HOW TO FILE AN APPLICATION TO OBTAIN BUILDING PERMITS(S) IN NEW YORK?

N.Y. Renovation Services LLC
RenovationServices.com
Phone 212 863 9202

How to File an Application to Obtain Building Permits(s) in New York?

All construction work in the New York City requires building permits before starting the work. This guideline defines and describes the complete process of the obtaining a building permit in the Department of Building. You can file an application and easily obtain a building permit by following these easy steps.

Step I:

• Submit a pre-file application in your nearest borough office
• Submit three copies of the documents to the pre-filler of the Department

1. Complete set of drawings
2. Energy calculations
3. PW1 form (including schedules A, B and C if required)
4. Attach Asbestos forms

• Once you submit the above documents, the pre-filler will verify the file for completeness, costs and determines the type of construction
• Once he verifies the documents, he enters the basic job information into the database
• He will assess the fee and assign you a specified “BIS Job Number”

Step II:

• Once you are done with the pre-filing phase, you will get back your completed application
• Now bring the application file to the cashier and deposit the required sum for the permit
• The cashier will transfer your folder to the DEAR section.

Step III:

In this phase, your application details will be entered

• DEAR will verify the completed details and completeness of your submitted file
• DEAR will later transfer your application file to the “plan examiner” for further action
• You can also use the BIS Job number which was assigned at the pre-filling time.
• This way you can easily check and verify your details on the official website during the process

Step IV:

The Building Department will review your application plan

• The plan examiner will review the plan in accordance with the following requirements

1. 14 requirements for zoning, egress and disability
2. 2 requirements for egress, fire protection, multiple dwelling, and housing maintenance codes

• The examiner will enter the all the required data items for the construction project
• It is important to mention that “sprinkler applications” are filed under Directive 14, but you will receive a Directive 2 review
• In case, if your plan is approved, the Plan Examiner will stamp and sign all three copies of your approved building plan along with other appropriate and necessary paperwork.
• The examiner will enter the approved date into the BIS database
• You will be given the approved application in the record room

What if your plan is not approved?

• In this scenario, you will receive an email which includes an objection sheet.
• If the email information is not available in the form, then you will receive the objection sheet through traditional mail service
• The examiner will enter your disapproved date into BIS
• You can call 311 to make an appointment for further action (resolve the objections)
• You can repeat the above process until your objections are resolved and your plan is approved by the Department

Note: if you are advised to make the changes after the plan is approved by the Department, then you can file a “Post Approval Amendment” in accordance with your permit. The department also offers a Professional Certification Program which enables Professional Engineers and Registered Architects to certify that the plan is in full compliance with the building laws in New York.

Step V:

Now the Department will perforate your construction plan

• Bring the complete file to the Record Room
• Your file will be perforated by the clerk in the Record Room
• The forms and the plans will be returned to you after perforation
• Now you will be asked to “microfilm” the approved application of the plan and submit to the Record Room
• After submission, the clerk will stamp the folder and return it back
• Now your application is complete for the permit

Step VI:

You get the permit

• Once the microfilm is received, you will submit the application to the clerk and will stamp your file indicating that you have submitted the required microfilm
• You will receive the fill along with PW2 and PW3 forms
• A check for $35 which is the final microfilming fee
• Now the permit clerk will check the dues and the insurance before you get the permit
• If you have any outstanding dues/penalties then you must pay before the issuance of the building permit
• You must have an appropriate insurance cover
• The permit will be generated and the clerk will enter the permit details in BIS
• You will be asked to take the application file to the Record Room for filing

Step VII:

Now it’s time for some Post Permit activities

In some cases, some people may require a “Certificate of Occupancy”. If it is not the requirement, then simply sign off the permit and your work is done here.

Projects:

Here is a list of those projects which require a building permit:

• Construction of new buildings, additions and reconstruction projects
• Concession stands
• Press boxes
• Toilets
• Guard booths
• Ticket booths
• Storage rooms
• Storage buildings
• Utility buildings
• Grandstand and Bleacher projects that involve piers, footings, concrete slabs, or foundations
• Bandstands, Pavilions and other similar structures (note: Bleacher and Grandstand projects will be reviewed before issuing permits)
• Outdoors electric and site lighting
• All small projects that affect health of people living in the surroundings (these projects include fire safety, electrical and mechanical system)
• All projects related to site development in conjunction with the construction project
• Projects related on-site construction of various features in playgrounds (these amendments and construction activities may include footings, walkways, grading, retaining walls and related construction activities)
• All irrigation projects
• Work related to earth moving, storm water systems and utilities
• A demolition project of existing buildings
  
  

  You do not require a building permit for the following projects

  • Small site development:
  1. Finished grading
  2. Planting
  3. Fencing
  4. Re-paving
  5. Walkways
  6. Parking lots
  7. Re-paving of existing roads
  • Bleacher projects which involve installation of factory build equipment, pre-engineered equipment, foundations etc.
  • Playground projects which involves no construction and only includes installation of pre-engineered equipment

  Note: In those cases where the building permit is not necessary, the Board of Education ensures the conformance with the Uniform Code.