How to Get a Building Permit in NYC
How to Get a Building Permit in NYC (in the fastest way)
If you’ve ever tried to do construction in New York City, you know the drill—nothing happens without the city’s blessing. That blessing comes in the form of a building permit (sometimes called a construction permit in NYC) from the Department of Buildings (DOB).
Sounds simple, right? Well, not exactly. The process can be a maze of paperwork, approvals, and “hurry up and wait.” But don’t worry—I’m going to walk you through how to get a building permit in NYC step by step, minus the jargon.
First Things First: What’s a Building Permit?
Think of a building permit—also known as a construction permit in NYC—as the city’s official permission slip. It’s the DOB’s way of saying, “Go ahead, but follow the rules.”
Without one, you’re asking for trouble: fines, stop-work orders, delays, and even issues when you try to sell your property later. Trust me, skipping permits always comes back to bite.
Do You Even Need a Permit?
Not every little project needs one. Painting your living room? No problem. Swapping out kitchen cabinets? Go for it.
But if you’re planning to:
Knock down walls
Add a deck or extension
Move plumbing or gas lines
Upgrade electrical systems
Do a full-on renovation
…then yep, you’ll need a construction permit. Basically, if the work could affect safety, structure, or city codes.
Step 1: Find Your Dream Team
Unless you’re doing something super minor, you’ll need a licensed architect or engineer. They’re the ones who draw up the plans, make sure your project follows zoning rules, and file everything with the DOB.
You can technically try the DIY route for very small jobs, but in NYC, that’s like trying to drive through Times Square blindfolded—possible, but not smart.
Step 2: Get the Paperwork Together
This is where things get… well, tedious. You’ll need:
Architectural drawings (floor plans, sections, etc.)
A survey (if you’re adding on or building new)
Energy code compliance forms
Zoning analysis (sometimes)
Cost estimates
One missing detail can stall your whole project. I’ve seen people wait months just because a single box wasn’t checked.
Step 3: File Online with DOB NOW
Old-fashioned job filing and the days of standing in endless DOB lines are gone (though sometimes it still feels that way). Everything goes through the city’s online system, DOB NOW: Build.
Your architect or expeditor will:
Create the application
Upload the drawings and forms
Pay the filing fees
Hit submit and wait
Whether you call it a building permit or a construction permit in NYC, the process runs through DOB NOW: Build
Step 4: Deal With DOB Objections
Here’s the part no one tells you: approvals rarely happen on the first try. The DOB examiner almost always sends back objections.
Maybe a detail in the zoning analysis is off. Maybe they want clarification on a safety issue. Whatever it is, your architect will revise and resubmit. Sometimes it takes one round, sometimes three. Patience is key here.
Step 5: Pay Up and Print the Permit
Once the DOB gives the green light, you still have to pay permit fees. These are based on the cost of the job and can range from a couple of hundred bucks to thousands.
After payment clears, you can finally print your shiny new building permit. Frame it, stick it on the fridge, whatever—just make sure it’s posted at the job site.
Step 6: Start Work (the Right Way)
Now the fun begins—construction! But don’t think you’re off the hook:
Only licensed contractors can do the work
The permit must stay visible on-site
Inspections have to be scheduled (plumbing, electrical, structural, etc.)
Any changes to the plans might need an amendment
If you cut corners, the DOB will find out. They always do.
Step 7: Wrap Up With Final Inspections
When the dust settles and the last nail is in, you’re not done yet. The DOB needs to inspect and confirm that the work matches your approved plans.
For big jobs, you may need a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Smaller ones usually end with a Letter of Completion (LOC). No paperwork = unfinished project in the eyes of the city.
How Long Does It Take?
Small jobs (basic interiors): 2–6 weeks
Medium jobs (extensions, structural changes): 2–4 months
Large projects: 6 months or more
In other words, don’t plan to renovate your kitchen this month and host Thanksgiving dinner in the same space.
How Much Does It Cost?
The filing fee is the appetizer. Permit fees scale with project cost:
Small projects: a few hundred bucks
Bigger projects: thousands in permit fees alone
Add in architect and expeditor fees, and you’re looking at a serious chunk of change.
Why People Hire Expeditors
If you don’t want to spend your days buried in forms, an expeditor is worth every penny. These folks live and breathe DOB filings. They know the loopholes, the lingo, and sometimes even the examiners.
It’s not cheating—it’s just smart.
Avoid These Rookie Mistakes
Starting work before approval (instant fine)
Submitting sloppy paperwork
Forgetting inspections
Ignoring DOB objections
Not closing out permits
Every one of these can cost you time and money.
Final Word
Getting a building permit in NYC is a bit like running a marathon—you need endurance, good planning, and maybe a little outside help. But once you cross the finish line, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your NYC construction permit (aka building permit) is fully approved, your project is legal, and your property value is protected
So if you’re asking yourself, “How do I get a building permit in NYC?”—now you’ve got the roadmap.
FAQs
1. Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in NYC?
Only if you move plumbing, gas, or walls. Cosmetic updates? No permit needed.
2. Can I file the permit myself?
For tiny jobs, yes. For anything major, you’ll need a licensed pro.
3. How do I check if my contractor filed a permit?
Use the DOB’s Building Information Search tool with your address.
4. What if I work without a permit?
Expect fines, stop-work orders, and headaches when you try to sell.
5. Can I speed things up?
Hire an experienced architect and consider an expeditor. Accuracy upfront saves the most time.
