Tie backs and Anchors, and Other.

If I am installing new foundation elements, do I need both the Foundation (FO) and Earthwork (EA) work types?

No, only the FO work type is required, see AC28-105.2. The FO work type is for the construction or alteration of foundations, including earthwork, excavation, fill, and foundation insulation if necessary. The EA work type is for work solely involving earthwork, excavation, or fill operations.

Note per AC28-105.2.1, that prior to the issuance of any permit for work that includes foundations and/or earthwork, a temporary construction permit with the support of excavation work type clearly illustrating support of excavation design, including but not limited to stepping, sheeting, sloping, shoring, and bracing, and any protective railings or equipment required by chapter 33 of the New York City building code shall be required.

Who can submit the Earthwork notification?

The contractor (work permit applicant) submits the Earthwork notification.

When can I submit the Earthwork notification?

The notification can be submitted once the job is approved. The notification cannot be submitted if there is a PAA or permit renewal in process.

How do I submit an Earthwork notification for a BIS job?

DOB NOW was updated on May 17, 2021 to include notifications for BIS jobs. From the DOB NOW dashboard, select +Notifications and then Earthwork.

Electrical Filings

I have submitted my filing and printed my permit; however, my status still says permit issued, not complete?

Your filing status will move to complete after your job has passed inspection and all the fees (including parts fees) are paid.

How do I renew my Electrical Permit?

Electrical permits renew automatically. If a permit expired due to lapsed insurance, update your insurance in DOB NOW: BIS Options. Every night the DOB NOW system checks the job end date and the insurance expiration dates. If the job is still ongoing and the insurance has not expired, the status of the permit will remain Permit Issued.

Can a new electrical contractor supersede another contractor’s electrical permit?

There is no supersede process for electrical permits. A new contractor must create a new electrical permit for the same scope of work and indicate the superseded job number in the Job Description field. Once the job is in Complete status, the owner can submit a withdrawal request for the previous job by submitting a letter by email to the Electrical Inspections Development Unit for the applicable borough:

Bronx: BXElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Brooklyn: BKElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Manhattan: MNElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Queens: QNElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov
Staten Island: SIElectricalIR@buildings.nyc.gov

I have a job that needs to be approved by the Electrical Advisory Board, what has changed?

The Electrical Advisory Board has been eliminated. Electrical installation review will be performed by the DOB Electrical Plan Review (EPR) team. Once a filing has been approved, submit an Electrical Permit Application via DOB NOW and enter the approval number in the Job Description field.

How do I add new floors or new categories of work to my electrical application?

Submit a Post Approval Amendment (PAA) to an electrical filing in DOB NOW: Build when you are working on the same floor or increasing or decreasing materials. Submit a Subsequent Electrical filing when you are changing the scope of work that includes working on new floors and/or changing the category of work. You can also change the applicant and owner information in a Subsequent filing. If you need to make any changes to the job location, you will need to withdraw the job and submit a new filing with the new address. For more information, see questions 6 and 8 of this guide.

How do I withdraw an electrical permit once it’s been issued?

Log into DOB NOW: Inspections and request a withdrawal inspection. Once the inspection is in Pass/Final status, the filing status in DOB NOW: Build will change to Cancelled.

The inspector failed my electrical filing and I need to update the Scope of Work. How do I do this?

If you are working on the same floor, increasing/decreasing materials, etc. you can file a PAA on the job in DOB NOW: Build.

The status of my job is Pass/Final in DOB NOW: Inspections. When will the filing status change to Complete in DOB NOW: Build?

The final filing status for electrical jobs in DOB NOW: Build is Complete. Once the inspection is given Pass/Final status in DOB NOW: Inspections, and the job is paid in full, the filing status in DOB NOW: Build will be changed to Complete. DOB NOW: Build is the system of record for electrical filings. The status in DOB NOW: Inspections will remain Pass/Final. If there is a PAA, the PAA Filing Status will remain Approved.

There are new options provided when I create an initial electrical filing. What should I select?

if your elecrical application is associated with a construction project, search for the job number or BIN and create a subsequent filing. If your electrical application is not associated with a construction project, answer no to the questions provided to create an initial filing. For step-by-step instructions, see this guide: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/dob_now_build_electrical.pdf.

In an electrical application that is Certificate of Occupancy related, how do I enter a DOB NOW job number?

Currently, if yes is selected to the CO related question, only a BIS job number can be entered. If the CO related job is in DOB NOW, create the electrical application as a subsequent filing and select no to the CO related question so that you can proceed. The data provided is informational only and will not affect the sign off of the electrical application.

Why am I being asked questions about occupancy to file an electrical or elevator job?

Questions were added for the expansion of DOB NOW on March 1, 2021 that includes New Building and Alt-CO (formerly Alt-1) job types. The electrical and elevator applications have not changed. See the Electrical How To and Elevator How To for instructions on how to create an initial filing.

How do I request sign-off for Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for electrical work done on a New Building or Alteration 1/Alt-CO job?

Submit the sign-off request in DOB NOW: Inspections. See the manual for instructions.

How do I sign off/close an old electrical application that was filed in BIS if an electrical application was refiled in DOB NOW and signed off?

Contact Electrical Inspections (Development) and provide both the BIS and DOB NOW job numbers. If the scope of both jobs match, then the unit will administratively close the BIS filing.

How do I request an AHV permit for an electrical job?

If the electrical job that you want to file an AHV permit for is not associated with a DOB NOW or BIS job filing, you will need to fill out a paper PW5 and submit it in-person at the appropriate borough office. If the electrical permit is associated with a BIS or DOB NOW job filing, submit the AHV request under that job and enter the DOB NOW electrical job number in the Description of Work field.

My electrical job status is pending payment. How do I make the payment?

The parts fee for an electrical filing is billed to an electrician's firm account. If there is an issue with the firm account, this will affect the filing status of the permit in DOB NOW Build. Visit the Electrical Firm Accounts page for more information, including how to check your account balance or dispute a transaction.

How do I print my electrical permit?

To print an electrical work permit, go to your dashboard and locate the Filing Action field (on the far right, after Payment Status). In the Filing Action field, click the Select Actiondropdown and select Print Work Permit. On the confirm screen, click Yes. The permit can then be printed using your browser's print option. Detailed instructions for how to print a work permit can be found starting on page 112 of this presentation: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/dob_now_build_electrical_presentation.pdf.

After an electrical permit is issued, can I file a PAA to update the permit to indicate Removal of Violation or Owner/Occupant Objection?

No, the change cannot be made on a PAA. Create a subsequent filing or withdraw and refile the permit.

What is the final status of an electrical job?

The final filing status for electrical jobs in DOB NOW: Build is Complete. Letters of Completion are not applicable for electrical filings.

Elevator Filings

How do I get an elevator permit?

An approved elevator agency director/co-director submits an Elevator job application in DOB NOW: Build.

How do I get a device number for my elevator?

File a New Installation application in DOB NOW: Build. A device number will be provided once the plan examiner approves the filing. The status of the device will be Work in Progress until the device has passed the first test performed by a DOB inspector.

Do I need an electrical permit filing for an elevator permit?

Yes. A licensed electrician submits a filing for an electrical permit in DOB NOW: Build.

I am trying to submit a filing but I get an error message that “you cannot select this device since another application is already in progress” or “active on another application”.

If there is an open permit/application for this device and you need the flag lifted, submit an inquiry with your device number at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp.

How do I select that my elevator filing is fee exempt?

The owner type determines if a filing is fee exempt. Only the Private owner type requires fees to be paid. If Private Tax Exempt is selected in error and the filing is QA Failed, the filing must be withdrawn and refiled.

What do I enter for Total Construction Floor Area?

Enter the total square footage of the elevator shafts and the number of stories in the building.

My filing requires a single-family use declaration. What is this?

A private residence elevator by code can be installed either in a private residence building or in other buildings where it would serve a private residence only and not be accessible to the general public or to other occupants of the building. Upload a notarized letter from the owner that this elevator will serve a private residence and will not be accessible to other occupants of the building.

How do I submit a withdrawal or supersede request for an elevator filing?

Fill out the Withdrawal or Supersede letter and submit the request to the DOB NOW help form at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp.

How do I change the name of the Owner on an elevator application?

Submit a supersede request to the DOB NOW help form at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp.

My company has changed the name of the business. Will the business name automatic update on all my applications once the License Unit has approved the changes?

No. Any job filled before that change of business name must be superseded.

When trying to process my application, I get an error message that the “property is on hold.”

Contact the Borough Commissioner’s Office. The Elevator Unit does not put properties on hold.

I have an OATH/ECB civil penalty due for an elevator permit. How do I get the amount due?

When filing the elevator permit, indicate the OATH/ECB violation number that you are filing to remove in the scope of the work section. The Plan examiner will review and send an objection with the amount due. Payment is made at 280 Broadway, Manhattan on the first floor.

How do I request a elevator sign off for occupancy requests?

For BIS jobs, use the DOB NOW help form at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp, select the following:

Module: DOB NOW: Build

Project/Filing Type: Elevators

Question Category: Elevator Temp/Final CO Signoff

For DOB NOW jobs, use the Filing Action menu on the Job Filings dashboard or the Elevator Occupancy Sign Off tab within the New Building or Alt-CO filing. See the May 2022 Service Notice for more information.

Emergency Work Notifications (EWNs)

The status of my EWN is Received. Is this the final status?

The final status of a submitted EWN filing in DOB NOW: Build is Received. An EWN in received status is all that is required to proceed with the emergency work. The purpose of an EWN is to notify the Department of Buildings that work is taking place in an emergency situation where an issue needs to be addressed right away. It is not a permit. Once the entire scope of work is known, the next step is to file an LAA permit to complete the work.

Can I file for a new EWN after 2 business days?

If the applicant does not know the entire scope of work or is awaiting support documentation, a new EWN can be filed. This will generate a new EWN number. The other option is that the applicant may file an LAA with a Post Approval Amendment to follow once the full scope of work has been determined. All related EWN numbers need to be included when submitting an LAA in DOB NOW: Build.

What is the start and end time of an EWN?

The 2-business day EWN time-period will start the next full business day after the EWN is submitted and in Received status. For example, if an EWN was submitted in DOB NOW on Monday at 8:00 a.m. then the 2-day time-period will start on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. and will expire on Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. An email is sent after two full business days to notify the applicant that the EWN has expired.

Can the utility company see the EWN that I submitted?

Yes, EWNs are listed in the DOB NOW Public Portal at www.nyc.gov/dobnow. Search by address and then select BUILD: Job Filings at the bottom of the screen. If an EWN has been submitted for this address it will be listed in this section with a job number beginning with EWN and the status will be Received.

What should I post at the job site if I have an EWN?

Once the applicant has submitted an EWN and it is in Received status, an email notification will automatically be sent confirming that the EWN has been received. The applicant can print this email from DOB NOW and post it at the job site.

Foundation

What kind of work is included in the Foundation (FO) work type?

The FO work type is for all foundation work, which includes: Deep, Retaining Wall, Shallow, Tie Backs and Anchors, Underpinning and Other.

Do I file Underpinning under the Earthwork (EA) or Foundation (FO) work type?

All underpinning work is filed under Foundation (FO) since it includes digging. If Underpinning is selected, then no other subcategory can be selected, and no other work type can be included in the filing.

I selected Underpinning as the subcategory for Foundation (FO) work. How do I add Retaining Walls to the filing?

If Underpinning is selected, then no other subcategory can be selected, and no other work type can be included in the filing.

Is an Earthwork work type required when selecting the Foundation work type?

No, Earthwork and Foundation are separate work types.

Why is it required that plan sets be broken up by Earthwork and Foundation work types since it is typically the same plan set and uploaded twice?

Currently each work type needs its own plan set. You can also file an AI1 in place of the second plan set that says all elements are combined on the other plans.

Why can’t a Support of Excavation (SE) filing be combine filed with a Foundation (FO) filing?

They cannot be combine filed because SE filings are reviewed by a special technical team.

When there is new small foundation for a small balcony, such us 4' foundation below ground, do we need to file a Foundation (FO) application?

Yes, an FO application is required for this work.

Can a different contractor pull the permits for Earthwork, Foundation and Support of Excavation applications?

Yes. If Earthwork and Foundation are combine filed with General Construction, a composite permit can only be pulled if the contractor is the same for all three work types. Support of Excavation cannot be combine filed with Foundation, Earthwork or General Construction and requires a separate application and permit.

Why do Foundation jobs require two different TR4 documents? What should be uploaded?

A system update is being made to require only one TR4 document called TR4 Test Report and Plot Diagram. Currently there are two documents, TR4 Plot Diagram and TR4 Test Report. The paper TR4 form can be uploaded or another report that includes a diagram to satisfy both required documents until the system update is made.

General Construction

What kind of work is included in the General Construction (GC) work type?

For all job types other than New Buildings, GC includes: Construction, Chimney, Façade, Enlargement.

What work types can be combine filed with a General Construction application?

A General Construction (GC) application can be combine filed with Foundation (FO), Structural (ST), Earthwork (EA) and Mechanical Systems (MS). GC can be combine filed with any or all of these work types.

How do I add Plumbing to a General Construction (GC) filing?

The work types that can be combined with a GC filing are Foundation, Structural, Earthwork and Mechanical Systems. A Plumbing filing can only be combine filed with a Sprinkler or Standpipe filing. Either the GC or Plumbing application can be filed as an initial filing and then the other work type can be filed as a subsequent filing. A plumbing filing cannot be combine filed with a GC filing because the permits are pulled by different license types.

How do I select a final inspection by a registered design professional?

General Construction work types includes a question on the section called Filing Includes to indicate whether the Department of Buildings or a registered design professional will perform the final inspection (formerly Directive 14). If RDP is selected then a Final is added to the Progress Inspection Categories on the Technical Report tab of the filing. See the February 2020 Service Notice and Buildings Bulletin 2020-011 for more information.

I selected final inspection by a registered design professional on an approved GC filing but now I want to change it. How do I remove the final inspection and replace it with a Department of Buildings inspection?

File a PAA to modify the section called Filing Includes on the PW1 in DOB NOW. If the Final inspection on the TR1 tab has already been certified or an LOC has been issued for the filing, then the Final inspection cannot be removed.

I selected final inspection by the Department of Buildings on the filing but why is there still a TR-Final on the job?

If there are multiple work types on the filing, the TR-Final will populate for those work types that require a registered design professional to perform the final inspection. See the February 2020 Service Notice and Buildings Bulletin 2020-011 for more information.

What work type should I select for a chimney filing?

Chimney work is filed under General Construction (GC).

What work type should I select to obtain a permit for an awning, marquee, or canopy?

Select the General Construction (GC) work type for awnings and the replacement of an existing canopy. A separate (or subsequent) filing with the Sign (SG) work type is required for the lettering. Marquee filings are submitted in BIS, not DOB NOW.

When should I use the Façade subcategory under the General Construction (GC) work type?

Façade should be selected for any façade work, not just for Local Law 11 related work, regardless of building height.

How do I file an OT job in DOB NOW?

There is no OT work type in DOB NOW. File a General Construction (GC), Structural (ST), Foundation (FO), Earthwork (EA) or Support of Excavation (SE) job in DOB NOW.

How do I file OT jobs for facade repairs, vault repairs and roof replacements?

The General Construction (GC) work type in DOB NOW includes these job types. After selecting the work type GC, then choose one of these subcategories: Construction, Chimney, Façade or Enlargement.

Does the General Construction (GC) work type include builders pavement plans (BPP)?

BPP is not included in GC at this time. It will be added to DOB NOW in the future.

What work type do I select for an architectural filing?

Architectural filing is not a DOB work type but the term is usually interchangeable with a General Construction (GC) filing.

How do I file for minor non-structural work?

Submit minor non-structural work as work type General Construction (GC) in DOB NOW. If structural special inspections are needed then the Structural (ST) work type must also be selected.

Can stair replacement be filed as Structural work type or does it have to be treated as GC work type?

If the job is stair replacement only, without associated GC work, it may be filed as ST only.

How do I add a structural special inspection to a job filed as work type General Construction (GC)?

If the job includes structural work, work type Structural (ST) must be selected in DOB NOW. An ST job can be combine filed with a General Construction (GC) job but ST must be selected as a separate work type in order to add the necessary Technical Reports (special inspections). A job can have more than one structural application if there are different applicants and different scopes of work.

When can I file mechanical applications as General Construction (GC)?

For a New Building or an Alteration-CO (including one- and two-family dwellings) and if a Certificate of Compliance is required, the Mechanical Systems (MS) work type is always required if the MS work requires a permit. MS and GC work types can be combine filed on one job filing application. If the mechanical work does not require a permit according to 1 RCNY §101-14, only a General Construction (GC) job filing is required. Whole house ventilation is required for one- and two-family dwellings and requires an MS permit.

Can there be separate applicants for General Construction and Structural work types but still them file together?

No, if you are doing a combined filing, the Applicant must be the same for all work types.

How do I file for a permanent air-supported structure (e.g., tennis court on roof accessory to school)?

File the job as the General Construction (GC) work type. Since the structure is for an ongoing use, a Temporary Use Permit per AC 28-111 is not applicable. When a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is requested, DOB will add an exception with an annual renewal date for the building’s roof with air-supported structure.

How do I submit a DS1: Demolition Submittal Certification Form in DOB NOW?

The form is not submitted in DOB NOW. The questions from the DS1 are included in the Scope of Work section for Structural (ST) filings when partial demolition is selected. Plans for partial demolition that are not prepared by the Applicant of Record should be uploaded to the filing under Additional Supporting Documents.

How do I file for a temporary sales office?

File an Alteration GC job for the construction of the temporary office and once inspected and passed, drop off the Temporary Use Permit request at a borough office for Borough Commissioner review.

If I file a DOB NOW New Building application indicating a GC work type only, am I required to provide DOB NOW job numbers for the requisite related work type applications on my plans and GC application?

Applicants can provide a note on the plans stating the work types that are required and that the applications will be filed at a later date. Plan examiners will be notified that this note is acceptable to proceed with the filing. Whenever possible, work types should be combine filed.

Limited Alteration Applications (LAAs)

I entered my email address in the Applicant section but there are grayed out fields that I can’t type in and I can't select the License Type? How do I enter this information?

Only a Licensed Master Plumber, Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor or Licensed Oil Burner Installer can be the applicant on an LAA filing. You need aa DOB NOW profile specific to your license number for the information to populate.

The status of my filing is Pre-Filing but I have paid and completed all of the sections. How do I get the permit?

To submit a filing and change it from a pre-filing status, the applicant needs to click Preview to File on the top left corner of the screen to review the file. Then click Next to review until the final page is reached. On this page there is a check box that needs to be clicked to confirm the application. Then click File to submit the filing. For more information, see page 37 here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/build_laa_step_by_step_guide.pdf. The permit will then be available to print from the Filing Action tab on the main dashboard.

I uploaded a required document(s) but the status is Pending. What does this mean?

The status of an uploaded document(s) in the Required Documents section will stay Pending until the job filing is submitted to DOB. Once the job is Filed, the document status will be updated to Submitted.

I am trying to file a gas test but there is no selection for this in the Scope of Work. How do I file?

In a DOB NOW: Build LAA filing for gas test/gas piping repair and piping work, use the below selections:

Limited Alteration Scope: Gas Plumbing Work
Filing includes: Replacement
Item Category: Piping or Gas work
Item type Gas Piping or Gas Repair

In the Proposed Work Summary indicate the equipment/appliance(s) that are being tested, repaired or replaced. Only the types of gas usages that are being tested should be selected in the Scope of Work tab.

What do I enter in the Total construction floor area field?

The applicant should provide the total area of the building in the Total construction floor area field. The NYC Construction Codes require this information to determine filing fees but for LAAs the square footage has no impact.

Can I enter more than one violation number in my LAA filing?

Yes, you can enter up to 5 violation numbers in the ECB violation # field, separating each one with a semi-colon (;). You will not be able to enter more than one if you separate them with a comma (,).

How do I submit an Oil to Gas Conversion?

To submit an oil to gas conversion in DOB NOW: Build for LAA filings, use the below selections:

Limited Alteration Scope: Gas Plumbing Work

Filing includes: Replacement

Item Category: Equipment/Appliance

Item type: indicate Gas Boiler, Gas Water Heater etc.

What is the time frame to renew an LAA permit that has expired?

An LAA permit may be renewed within one year of the expiration date. If the LAA has expired more than one year, perform the following:

File a new application,

Include the expired LAA job number in the Proposed Work Summary,

Provide a full work proposal.

How do I handle submitting an LAA filing for a property that has a Work Without Permit civil penalty?

To pay the Work Without Permit civil penalty, send a fee assessment email request to DOBNOWLAAL2@buildings.nyc.gov. A response will be sent with the applicable civil penalty fees due and further instructions will also be provided in an electronic notification. To submit a waiver request of a Work Without Permit violation, an L2 Civil Penalty Review Request must be electronically submitted through DOB NOW: Build. Use the DOB NOW: Build L2 Process guide for step-by-step instructions.

When can PAAs for LAA jobs be initiated?

PAAs can be filed at any time before Signoff has been initiated. PAAs may not be filed for a Legalization filing or when an audit is in progress (unless the status is Permitted – Corrections Requested).

How do I withdraw an LAA filing that a permit has already been issued for?

To create a withdrawal request, log into DOB NOW, search for the LAA job number that is in Permitted status and select the Withdrawal option from the Filing Action column. A withdrawal request can only be submitted by the applicant of the permit for a new job filing (not a post approval amendment). In the request, the applicant must select one of these reasons:

Contractor withdrawing (only allowed if no work has been performed)

Work included on another LAA filing (requires LAA job number with same BIN and scope of work)

Wrong address (requires LAA job number filed on correct address with the same scope of work)

A withdrawal inspection is no longer required. If work has been performed on the LAA permit, the permit can only be withdrawn if another LAA job number is provided that includes the same work of the withdrawn permit or the permit must be superseded by a new contractor.

How do I supersede the applicant on an LAA filing?

To create a supersede request, log into DOB NOW, search for the LAA job number that is in Permitted status and select the Supersede option from the Filing Action column. The superseding applicant must be logged into DOB NOW to create the supersede request. There is a $130 fee to process the request. If the LAA filing has been withdrawn, a supersede request cannot be created for that permit.

See the LAA Supersede and Withdrawal Request Service Notice for more information.

How do I close out an open BIS LAA job?

An LAA job for the same scope of work must be signed off in DOB NOW to close out the BIS job. Then a request can be made to administratively close the BIS job at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp. Select Module: DOB NOW: Build; Project/Filing Type: LAA; Question Category: LAA Administrative Closure.

How do I know when an LAA is complete and requires no further action?

The final status for LAA permits in DOB NOW: Build is Signed Off. Once the inspection is given Pass/Final status in DOB NOW: Inspections, the permit status in DOB NOW: Build will be changed 24 hours later to Signed Off. The status in DOB NOW: Inspections will remain Pass/Final. If there is a PAA, the PAA Filing Status will remain Approved.

If my job filing is audited and put in Permitted-Corrections Required status, how long do I have to respond to the auditor’s objections?

The applicant will have 10 days to respond to the auditor’s objections. If the applicant does not respond within this time frame, then the filing will be automatically placed into Intent to Revoke status.

How long do I have to respond to the auditor when my filing is in Intent to Revoke status?

The applicant has 15 days to respond to the auditor when it is in this audit status. If the applicant does not respond within this time frame, then the permit will automatically be placed in Revoked status.

Where in DOB NOW: Build do I respond to the auditor when my job is in Intent to Revoke status?

From your dashboard in DOB NOW: Build, select the filing and click on the Intent to Revoke tab that will appear as a new tab option below the Statement and Signatures tab.

How do I respond to the auditor’s objections when the filing is in Permitted-Corrections Required status?

You must file a PAA and pay the $100 PAA fee along with any fees associated with a change to the Scope of Work that would increase the job cost. You will only be required to file one PAA per audit.

If my job is being audited, can I continue with the work?

Yes, you may continue with the work because the permit has not been revoked nor have any Stop Work Orders been issued.

I am trying to request an inspection for an LAA filing. Why is it not appearing in DOB NOW: Inspections?

DOB NOW: Inspections receives updates from DOB NOW: Build overnight so it may take up to 24 hours for your filing to appear in Inspections after it has been permitted in the Build system.

I filed a PAA to an LAA filing in DOB NOW: Build. Why is the updated work summary not showing in DOB NOW: Inspections?

The updated work summary information from the PAA will not appear in DOB NOW: Inspections. DOB NOW: Build is the system of record for DOB NOW LAA jobs and DOB staff are trained to view DOB NOW: Build and DOB NOW: Inspections to verify information about a filing.

Can I schedule an inspection if my LAA job is being audited?

No, you cannot schedule an inspection in DOB NOW: Inspections until the audit is closed.

How do I withdraw the applicant on an LAA filing?

To create a withdrawal request, log into DOB NOW, search for the LAA job number that is in Permitted status and select the Withdrawal option from the Filing Action column. A withdrawal request can only be submitted by the applicant of the permit for a new job filing. In the request, the applicant must select one of these reasons:

Contractor withdrawing (only allowed if no work has been performed)

Work included on another LAA filing (requires LAA job number with same BIN and scope of work)

Wrong address (requires LAA job number filed on correct address with the same scope of work)

See the LAA Supersede and Withdrawal Request Service Notice for more information.

The scope of work on the filing is exempt from asbestos requirements. Why do the fields still appear?

When the LAA Scope of Work includes the items Gas Boiler CAT 1 Vent or Gas Water Heater CAT 1/CAT 3 Vent, an Asbestos Report Control Number and the Certificate Number are required per AC 28-106.1.

Mechanical Systems

When is a Certificate of Compliance, formerly an Equipment Use Permit (EUP), required?

According to §28-116.4.1: A certificate of compliance shall not be required in connection with work specifically exempted from permit requirements in accordance with this code or department rules. See RCNY 101-14 for exemptions.

Is the Certification Number for Listing still required on the Equipment specification for Mechanical Systems?

The Certification Number for Listing field has been changed to Serial Number. The serial number is required by FDNY and will be listed on the Certificate of Compliance. In addition to the serial number, the Model Name and Number and the associated Job Filing Number field has been added to the Certificate of Compliance for each line of equipment.

When is the Certificate of Compliance issued?

The TR Final needs to be certified for the Certificate of Compliance to appear. The special inspector needs to certify the TR Final, which will sign off the permit. Once the permit is signed off the COC is issued and can be printed.

How do I file a No Work application to receive a Certificate of Compliance?

A Mechanical Systems (MS) new work application needs to be filed in DOB NOW: Build, which requires a permit to be pulled and signed off. DOB NOW does not currently have a process for No Work applications except Place of Assembly and Temporary Place of Assembly filings. Alt1 No Work applications to obtain a new Certificate of Occupancy are filed in eFiling/BIS.

How many devices can be added on a Mechanical System filing?

A maximum of 50 devices can be filed/added to the same job filing. Additional devices can be added on a subsequent filing.

Place of Assembly (PA)/ Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) Filings

How do I change the name of establishment on an already established PA?

File a Post Approval Amendment (PAA) if it is a DOB NOW job. If your PA is in BIS and you want to file a PAA, continue to do this at the borough office.

Are FDNY permit renewal of PAs still in effect?

Yes, the FDNY process has not changed.

Will the Certificate of Occupancy still need to be attained before filing?

Yes. DOB will be internally verifying that a C of O has been attained before approving.

In the Associated Job Number field, if I have a Letter of No Objection but don’t have an NB # because the building is very old; what should I do?

Enter that the associated job number is “pre-BIS,” and include a comment on the filing explaining why there is no NB/A1 # and the examiner will evaluate.

How do I request the Place of Assembly Certificate of Operation?

Once the DOB Inspections are completed and the status is Pass-Final, the applicant can request the PACO or the TPACO from the Filing Action column of the Job Filings dashboard.

What are the late fees for TPAs?

Submit a TPA request at least 10 business days before the start of the event to avoid late fees of $100 per day it is late.

Can I request more than 30 days for a TPA?

Yes.

Can I edit the filing after it has been submitted?

If the job is in Pending Assignment status, yes. If it is review status, you will have to wait until the examiner completes the review and change what needs to be changed when the filing goes in objection status. If the job is approved, submit a PAA to make the change.

Since the owner can sign attestation before progress inspector completes their part, is there still a window for the owner to change the inspector after they attest?

A supersede request can be submitted for the progress inspector at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp.

Does a change in occupancy still require a PAA?

Yes.

Do I upload the Flame Spread letter in DOB NOW: Build?

No, submit the Flame Spread letter in DOB NOW: Inspections.

Does the system indicate how many fireguards are needed?

Submit the number of fireguards in the application and if plan examiners have any issues with it, they will raise an objection.

Can I file for a future event even while another event in the same place is still going on?

Yes.

How do the floors need to be listed on a PA job to pass inspection and obtain the PACO?

The floor(s) listed on the plans must match the Work on Floor(s) Location provided in the DOB NOW: Build application and the Schedule A/Schedule of Occupancy of the NB/A1/Alt CO Job # Establishing Place of Assembly.

In a Temporary Place of Assembly filing, how do I enter the event time if the event is occurring past midnight?

If, for example, the event is 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., enter the first day as 9 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Then enter a second day as 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. If the event is recurring and spans more than one day, enter the time as 12 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and include in the comments section the details about the event time.

If a PAA is filed on a Place of Assembly job, is another inspection needed to obtain the PACO?

Yes, a PACO cannot be obtained if there is not a current Pass/Final inspection after the PAA is approved.

Can I request a DOB inspection for a Place of Assembly application if the TR Inspection is not certified?

No. Place of Assembly applications require TR1 certification before an inspection can be requested in DOB NOW: Inspections.

Plumbing, Sprinkler, Standpipe

How do I add Plumbing to a General Construction (GC) filing?

The work types that can be combine filed with a GC filing are Foundation, Structural, Earthwork and Mechanical Systems. A Plumbing filing can only be combine filed with a Sprinkler or Standpipe filing. Either the GC or Plumbing application can be filed as an initial filing and then the other work type can be filed as a subsequent filing. A plumbing filing cannot be combine filed with a GC filing because the permits are pulled by different license types.

If I filed an application with combined work types such as PL/SP/SD, can I withdraw one of the work types?

Currently a work type cannot be withdrawn from a combined filing. The whole filing would need to be withdrawn and a new application created.

How do I file Plumbing-Sprinkler scope of work if the total number of sprinkler heads in the building exceeds 30?

If the number of sprinkler heads exceeds 30, you may file a new sprinkler filing or a subsequent to the plumbing filing.

I tried to renew my permit, but the number is different than the initial permit. Why?

A secondary permit is generated when a new permit is created from the Filing Action column or added within the PW2 section by selecting +Add. To renew the permit, select Renew Permit from the Filing Action column for the work permit. If a secondary permit is issued, an inspection needs to be requested for that permit for it to be signed off.

How do I renew a permit?

From the Filing Action column for the work permit, select Renew Permit.

How does a new applicant take over a permit?

Do not create a new secondary permit, instead, renew the permit with changes. From the Filing Action column for the work permit, select Renew Permit. Under the General Information section under Reason for Filing, select Renew Permit with changes and check the box of the Stakeholder(s) you would like to change. Enter the new applicant in the Applicant Information section.

How do I make an appointment for a Plumbing inspection?

Inspections are requested in DOB Now: Inspections. See DOB NOW: Inspections Resources for more information.

Do we still request plumbing sign off for TCO renewals or will the system check?

Requests for sign off for a TCO is requested in DOB NOW: Inspections. See the Electrical and Plumbing – Requesting Sign Off for Temporary or Final Certificate of Occupancy guide for step-by-step instructions.

Can the plumber request the final sign off?

No, only the applicant of record (registered architect or engineer) can request the final plumbing sign off on the job record in DOB NOW: Inspections. See the Electrical and Plumbing – Requesting Sign Off for Temporary or Final Certificate of Occupancy guide for step-by-step instructions.

Can the final inspection be performed under Directive 14 by a Register Design Professional?

The final inspection for the plumbing work type is performed by the Department of Buildings. For more information, see Buildings Bulletin 2018-008. After the permit is signed-off in DOB NOW: Inspections and the permit shows as signed-off in DOB NOW: Build, the applicant or owner can request a Letter of Completion in DOB NOW: Build.

Who do I contact for inquiries about my plumbing application?

For general inquires or assistance with DOB NOW: Build you may submit your inquiry at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp. For technical or inspection inquires, contact the Plumbing Inspections Development Unit in the borough where the property is located.

What are the differences between the Hydro Flow Test Letter, Hydrostatic Pressure Test, Hydraulic Calculation and Hydraulic Flow Calculations documents?

The Hydro Flow Test Letter document is being renamed to Hydrostatic Pressure Test and is required prior to LOC, BC 1074.24.1.

The Hydrant Flow Letter is being renamed to Hydrant Flow Test Letter and is required prior to Approval. This document is used by the plan examiner to verify the Hydraulic Calculation.

The Hydraulic Calculations document will remain the same.

The Hydraulic Flow Calculations document will be removed.

Until these system changes are made you can upload the same document for both Hydraulic documents.

Protection & Mechanical Methods

What kind of work is included in the PMM work type?

PMM includes all protection and mechanical methods: Chute, Cocoon, Hoisting Equipment, Mechanical Demolition Equipment, Platform, Roof Overhead Protection, Roof Protection and Other. Any work that requires a temporary construction equipment permit other than Sidewalk Shed (SH), Construction Fence (FN), Supported Scaffold (SF), Support of Excavation (SE), Suspended Scaffold (SC), should be a PMM work type. Any alteration work other than temporary construction equipment work should be filed in as a General Construction (GC) work type.

Is installation of floor shoring a Protection & Mechanical Methods (PMM) filing?

It can be filed as part of a General Construction (GC) filing if the architect is taking responsibility for it; however, if there is a separate structural engineer, then it should be filed as a Structural (ST) application.

How do I file for a Debris Chute?

File a Protection & Mechanical Methods (PMM) filing in DOB NOW.

Does the hoisting equipment in the PMM section apply to construction hoists?

A construction hoist is for materials and is filed under the PMM work type. If the hoist is for people, it is filed under the Elevators work type in DOB NOW.

Support of Excavation

What kind of work is included in the Support of Excavation (SE) work type?

The SE work type includes all support of excavation work: Berming/Sloping/Benching, Ground Freezing, Shoring/Bracing, Slurry Shaft/Wall, Soil Grouting/Improvement/Mixing, Tangent/Secant Piles, Tie backs and Anchors and Other. It includes work associated with New Buildings (NB), except for 1/2/3 family NBs.

Does every Support of Excavation (SE) application require an Earthwork (EA) application filed in conjunction?

No, SE and EA are separate work types.

What is the reason that Underpinning can’t be included as a checkbox on an SE filing?

Underpinning is an alteration filing for the new permanent foundation under the building being underpinned. SE is a temporary construction installation permit for work that is, as described in the permit type, temporary in nature to hold back earth temporarily until a permanent installation is in place.

What is considered an historic structure?

An historic structure is defined as a building or structure which is designated as one of the following:

A New York City landmark or interior landmark

Listed, or certified as eligible for listing, by the State Historic Preservation Officer or

The Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places, in the National Register of Historic Places

Historic under an applicable state or local law.

Certified as a contributing resource within a National Register, state designated or locally designated historic district.

Located within an New York City historic district

Projects within 90 feet of an adjacent historic structure are subject to section BC 3309.4.4.

New Building and Alteration-CO

Are Structural (ST) and Foundation (FO) work types required for New Building (NB) filings?

Each NB should have FO and ST work types that may be combine filed with the General Construction (GC) in the initial application if the applicant is the same or filed as subsequent filings to the GC work type.

How do I file for a main building and a detached garage?

File a separate NB filing for each, as preferred by DOB, Borough Presidents and the FDNY. The building and garage need separate BIN numbers in order to create separate NB filings. For all construction, there can only be one new building on a BIN.

Can there be more than one New Building (NB) application for a property?

Only one NB job can be in progress at a time on a BIN. However, more than one Alteration-CO or Alteration can be in progress at the same time on a BIN.

If an NB or Alt-1 application has been started and paid for in eFiling/BIS but not yet submitted, can the filing proceed through BIS?

If the job is in D status in BIS by February 26, 2021 it can continue in BIS. If not, it will need to be resubmitted in DOB NOW.

Can I submit a New Building application without providing all the required documents?

The application must be complete in order to be submitted, including all documents required prior to approval. You can request waiver or deferral of the documents at the same time the application is submitted. See the Waiver and Deferral Document Request List to determine if a document can be waived or deferred.

How do I file an Alt-2 job in DOB NOW?

The job types in DOB NOW are Alteration or Alteration-CO (alterations that impact Certificate of Occupancy). Alt-2 and Alt-3 in BIS are Alteration in DOB NOW and Alt-1 in BIS is Alteration-CO in DOB NOW.

What are the requirements for filing an application as an Alt-CO New Building with Existing Elements to Remain?

See Buildings Bulletin 2016-012 for clarification. If there is full demolition of an existing building, a New Building application must be filed.

When do I file an Alt-CO - New Building with Existing Elements to Remain?

When creating a new filing in DOB NOW and Alteration is selected, answer yes to the question: Alteration required to meet New Building requirements? This will indicate that the Job Type is Alt-CO – New Building with Existing Elements to Remain. See Buildings Bulletin 2016-012 for clarification about this job type.

Can I change an Alteration filing to an Alteration-CO filing after an Objection has been issued?

When a filing is first created in DOB NOW: Build, the answers to the initial questions determine whether a job will be an Alteration, Alteration-CO or a New Building. Once the job is

saved

for the first time, these selections cannot be changed. If the job filing type needs to be changed after the job has been submitted, the filing needs to be withdrawn and a new filing created.

For an open space application, what selections do I make on the Zoning tab and Schedule of Occupancy?

System updates were made on November 8, 2021 to better accommodate open space applications. An Alt-CO application is required for open lot filings such as a cellular monopole antenna.

Not applicable was added as a dropdown option for the following Zoning Information, Building Characteristics fields:

Primary structure system of the building

Structural Occupancy/Risk Category

Seismic Design Category

Occupancy Classification

Construction Classification

Mixed use building?

Building was originally erected pursuant to which Building Code?

The value of 0 can be entered for the following fields:

Existing (sq. ft)

Proposed additional (sq. ft)

Proposed reduction (sq. ft)

Maximum Permitted Floor Area Ratio

Maximum Permitted Floor Area

Not applicable was also added as a dropdown option for Occupancy Classification in the Schedule of Occupancy. If N/A is selected, Occupancy Group and Description of Use default to N/A. A Building Code year needs to be selected first for these options to be available.

Further changes are needed to the below fields that will be made in a later system update. For now, please use the following workaround:

Enter .01 for the fields on the PW1 under Additional Information including:

Total Construction Floor Area

Total Building Square Footage

Enter 1 for the below fields on the Zoning Information, Building Characteristics:

Build Stories as defined in the Building Code

Building Footprint

For an Alteration-CO for a 1968 code building, what answer is provided in building characteristics for seismic requirement since this is for 2008 and 2014 codes?

Prior code buildings need to be upgraded to comply with modern seismic regulations unless scope is large enough to warrant full building upgrade.

Is a horizontal or vertical enlargement always filed as an Alt-CO?

Horizontal or vertical enlargements not impacting the Certificate of Occupancy can be filed as an Alteration, not an Alteration-CO. If there is a change in the number of stories, an Alt-CO is required.

How do I submit a filing for limited egress review if I am relocating or modifying a street level exit door?

The current code requires only major changes to be filed as Alteration-CO. Minor changes can be filed as an Alteration, work type GC with inspection.

Is a PW6: Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Application required for Alt-CO/NB jobs submitted in DOB NOW?

No, proceed with requesting the inspection. A PW6 is not required.

How do I add documents at time of approval e.g. smoke detector, sprinkler sign off?

In DOB NOW, documents cannot be added by plan examiners. The plan examiner can issue an objection and the applicant can add an Additional Supporting Document. The required documents listed in DOB NOW are based on the business rules of the application. The selection that triggers the document needs to be changed to add the document. Sign off of the application is based on required documents only.

When filing an Alteration-CO, when is a TOPO stamp required?

A Plot Diagram (PD1) is required prior to approval for all NBs and is a conditional requirement for Alt-COs. A House Number Verification: TOPO stamp document is required prior to signoff. House number assignment/verification may be granted by the Borough President’s Office after the building entrances have been constructed and are visible from the street.

Is Directive 2 or full egress review still available?

No, Directive 2 is no longer available. The final inspection type is determined by work type. Changes in egress are filed as an Alteration-CO or Alteration as defined in the 2008 code:

28-118.3.3 Changes to exits. No building hereafter altered so as to cause a major alteration to existing exits shall be occupied or used unless and until the commissioner has issued a certificate of occupancy certifying that the alteration work for which the permit was issued has been completed substantially in accordance with the approved construction documents and the provisions of this code and other applicable laws and rules.

Is there a separate review of NB applications located in the flood hazard zone?

The plan examiner will coordinate an additional technical review if required.

Do I need to request a Letter of Completion for the subsequent filing of an NB or Alteration-CO filing?

No, the status of the subsequent filings will remain Permit Entire. Only the status of the initial (I1) filing will change to CO issued. If a Temporary CO is issued, the status of the initial job will remain Permit Entire until the Final CO is issued.

In the zoning information section under zoning lot details, we have 2 zoning districts. it asks for the lot area for each district. if i put in the lot area, the system counts it twice. how can i proceed to enter both zoning districts but have the lot area counted only once?

Do not include the second district under Zoning Districts, only list it as an overlay.

How do I get signoff on an Alt-1/Alt-CO in DOB NOW if there is another open Alt-1/Alt-CO job?

DOB NOW: Build records a CO at the property level: One BIN = One CO. If a building has another open Alt-1/Alt-CO job, a Final CO cannot be issued for the building when one open job obtains a sign-off. In DOB NOW, when one of the open Alt-1/Alt-CO jobs obtains sign-off, the building is issued a TCO with “Temporary” CO Type status for the floors, and a note in the “exception” section of floor/use will list the job number of the signed off job with an extended expiration date until other Open Alt1/Alt-COs are signed off. A Final CO, with occupancy status for all floors marked “Final” can only be issued for the building when the last open Alt-1/Alt-CO job obtains a signoff.

How do I enter Zoning Exhibit I and Zoning Exhibit III without entering data for Zoning Exhibit II?

Under Zoning Information, if you select that Zoning Exhibits are required, enter data in Zoning Exhibit 1. If you also need to enter data in the field for Zoning Exhibit 3, enter N/A in Zoning Exhibit 2. A system update will be made a future date to allow for data to be entered without N/A. To obtain the Zoning Exhibit data, file with the County Clerk’s office or City Register to obtain a CRFN (City File Number), which is the equivalent of a reel/page number. Enter the CRFN number in this field.

Schedule of Occupancy

Can a filing representative request Schedule of Occupancy for a BIS job?

Any logged in user can initiate a Schedule of Occupancy request. Any professional engineer, registered architect or filing representative whose DOB NOW profile is associated with their license number can submit the Schedule of Occupancy request. A filing representative registered in DOB NOW only as a preparer will not be able to submit. The owner whose email address is listed on the PW1 of the job filing in BIS can also submit.

There are two open Alt-1 applications in the same building. Who requests the Building Schedule of Occupancy?

One of the applicants has to take the lead and enter the information for the building. Once submitted, plan examiners will verify the information provided.

If I am only doing work on one floor of a 30-story building, do I have to enter information for all the floors?

Yes, the first Building Schedule of Occupancy (BSO) needs to include all floors.

How do I enter existing use in a Schedule of Occupancy request for a vertical enlargement where the floors do not currently exist?

A selection for None was added to the Existing Occupancy Type drop down on April 19, 2021 so that only proposed use data needs to be entered for enlargements.

A PAA was filed in BIS as Doc 6. How do I submit the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW?

In DOB NOW, file the Schedule of Occupancy on Doc 1 to update the Building Schedule of Occupancy for the BIN.

What are the different statuses for a Schedule of Occupancy floor/use?

There are three statuses: active, verified or unverified. Active means there is work proposed on the floor and the PW1 plans that triggered the Schedule of Occupancy have been approved by DOB. Verified means no work is being performed and the floor/use has been granted by DOB. Unverified means DOB has no formal record of Occupancy for that floor.

If the building has a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), do I enter the Description of Use as Existing or Proposed?

Enter the data as Existing if the floor was included in the latest TCO that was issued for the building (even if the TCO is expired). Existing means that the floor is currently occupied. Proposed means that there is still work under a construction permit. If a TCO was issued in BIS, transpose the data from the TCO using 2022 code to the Existing description of use fields in the DOB NOW Schedule of Occupancy. Select Occupancy Type as Temporary and enter the BIS job number that was used to get the TCO as the Job Reference number.

My BIS Schedule of Occupancy was Approved with only proposed data even though the job has an existing TCO. How do I get the BSO fixed?

Proceed with creating the Certificate of Occupancy request. When the CO request is approved, the proposed columns will become existing columns on the Schedule of Occupancy and the issue will be resolved. This way you can proceed without having to wait for a data fix. DOB staff are aware of the situation and will review the CO request without any issues.

If the building has no previous TCO or CO issued, do I enter the Description of Use as Existing or Proposed?

For jobs with no previous TCO or CO issued, transpose the existing and proposed information from the BIS Schedule A. Translate the existing use to 2022 code unless new use is being proposed.

Where can I find more information about how to fill out the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW?

See the Spring 2021 Training Presentation for specific scenarios and strategies for recording floor/use.

The Schedule A for my job in BIS has the existing use under 1968 code and the review was also requested under 1968 code. Why am I being asked to create the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW with 2022 code for existing and proposed use?

When submitting the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW, current code occupancy/use classifications are required per AC 28-118.6. For example, if Occupancy Use is J-2 under 1968 code then the applicant has to use the R-2 classification under 2022 code on the Schedule of Occupancy. This is unrelated to the selection on the PW1 of the job application that indicates Review is requested under which building code as per AC 28-101.4.3. If data is being entered in the Existing Use column only, the data must be translated to 2022 code so that the new Certificate of Occupancy is issued with 2022 code designations. However, if data is also being entered in the Proposed Use column, the Existing Use can be entered under the code on the BIS Schedule A or Certificate of Occupancy (1968, 2008, 2014 etc.) and does not need to be translated to 2022 code since proposed work with 2022 Code occupancy classification will replace existing use when a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.

When I add a Penthouse or Sub-Cellar, what am I supposed to enter in the empty field next to it?

Enter the sequential number for the penthouse or sub-cellar. If it is the only penthouse or sub-cellar enter a 1. If there are additional penthouses or sub-cellars, enter them sequentially as 2, 3, 4 etc. This is a required field; a number must be entered to proceed.

How do I enter Open Space (OSP) for open parking spaces on the Schedule of Occupancy?

If the BIS Schedule A has OSP listed as a floor for open parking spaces then enter it as a floor on the BSO in DOB NOW. Select N/A for the Occupancy Classification. If N/A is selected, Occupancy Group and Description of Use default to N/A but Description of Use Comments can be added. If the BIS Schedule A does not list the OSP as a floor for open parking spaces, confirm that the open parking spaces are mentioned on the PW1 in Section 19 and enter details about the open parking spaces in the CofO Comments field on the BSO. For DOB NOW jobs with a single zoning use group, record open parking spaces on the Zoning Information tab under the Parking & Loading section. Open Parking spaces will populate in section D of the 1st page of the Certificate of Occupancy and are not entered on the Schedule of Occupancy. If there are proposed multiple zoning use groups or more details that need to be provided in the Description of Use comments (e.g., open parking lot with total 80 cars including 34 double stackers) for a DOB NOW job, record Open Space as a floor value for open parking spaces and select N/A for the Occupancy Classification. If N/A is selected, Occupancy Group and Description of Use default to N/A but Description of Use Comments can be added.

When can I submit a Correction to a Job Schedule of Occupancy?

A Correction cannot be initiated if there is another JSO on the BIN in Pre-filing, Incomplete, Plan Examiner Review, or Objections status, or if there is a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) request for the associated JSO in Pre-filing or Project Advocate/QA Review status. A Correction is allowed if the associated CO request is in Objections status.

Can I withdraw a Job Schedule of Occupancy request?

From the Filing Action column on the dashboard, the requestor can select Withdraw when the request is in any status before the JSO is Approved. The withdrawal is auto-approved without DOB review.

What happens if two different applicants start the first Building Schedule of Occupancy for a building?

Both applicants could start creating a pre-filing request but will be stopped from submitting if one is already submitted.

When do I create a Job Schedule of Occupancy (JSO) and when do I create a Building Schedule of Occupancy (BSO)?

JSO is the first step. Once the JSO is created, BSO is established from it. Each new JSO updates the BSO automatically. Only one JSO can be submitted at a time. Existing uses are based on the Final CO and/or if the application for which JSO is being created has a TCO, on the latest TCO.

If a building has multiple TCOs, each covering a different floor, is the building management responsible for compiling to create the Building Schedule of Occupancy (BSO)?

Each applicant submits a Job Schedule of Occupancy (JSO) for their own application. Existing uses are based on the Final CO. Applications will be added to the BSO as each applies for a CO in DOB NOW.

I only have one BIN number but there are two jobs on it, one for a house and one for a garage. How do I create the Schedule of Occupancy?

Create the Schedule of Occupancy under the job for the house. In the CofO comments section indicate that there is a garage. A separate Schedule of Occupancy does not need to be filed for the separate garage job filing, and DOB will allow and issue a CO without requiring a separate BIN for the garage. This an interim solution. Once the garage obtains a separate BIN and has its own CO, the primary CO may be revised to update the CofO comments. If the two jobs are for two separate buildings, a TBIN has to be requested for one of the buildings. A BIN can only be associated with one new building.

Can a JSO/BSO be filed in DOB NOW for an Alt-1 if there is another Alt-1 open in BIS?

Yes, the JSO can create the BSO in DOB NOW. The first BIS or BUILD JSO filing, once approved, will establish the BSO for ALL floors including existing and proposed use/occupancy by floor. Subsequent JSO filings will only update the floors covered by the scope and the remaining floors use/occupancy are auto-populated from the BSO.

If I have an existing Schedule A for a BIS job that is incorrect or needs to be amended, can I submit the corrections in DOB NOW?

No. If the Schedule A in BIS is incorrect, submit a PAA in eFiling to amend the BIS Schedule A. Once the PAA is approved, then file the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW. BIS is the system record for the BIS filing. DOB NOW is the system only to issue the CO for this application.

How do I submit a correction to an Approved Job Schedule of Occupancy?

To submit a correction to an Approved Job Schedule of Occupancy (JSO), select +Schedule of Occupancy for BIS Job and then Correction from the DOB NOW: Build dashboard. Submit a correction to update the JSO, which includes updates related to a Schedule A that has been amended in BIS. Any logged in user with an eFiling account associated to a license/registration number can submit a correction. See the May 2021 Service Notice for more information.

Are drawings required to file a Building Schedule of Occupancy?

No drawings are required.

Is there a fee to file a Schedule of Occupancy?

There are no fees for a Schedule of Occupancy (but there are fees for Certificates of Occupancy).

What do I enter in the CofO Comments field on the Schedule of Occupancy request?

Enter the CofO comments on the existing Schedule A or final Certificate of Occupancy. New comments cannot be added if they are not previously shown on an approved Schedule A.

If a building is legally covered by the Loft Board and the previous use has been abandoned for more than two years, then the residential units are the existing use. Do we enter the abandoned use when creating the BSO?

If a TCO has been issued, the new use will show in the existing conditions. If no TCO has been issued, then previous use will have to show until a DOB-approved occupancy has been issued.

What if the applicant of the BIS job is no longer around to submit the Schedule of Occupancy?

Any professional engineer, registered architect or filing representative whose DOB NOW profile is associated with their license number can submit the Schedule of Occupancy request. The owner whose email address is listed on the PW1 of the job filing in BIS can also submit.

If Doc #1 in BIS is the architect and Doc #2 is the engineer under the same application, how will that be transferred into DOB NOW for the Schedule of Occupancy? Do we have to refile the subsequent work types?

The lead applicant, whoever filed the schedule A under Doc #1, submits the Job Schedule of Occupancy (JSO). Only the Certificate of Occupancy is requested in DOB NOW. The job continues in BIS, including filing PAAs etc. If a PAA affects the Schedule A, then another JSO is needed. Otherwise, everything is in BIS.

If an older building does not have an existing CO or prior Alt-1 filings, what do we provide to prove the existing use?

Fill out the Schedule of Occupancy to the best of your ability and you can record the existing use as unverified. Supporting documents may also be uploaded, e.g. HPD I-cards.

What should I enter as a pre-BIS job number in a Schedule of Occupancy request?

Enter the NB/Alt1 application number (e.g. Alt 989-1964) that established the CO and not the CO number. Sometimes the application number is on the second page of the CO.

Alt-1s in BISlist two towers as Tower A and Tower B as part of the same building and then list individual floor/uses for each. How is this entered in DOB NOW?

In DOB NOW, each occupancy/floor combination for each tower must be recorded in a separate row. Enter details in the Description of Use Comments field to designate each tower.

Can a single floor in a building have multiple types of occupancy?

Yes, e.g. Office, Storage, Education, Residential, etc. Each type of occupancy on a floor is a separate floor/use record on the Schedule of Occupancy (SO). The SO will feed into the Certificate of Occupancy when the work is completed.

How do I enter Occupancy Floor/Use?

For a more compact Schedule of Occupancy and CO, occupancies on the same floor and with the same Occupancy Code can be combined into a single record. The occupant loads of individual occupancies are added up. Any additional details can be recorded in the Description of Use Comments. When appropriate, indicate the spaces as “Non-simultaneous use” or “Non-PA”. However, the following occupancies must be recorded on a separate line even if it’s the same Occupancy Group as other occupancies on the floor: Place of Assembly and occupancies that require approval or permits from other City Agencies (ex. DEP, OTCR, DOH).

How do I enter the Schedule of Occupancy for one space that is used as both a meeting room and a banquet hall?

Create a single floor/use record and select the Occupancy Group of the most intensive use (highest hazard/most people). In the Description of Use comments enter text about all uses.

How do I enter the Schedule of Occupancy for a job that had a TCO issued in BIS with an exclusion for a hoist line apartment?

If a hoist exclusion is indicated on a TCO in BIS, the Schedule A from BIS (not the TCO) should be used to create the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW so that the full number of apartments on the floor are listed. The applicant should not add floor level restrictions/exceptions on the JSO for existing or proposed fields. Information about exclusions that are not on the BSO can be included in the comments field of the CO request. When the CO request is submitted, the project advocate will review the last issued TCO and apply any exclusions.

Where do I enter the Borough Comments that are listed on the TCO?

Borough Comments are entered by DOB staff only and should not be entered by the applicant on Schedule of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy requests.

A PAA was approved in BIS to update the Schedule A but the change is not reflected on the TCO that was issued in BIS. How do I enter the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW?

Submit the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW based on the updated Schedule A in BIS.

Can I select multiple descriptions of work from the options tab?

No. Only one selection can be made but comments can be entered to clarify.

For dwelling or room units, do I enter how many are on the floor or just within that occupancy group?

All dwelling units on one floor are within one occupancy group by default. If two different residential occupancy groups exist on one floor, e.g. R-2 and R-1, then dwelling units are grouped by the relevant occupancy group.

How do I record a duplex/triplex dwelling unit on the Schedule of Occupancy?

Record a duplex/triplex dwelling unit using decimals. For example, record a duplex as 0.5 or a triplex as 0.33. Do not record them as 1/2 or 1/3.

If there is no existing CO in the DOB records what job number do I enter when completing the Schedule of Occupancy?

First file an Alt-1 no work application in BIS. Once that is approved, then create the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW.

Can an applicant make changes to the same floor that another applicant is working on?

Changes can be made to the same floor but not to the same use. Only one application for floor/occupancy row is allowed.

What do the blue and red flags means on a Schedule of Occupancy?

A floor/use is marked with a blue flag when it is on the Building Schedule of Occupancy (BSO). The floor/use is marked with a red flag if it is part of the Job Schedule of Occupancy (JSO) being viewed.

Where do I find Schedule of Occupancy for a job created in DOB NOW: Build?

Schedule of Occupancy appears as a tab under Scope of Work for New Buildings or Alteration-CO initial job filings or PAAs in DOB NOW: Build. If there is no SO for a building, the applicant is required to complete an SO for the entire building. An approved Schedule of Occupancy can also be viewed from the public portal. Search by address or BIN and select the More Options button on the top right corner of the Property Profile page.

Who reviews the Schedule of Occupancy request?

All submissions, both for standard plan and professional certification jobs, are reviewed and verified by DOB plan examiners.

When do I need to record Maximum Persons Permitted and number of Dwelling or Rooming Units on a Schedule of Occupancy?

Occupancy load of floors or spaces must be recorded in the Maximum Persons Permitted field on all occupancies except for residential occupancy classification with dwelling units. Enter N/A in the Maximum Persons Permitted field for residential occupancy classification with dwelling or rooming units (sleeping rooms). For jobs created in DOB NOW, accessory spaces (accessory mechanical rooms, storage rooms, etc.) that are not dominant occupancy on an entire floor must not be indicated on a Schedule of Occupancy. Calculation of occupant load for these types of spaces is required on the drawings for purposes of egress calculations and indicated on plans for DOB Plan Examiners to review Fire Protection and Fire Separation requirements. For all spaces in one- or two-family homes, occupancy load is not required, and enter N/A in the Maximum Persons Permitted field. However, multiple accessory spaces which are dominant occupancy on an entire floor must be listed on a Schedule of Occupancy and Maximum Persons Permitted must be recorded.

How do I enter crawl space on the Schedule of Occupancy?

Enter crawl space details in the comments section of the Certificate of Occupancy. If the crawl space was listed as a line item on the BIS Schedule A, only make the change on the Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW.

How do I correct a floor on the Schedule of Occupancy if it’s in active or verified status?

To change an occupancy line from verified to active or from active to verified, submit a PAA. To change the status to verified, there can only be existing data for that line. To change the status to active, there needs to be both existing and proposed data for that line. To make changes to a floor, add a new floor with the updated information and delete the floor that is being replaced so there are not duplicate floors.

Can I change the address on a filing?

No. Once the address is entered and the filing is saved, an address confirmation is displayed stating that the Location information cannot be changed once Yes is clicked. If changes are required, withdraw the filing and refile.

My project is 1-2 family house in a flood zone. How do I record proposed crawl space in the Schedule of Occupancy?

Conditions for 1-2 family house

Floor Value

Description of Use Comments

CO Comments

> 7 ft, whether open or enclosed

Floor 1

Unfinished [Storage, Parking or Building access], subject to flooding

Levels subject to flooding shall not be used for any other use except as stated on this certificate

> 5 ft but ≤ 7 ft and
enclosed/wet floodproofed

Floor 1

> 5 ft but ≤ 7 ft and
unenclosed (or open lattice)

Ground Floor

Unconditioned [Storage, Parking or Building access], open to outer air, subject to flooding

≤ 5 ft whether open or enclosed

Ground Floor

Unfinished crawl space, subject to flooding

Constructed pursuant to BC 510.4 as a Type I non-combustible open or enclosed parking garage, or as a Type IV heavy timber open parking garage

Ground Floor

Unfinished parking, subject to flooding

When is Additional Information in the Description of Use Comments not required?

Description of Use Comments field is not required when it provides information above what is necessary and sufficient to record occupancy as required by the code.

Certificate of Occupancy

How do I request occupancy for a BIS job in DOB NOW?

The first step is submission of a Schedule of Occupancy (formerly Schedule A) in DOB NOW by selecting +Schedule of Occupancy for BIS Job from the dashboard. The first Job Schedule of Occupancy (JSO) approved creates the Building Scheduling of Occupancy (BSO). Once there is an approved BSO, an occupancy request can be created in DOB NOW. A JSO needs to be submitted for every PAA filed in BIS that affects the Schedule of Occupancy. Once the JSO is approved it will automatically update the BSO.

If a PW7 was submitted in BIS/eSubmit before March 1, 2021 but was rejected, can I resubmit it in BIS?

All occupancy requests on or after March 1, 2021 must be submitted in DOB NOW.

When I request a Certificate of Occupancy in DOB NOW I get an error message that there are no valid Schedule of Occupancies but there is an Approved JSO for the BIS job number. How can I proceed?

At least one line on the Building Schedule of Occupancy (BSO) cannot be in Verified Final status. When all lines on the BSO are in Verified Final status it indicates to the system that there has already been a Final CO issued and no changes are being made. Create a PAA or Schedule of Occupancy correction to change at least one of the lines from Verified Final status to Verified Temporary or Active status. Create a new line to replace the line you are updating and delete the original line. Once an occupancy line is Verified or Active you cannot make changes directly to that line.

This error message also appears if the job number associated with the CO request is not properly entered on the occupancy lines. For the question “How was the occupancy issued?” make sure you select the “BIS or DOB NOW job number” drop down option if it is a DOB NOW job or a BIS job. Also, at least one of the occupancy lines on the CO request needs to have a job number that matches the job number associated with the CO request. If it is a DOB NOW job, the job number needs to end in “-I1” and if it is a BIS job number it needs to end in “-01”. Create a PAA or Schedule of Occupancy correction to update the job number and “How was the occupancy issued?” fields.

If these two scenarios do not apply, submit a help desk ticket at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp.

What are the fees for Certificate of Occupancy?

An initial certificate of occupancy or a renewal without change is $130. An interim CO is $130. A renewal with change is $200. There is no fee for a final Certificate of Occupancy. If the DOB NOW or BIS job number that is used to create the Certificate of Occupancy request is fee exempt, then the CO request will also be fee exempt.

What is the difference between the Requestor and the Applicant on a CO request?

When a CO request is created, users enter themselves as the Requestor. Only Requestors are able to take action on the request and see the request on their dashboards. The Applicant section is auto-populated from the job information in BIS. Applicants cannot take action on the CO request unless they are added to the Requestor field.

What documents are required for a new CO Request?

A Certificate of Occupancy Worksheet is required for a Final CO, Core and Shell, TCO-initial and TCO-renewal with change. The document appears on all request types, but the system does not require the document to be submitted. Any additional supporting documents can be uploaded in the Documents section by selecting +Add New Document. All supporting documents required for sign-off of the BIS job are uploaded in eSubmit, not in the DOB NOW occupancy request.

How do I submit a partial Technical Report?

Upload a report certifying the partial completion of the TR in the DOB NOW Certificate of Occupancy request. On the Document tab of the CO request, select +Add and the document name TR Partial Completion Certification. Upload reports as separate documents if the request includes more than one partial TR.

I am trying to create an initial Certificate of Occupancy request. Why are the only options available Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy with Change?

The option to create an initial CO request is provided only if all floors on the Building Schedule of Occupancy are Active. Select TCO with Change to proceed with a request that includes Active and Verified floors. If you want to do an initial CO request you will need to do a correction to the Schedule of Occupancy and update all floors to Active and provide proposed information.

If PW7 forms are no longer accepted for Alt-1 jobs, how do I get my required items received?

The PW7 form will no longer be submitted. BIS items still must be uploaded via eSubmit. The required items will be received/reviewed at time of Certificate of Occupancy request in DOB NOW.

Is a PW6 form still required to request inspections for BIS Alt-1 jobs?

Yes, submit the PW6 form via eSubmit.

Do we still request plumbing, electrical and elevator sign off for TCO renewals or will the system check?

These sign off remain in BIS required items. The process has not changed. Any documents in support of a TCO request, i.e. affidavits etc. that are submitted in TCO-Supporting Documents today, are uploaded in DOB NOW.

If I am creating a TCO request only to add floors, do I also need to add the existing floors that were already on the issued TCO?

Only include the floors to be added in the TCO request. The CO will print all floors.

Why am I not seeing all of the floors on the BSO on the CO request?

Floors that already have final occupancy will not appear on the CO request but they will show on the CO pdf when it is issued.

I am not renewing all floors that were included on the TCO that was issued in DOB NOW. Can I submit this as a TCO renewal without change?

If you are omitting a floor from the renewal request, it is a TCO renewal

with change

request. Operations staff cannot remove floors from a TCO renewal without change request.

I have a Certificate of Occupancy request that is in Objections status. A correction was made to the Schedule of Occupancy. When I go back into the CO request, the floors/uses are missing. How do I fix this?

On the Certificate of Occupancy tab change the question “Is this a Final Certificate of Occupancy Request?” to No and then change it back to Yes. This will prompt the system to repopulate the floors/uses back into the request.

Core and shell is limited to commercial uses. Will it be available for residential uses too?

No, and Core and Shell occupancy is available per Borough Commissioner approval only.

If there are two apartments on a floor but one of them is not completed yet, will the completed apartment on the floor qualify for the interim CO?

No, this is a Temporary CO. An Interim CO is only when the whole floor is completed. See Local Law 6 of 2021 for qualifying buildings.

Where do I find the comments from the Schedule of Occupancy on the Certificate of Occupancy request?

Currently the CofO comments on the Schedule of Occupancy are not showing on the CO request but the comments will print on the Certificate of Occupancy when it is approved. A system update is being made so that the comments will show in the request.

How do I print the Certificate of Occupancy?

If the Certificate of Occupancy (temporary, interim or final) was issued in DOB NOW (all CO requests after March 1, 2021) then it can be printed from the DOB NOW public portal at www.nyc.gov/dobnow. Search by address or BIN. From the Property Profile page, select Certificate of Occupancy and then Print.

Can I withdraw a Certificate of Occupancy request?

From the Filing Action column on the dashboard, the requestor can select Withdraw when the request is in any status before the CO request is CO Issued. The withdrawal is auto-approved without DOB review.

What is the difference between partial and interim occupancy types?

Interim occupancy is for an entire floor where all uses on the floor have passed all required inspections and met all other occupancy requirements. It does not require renewal. See Local Law 6 of 2021 for qualifying buildings. Partial occupancy is for part of a floor or several floors of qualifying pre-1938 buildings. Partial CO can be issued for a floor or floors of qualifying pre-1938 buildings without a CO per 28-118.20.

For BIS jobs, will the PDFs of COs/TCOs issued in DOB NOW be added to the CO PDF listing in BIS?

No, these will be in the DOB NOW public portal. BIS has a message directing users to DOB NOW for COs issued after March 1, 2021.

Do I have to close out/sign off all open jobs/violations at a property to get an amended CO for a new Alt-CO job?

Floors can get a TCO or an Interim CO with open violations or applications that do not impact safe occupancy on these floors. For Final CO, all open applications and violations must be closed out, or an open application/violation waiver approved by Project Advocates/ Borough Commissioner/Deputy Borough Commissioner.

How can I get a Final Certificate of Occupancy on a BIN that has two or more open Alt1 filings?

When the first Alt1 is ready for Final, you can only apply for interim or temporary occupancy for applicable floor/uses. When the last Alt1 is ready for final occupancy and if it has been more than 18 months since interim occupancy was issued for the first Alt1, reinspection will not be required for floors with interim status. However, if a separate job requires a construction update, the inspectors may reinspect some things on those floors as part of a whole-building update, such as egress or elevators, shared by other floors.

How do I file a No Work job to change the use of space within a building or to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) but no construction is to take place?

Continue to file the no work job in eFiling/BIS that is dropped off at the borough office. Borough Commissioner approval is not needed. When it is time to obtain occupancy, then make the request in DOB NOW. If construction work is taking place, the job must be filed in DOB NOW as an Alteration-CO. No work applications in BIS can only be filed as Alt1s.

When is the General Contractor (GC) required on the CO request?

For CO requests for DOB NOW jobs, the GC applicant on the associated permit needs to be entered into the CO request and provide an attestation. This is the same information that was provided previously on the PW6 Statement of Compliance. The requirement is for initial and renewal with change CO requests. The GC information is optional on CO requests for BIS jobs.

How do I submit a PAA on a job with an open Certificate of Occupancy request?

For DOB NOW jobs, a PAA can be created when the CO request is in Objections status. The CO request cannot be resubmitted until the PAA is approved. A PAA for BIS jobs can be submitted in eFiling while there is an open CO request in DOB NOW.

What is an Interim Plumbing and Construction CO Recommendation?

An interim or partial CO Recommendation is given to a floor/use when the Unit determines that there are no outstanding objections, and a certificate of occupancy can be issued. A Plumbing or Construction CO Recommendation is provided for each floor on the Schedule of Occupancy as the result of requesting sign-off for a Temporary or Final Certificate of Occupancy in DOB NOW: Inspections. A Final recommendation is no longer provided because the recommendation is specific to the floor and not the job.

Where can I find the status of an inspection sign off for a temporary or final certificate of occupancy request?

Inspection Sign Offs are listed on the Certificate of Occupancy request. Once you open the CO request, select the Certificate of Occupancy tab and scroll to the right for each floor listed. There are columns for Elevator, Plumbing, Electrical and Construction CO Sign Off.

How can I change the construction sign-off status on a floor from Temporary to Interim?

Submit the request in DOB NOW: Inspections. If there is no change in plans or scope of work, use the comments section to indicate the request is only a change in CO recommendation. If changes were made to the plans or scope of work, a new inspection will be required.

Do I need to request a new construction sign-off inspection on a floor after a PAA or SO correction?

Yes, submit a request in DOB NOW: Inspections. If there is no change in plans or scope of work, use the comments section to indicate the request is only a change in CO recommendation. If changes were made to the plans or scope of work, a new inspection will be required.

Temporary BINs (TBINs)

When do I need to request a Temporary BIN (TBIN)?

A TBIN is created when there is already an existing BIN and the applicant wants to file plans to demolish an existing building and build a brand new one in its place, or the address entered on the PW1 does not exist because either the address is not found for the building, the lot is vacant, the BIN is obsolete or the BIN is a dummy BIN. If the applicant tries filing a PW1 with an invalid address, DOB NOW: Build will not allow the filing to be saved.

How do I submit a TBIN request in DOB NOW?

Log into DOB NOW and from the dashboard select the +Request button and Temporary BIN. Complete all required information and submit the request. All TBIN requests are required to be submitted in DOB NOW.

What documents are required for a TBIN request?

Submit confirmation of address from the topographical bureau at the appropriate Borough President's Office and the PD-1 (Plot Diagram Form) stamped and signed by the Borough President.

Full Demolition

What are the required documents for full demolition filings?

The required documents vary depending upon the type of full demolition job filing (New Work, Immediate Emergency Declaration, Emergency Declaration, Emergency Work Order, Precept) and the questions being answered in the filing. For more information on documentation requirements, see the Document Waiver and Deferral Options.

Is a LPC status letter required for DOB NOW filings?

No. A letter from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is only required if the full demolition is to be performed on a property that is landmarked when the full demolition job is filed or becomes landmarked within forty days of DOB’s approval of the filing.

When can a full demolition permit (PW2) be requested?

For full demolition filings that require a pre-demolition inspection (New Work, Emergency Declaration, Precept), the applicant cannot request a permit unless the pre-demolition inspection is pass-final. For Immediate Emergency Declaration or Emergency Work Order, the permit can be requested once the full demolition job filing is Approved.

For Emergency Declaration (ED) and Immediate Emergency Declaration (IED) filings involving HPD, what do I select as the owner type?

Only select HPD as Owner Type if HPD is the actual owner of the property.

If I have technical difficulty canceling a pre-demolition inspection or post-demolition online, how can I cancel the inspection?

Every attempt should be made to cancel the inspection in DOB NOW. If further assistance is needed, call the Construction Safety Compliance Unit at (212) 393-2404.

Can a garage hand demolition application be filed under the owner if the owner does not have a contractor yet?

Yes, the owner can submit the full demolition filing. The demolition contractor can then be the applicant on the permit request (PW2).

What subsequent filings can be submitted under full demolition?

Electrical, Elevators, Fence, Plumbing, Protection & Mechanical Methods, Sidewalk Shed, Sprinkler, Standpipe, Structural (Temporary Structural Bracing only), Support of Excavation, and Supported Scaffold.

What technical reports are required in a full demolition job filing?

The system will add entries for appropriate technical reports into the Technical Reports tab of the filing depending upon the type of full demolition filing and the responses to the Scope of work questions. See the Technical Reports guide for more information.

How do I submit legalization work on a full demolition job filing?

All types of full demolition may be filed as legalization. If there is a work without a permit violation on the property, a Civil Penalty Review (L2) Process is required before a permit can be submitted. If any city agency is the Owner on a full demolition job filing, all civil penalties are deferred and the L2 process is not required.

What is the difference between a PMM application (protective means and measures) and a mechanical demolition equipment application? If you are filing a Mechanical Demo application - do you need to file a Subsequent application for PMM in addition to Full Demo?

A mechanical demolition equipment application is filed under the Protection and Mechanical Methods work type. A demolition using mechanical equipment requires submission of a Protection and Mechanical Methods filing in addition to the Full Demolition filing. Protection and Mechanical Methods can be a subsequent filing to Full Demolition.

Will the plans submitted for demolition filings be stamped as approved by the Department of Buildings?

If the type and scope of the full demolition job filing is exempt from submitting a full set of demolition plans per BC 3306.5, the job filing will be approved without a DOB stamp on the plan/sketch document. If the full demolition job filing does not fall under any of the exemptions listed in BC 3306.5, then the submitted plan/sketch document will be stamped by DOB. A message appears on the Scope of Work tab in the DOB NOW application if a plans/sketch document is required for the filing.

Can the owner be the applicant on a no work permit for a demolition filing?

Yes, the owner is allowed to pull a no work permit on a demolition legalization filing if the following is selected on the application:

Work that is being legalized is performed by the owner

Structure has been fully demolished

The plan examiner must also indicate on the filing that the owner is allowed to pull the permit. If the structure has not been fully demolished and the plan examiner does not allow the owner to be the permit applicant, the permit will require a GC with a demolition endorsement.

Determinations & Second Review of Objection

How do I submit a second review of objection or determinations for Electrical Special Permission or a Place of Assembly filing?

Requests for a second review of objection, determination or appeal for Electrical Special Permission or Place of Assembly filings cannot be submitted currently in DOB NOW. Submit second review of objection on an AI1 Form to the borough office. Submit CCD1 and ZRD1s to the borough office and make payments in person at the cashier.

If my second review of objection was upheld on an AI1 Form or the Determination was denied on a paper CCD1 or ZRD1 form, can I submit my request for a determination or appeal in DOB NOW?

No, requests that began using the paper process continue with the paper process. See the November 2024 Service Notice for additional information about requests that cannot be submitted in DOB NOW.

How can I submit a request for a second review of objection?

To request a second review of objection(s), for both DOB NOW and BIS jobs, go to the DOB NOW: Build dashboard and select +Requests, then select Second Review of Objection. See the November 2024 Service Notice for exceptions.

How can I submit a request for a Determination?

To request a CCD1 or ZRD1 Determination, for both DOB NOW and BIS jobs, go to the DOB NOW dashboard and select +Determinations, then select Determination from the dropdown menu. There is a $1,000 fee to process the request. Payment is submitted in DOB NOW and nonprofits, government owners, HPD affordable housing, or 1-, 2-, 3-family homes are fee exempt. For more information, see Determination Requests. See the November 2024 Service Notice for exceptions.

How can I submit a request for an Appeal?

To request an Appeal of a CCD1 or ZRD1 Determination, for both DOB NOW and BIS jobs, go to the DOB NOW dashboard and select +Determinations, then select Appeal from the dropdown menu. There is a $2,500 fee to process the request. Payment is submitted in DOB NOW and nonprofits, government owners, HPD affordable housing, or 1-, 2-, 3-family homes are fee exempt. For more information, see Determination Requests. See the November 2024 Service Notice for exceptions.

Electrical Energy Storage Equipment, Green Roof, Solar

Is solar panel tax abatement filed in DOB NOW?

Yes, Property Tax Abatement Information can now be provided as part of the respective Job Filing for Electric Energy Storage Equipment, Green Roof, and Solar work types. DOB NOW will automatically send Tax Abatement information (if provided as part of the Job Filing) to the Department of Finance (DOF) from Applicants who file these three types of jobs. The Tax Abatement information will be sent to DOF after the Letter of Completion (LOC) is issued.

Can I submit the Property Tax Abatement Application for a Green Roof filing in DOB NOW?

Yes, the applicant and all responsible individual(s) are required to complete the PTA3 form and upload it as an Additional Supporting Document in DOB NOW: Build as Other Documents – Prior to Sign Off. If the job filing has already been Approved or permitted, then submit a post approval amendment to add the document. The Tax Abatement information will be sent to the Department of Finance (DOF) after the Letter of Completion (LOC) is issued. See rule 1 RCNY 105-01, as amended and the PTA3 Instructions for more information on completing the application.

Which Sustainable Type of Sustainable Energy Installs is required on an electrical permit for Solar or Electric Energy Storage Equipment (EESE) filings?

Permit applications for Solar and EESE filings cannot be submitted unless on the associated Electrical filing (entered in the Related DOB NOW/BIS Job Number field) one of the below is selected as the Sustainable Type on the associated Electrical filing:

Solar Filings

Photo Voltaic (with storage system)

Photo Voltaic (with no storage system)

EESE Filings

Photo Voltaic (with storage system)

Windmill (with storage system)

Mini Turbine (with storage system)

Energy Storage Systems and Components

If the associated Electrical permit was issued before November 9, 2024, the Solar or EESE permit can be submitted if the Sustainable Type on the associated Electrical filing is Photo Voltaic.