Project Advocate Program - Buildings

Buildings


Working on Your ProjectResolving IssuesInfo for Property OwnersInfo for Business Owners

Do I Need a Permit?
Find Licensed Professionals
Project Advocate Program
Project Guidelines for Owners
Obtaining a Permit
Permits by Type
Plan Examination
Guide to BIS, DOB NOW & eFiling
Permit Renewal
After Hour Variances
Job Status
What to Expect During an Inspection
Certificate of Occupancy

Do I Need a Permit?

Find Licensed Professionals

Project Advocate Program

Project Guidelines for Owners

Obtaining a Permit

Permits by Type

Plan Examination

Guide to BIS, DOB NOW & eFiling

Permit Renewal

After Hour Variances

Job Status

What to Expect During an Inspection

Certificate of Occupancy


Project Advocate Program

DOB’s citywide Project Advocate Program initiative provides customers with a single point of contact (a Project Advocate) within the Department and its borough offices to assist in resolving of technical and operational issues relating to projects or properties, so jobs can be completed in a Code-compliant and timely manner. Using Project Advocate services does not allow the owner, applicant or contractor to bypass responsibilities or skip any operational, technical or legal requirements.

Property owners and other involved individuals (registered design professionals, developers, or authorized representatives) seeking to use program services contact Project Advocates in each borough office, the construction safety unit, the Development HUB, and the Inspection HUB.

Using Project Advocate Services

Step 1: Request Project Advocate Services

Use the Project Advocate Service Request Form to request Project Advocate services and schedule an appointment. This allows the Project Advocate time to research your project prior to your scheduled meeting so your time is used efficiently and will reduce unnecessary revisits and wait time.

Step 2: Submit the Form

Submit the form and all your essential project information to the borough email address where your project is located:

Bronx projects – BXPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov

Brooklyn projects – BKPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov

Manhattan projects – MNPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov

Queens projects – QNPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov

Staten Island projects – SIPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov

Step 3: Submission Review

The borough office will review the submission and respond with a decision and follow-up information.

Service Goals: How a Project Advocate Can Help You

As technical and operational liaisons, Project Advocates assist your large and complex projects by:

providing initial project consultations, and coordination with all stakeholders

acting as a single point of contact to coordinate project submission requirements, approvals and permits across various DOB Units

resolving issues up front, creating a roadmap for the project, and facilitating efficient decision making in the borough offices.

assisting with correcting and resolving DOB and OATH violations

facilitating internal and external interagency handoffs and coordination

assisting design professionals, and project managers in all phases of a project.

Project Advocates are also responsible for implementing and coordinating key DOB initiatives to assist property owners and managers with the following:

Construction work special and DOB inspections, and permit sign-off

Project completion and Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

Additional Information & Assistance

Open Application Initiative

For buildings that do not have a CO or only have Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, consider issuing final CO

Allow some applications and violations to remain open while issuing final CO

PER 20: Request for Certificate of Occupancy with Open Application(s) Cover Letter

PER20 form must be completed to summarize the issues and attach any supporting documentation for review by the borough Project Advocate. The submission must include pertinent details or issues that impact the project and copies of relevant documents.

Requests for service will be reviewed in the respective borough office, and if accepted, the designated contact must schedule follow-up appointment(s) and bring all applicable paperwork and relevant documents for review with the Project Advocate.

Please refer to Buildings Bulletins 2018-009

Helpful Links

DOB Borough Offices

Project Guidelines

Forms & Applications

Permits by Type

Know Your Construction Professional Directory

Select a Design Professional

Subscribe to Buildings News