Permits
Renovating or Remodeling in NY
Does my project require a permit?
Most construction in New York City requires approval and permits from the Department of Buildings. Some minor alterations may be done without a work permit. For example, installing new kitchen cabinets doesn’t require a permit but contractors must have a Department of Consumer Affairs Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license. A Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or the Department's borough directors can explain the exceptions to filing and permit requirements.
Obtaining a Permit
The majority of construction requires a Department of Buildings permit. Most often, a New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must file plans and pull permits before work begins.
There are many permit types, such as construction, boiler, elevator and plumbing. The primary permit applications are: New Building (NB) and Alterations Type-1, 2, and 3:
- NB: Construction of new structures
- ALT1: Major alterations that will change use, egress or occupancy
- ALT2: Multiple types of work, not affecting use, egress or occupancy
- ALT3: One type of minor work, not affecting use, egress or occupancy
A New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must submit construction plans to obtain a permit. A Department plan examiner will review the plans for any legal/zoning objections. When objections are satisfied, the Department will approve the application. A licensed PE or RA may also certify that plans conform to all applicable laws.
Permits to renovate kitchens and bathrooms
Construction plans and permits may be required for kitchen and bathroom renovations, depending upon the complexity of the work. Department of Buildings work permits are required for most construction projects. If the project's scope requires plans and permits, you must hire a New York State licensed professional engineer (P.E.) or registered architect (R.A).
Permits by Type
To obtain a permit, a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must submit an application to the Department. A DOB plan examiner will review the application and plans for any legal/zoning objections. When objections are satisfied, the Department will approve the application. A PE or RA may also certify that plans conform to all applicable laws.
Permit Renewal
Permit renewals are issued on active permits and permits that have expired but have activity on the application within a two-year period of the permit expiration date for various types of construction within the five boroughs.
Permits are renewed in the system in which they were issued: DOB NOW: Build or eFiling / Buildings Information System (BIS).
There are two types of permit renewals, permit renewal without change and permit renewal with change. Submit a permit renewal with change to supersede the permit with a new applicant.
Read More >>>
Remodeling or Renovating in NJ
Determine if You Need a Building Permit
If you're planning to do any construction, alteration, or repair work, you'll probably need to get a building permit. Building permits are issued by Municipal Building/Construction Departments and help to ensure that any work done in your municipality conforms with building code and zoning requirements that protect the safety of you, your team, and your customers...
Read More...
Construction Permit Application Packet & Related Forms
Please note that the nature of the construction project you are undertaking will dictate which of the subcode technical sections apply. Also, when submitting these forms to your Local Construction Code Enforcement Office, please provide one original plus three photocopies of each completed applicable form. However, for originals that are required to have a raised seal, the photocopies would also be required to contain this raised seal. In other words, fill out one form, photocopy it, then seal original and all copies...
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO MINOR WORK AND ORDINARY MAINTENANCE
Pursuant to adoption in the March 5, 2018 New Jersey Register, the requirements for minor work and ordinary maintenance have changed. This document is meant to be an aid to local officials as an easy reference on the types of work that are ordinary maintenance and minor work beginning on March 5, 2018. The Document is divided into two parts. The first part lists the types of work that are ordinary maintenance, the second part lists types of work that are minor work. The items that are new or different have been bolded so that the changes may more easily be identified.