NYC DOB Post Approval Amendment (PAA): Complete Guide
Construction projects in New York City do not always proceed exactly as originally designed. Once demolition begins, an owner may discover existing conditions that were not visible during the initial survey. A contractor may need to relocate equipment, change a plumbing fixture location, revise ductwork, or make another adjustment to the approved construction plans.
When those changes occur after the NYC Department of Buildings has already approved the application, the approved DOB record may need to be updated.
This is where a Post Approval Amendment, commonly called a PAA, becomes important.
A NYC DOB Post Approval Amendment is used to modify certain information or approved plans associated with an application after DOB approval. Its purpose is to keep the official filing reasonably consistent with the work being performed and the final constructed conditions.
This guide explains what a PAA is, when a Post Approval Amendment may be required, how a PAA works in DOB NOW, the difference between DOB NOW and legacy BIS amendments, PAA fees, revised plans, and how amendments can affect final DOB sign-off.
For owners who need assistance managing an amendment or another DOB filing, HN Republic provides DOB Expediting & Permit Services in NYC, including application coordination, objection follow-up, permit processing, and project closeout.
What Is a NYC DOB Post Approval Amendment?
A Post Approval Amendment (PAA) is an amendment submitted after a DOB application or plan has already been approved.
During the original filing process, the Applicant of Record—generally a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer—submits information describing the proposed work. Depending on the filing, this may include architectural drawings, work types, construction costs, plumbing information, structural information, and other project documentation.
Once DOB approves the filing, those documents establish the approved scope of work.
If the project later changes, certain modifications must be reflected in the DOB record.
DOB describes a PAA as the process used when an approved scope of work needs to be updated. For DOB NOW filings, DOB allows the Applicant of Record to initiate a Post Approval Amendment after approval.
In practical terms, the goal is straightforward:
The work being constructed should not materially conflict with the work that DOB approved.
When Is a Post Approval Amendment Required in NYC?
One of the most common questions is:
When do I need a PAA for an NYC DOB job?
The answer depends on the nature of the change and the filing system involved.
A Post Approval Amendment may be needed when there is a change to an already-approved scope, plan, or filing information.
Examples can include:
- Changes to an architectural layout
- Relocation or addition of plumbing fixtures
- Changes to mechanical equipment
- Revisions to ductwork
- Changes to the scope of construction
- Adding or removing floors associated with the application
- Changes affecting estimated construction cost
- Corrections to information submitted in the original application
- Changes made in response to site conditions
- Revised plans needed to address work that differs from the originally approved plans
DOB specifically states that significant changes to the scope of work or approved plans for legacy filings can require a PAA, while DOB NOW uses the PAA process for changes to approved plans, including what might otherwise be considered minor plan changes.
Because every application is different, the Applicant of Record should evaluate the proposed change before the contractor proceeds with work that differs from the approved documents.
How to File a PAA in DOB NOW: Build
For a DOB NOW: Build application, the PAA process begins with the approved job filing.
According to DOB’s current guidance:
- Only one PAA can be in progress at a time.
- A PAA can only be filed by the Applicant of Record.
- The PAA must be filed by the same Applicant of Record as the original filing.
- The changes must be described in the Plans/Work section.
- Revised documents and plans must be uploaded as required.
- The amendment must go through the applicable submission and review process.
The Applicant of Record generally locates the approved filing in DOB NOW and initiates the PAA from that application.
DOB then creates an amendment filing associated with the original job.
The applicant can revise eligible information, upload revised plans and supporting documents, complete the required attestations, pay applicable fees, and submit the amendment for DOB review.
What Plans Are Required for a DOB PAA?
One of the most important parts of filing a PAA is preparing the revised drawing set correctly.
It is not always enough to upload only one revised drawing.
DOB states that for Standard Plan Examination filings where approved plans are being changed, a complete plan set should be uploaded. That set includes the new revised sheets together with the previously approved drawings bearing their DOB approval stamps.
For Professionally Certified filings, DOB states that a complete plan set is always required.
The revised plans should also remain coordinated.
For example, if a bathroom layout changes, the architectural drawings and plumbing information should not contradict each other. Similarly, relocating mechanical equipment may affect architectural plans, mechanical drawings, clearances, penetrations, or other project requirements.
Poor coordination can create additional DOB objections or make the final closeout process more difficult.
Can You Change Any Information Through a PAA?
No.
Certain information becomes restricted after a DOB NOW application has been approved.
DOB currently identifies several fields that are not editable through a PAA, including:
- Filing Review Type
- Application or location address
- Certain work-on-floors information
- Applicant of Record information
- Owner information
- Building type
Therefore, a Post Approval Amendment should not be viewed as a way to completely replace the original filing.
If a project has changed substantially, the design professional should determine whether a PAA is sufficient or whether another type of filing or administrative procedure is necessary.
What Happens if the Construction Does Not Match the Approved DOB Plans?
This issue often appears near the end of a project.
The contractor completes construction, and everyone assumes the job is finished. Then, during a final inspection or closeout review, the project team discovers that the actual construction does not match the approved drawings.
For example:
A plumbing fixture may have been relocated.
A wall may have been moved.
A mechanical unit may be in a different location.
A portion of the original approved work may not have been constructed.
Additional work may have been performed that was not shown on the approved plans.
Depending on the significance of the discrepancy, a PAA, revised drawings, another filing, or additional corrective work may be required before the job can be properly closed.
This is why it is important to compare the completed construction against the approved DOB drawings before requesting final sign-off.
For a detailed explanation of the closeout process, see How to Close an Open DOB Permit in NYC and Get Sign-Off. That guide discusses common problems such as missing inspections, expired permits, outstanding technical reports, and work that does not match approved plans.
Can a PAA Help Close an Old DOB Application?
Sometimes.
Many NYC buildings have applications that remain open years after construction was completed.
In these situations, an owner may discover an old permit while selling, refinancing, renovating, or performing due diligence on a property.
The first step is usually to review:
- The original application
- Approved scope of work
- Approved plans
- Permit history
- Inspection history
- Required items
- Technical reports
- Existing field conditions
If the work in the building differs from what was approved, the project may require a PAA or another corrective filing before final sign-off.
A PAA by itself, however, does not automatically close a DOB job.
Other requirements may still remain, such as final inspections, contractor sign-offs, special inspections, technical reports, permit renewals, cost documentation, or outstanding objections.
If the application is eligible for a Letter of Completion, you may also want to read How to Obtain a DOB Letter of Completion in NYC. HN REPUBLIC
PAA and Certificate of Occupancy Projects
Post Approval Amendments can become even more important when a project involves a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
A change to the project may affect more than the construction drawings.
For example, revisions involving:
- Use
- Occupancy
- Means of egress
- Number of dwelling units
- Floor configuration
- Occupant load
- Schedule of Occupancy information
may have implications for the project’s final occupancy documentation.
A PAA should therefore be evaluated in the context of the entire filing and closeout strategy.
For more information about occupancy documents, read HN Republic’s guide to Certificate of Occupancy and TCO in NYC. HN REPUBLIC
HN Republic also provides Certificate of Occupancy, Sign-Off and Project Closeout Services for projects involving open applications, missing inspections, outstanding sign-offs, and occupancy-document issues.
Can a PAA Be Used for Legalization?
This is an important limitation.
DOB’s current DOB NOW guidance states that a PAA cannot be submitted if the filing includes legalization. New York City Government
That means a PAA should not automatically be assumed to be the solution when unpermitted work has already been performed.
If work exists outside the approved scope or was completed without the required permits, the situation may require a separate filing strategy.
The appropriate approach depends on the exact construction, building history, code requirements, and existing application.
How Long Does a NYC DOB PAA Take?
There is no single approval timeline for every Post Approval Amendment.
Processing time can vary based on:
- Complexity of the changes
- Number of work types involved
- Quality of the revised plans
- Standard plan examination or professional certification
- DOB objections
- Required supporting documentation
- Coordination among the architect, engineer, owner, contractor, and filing representative
A simple amendment may be relatively straightforward, while a PAA involving structural changes, egress, zoning, occupancy, multiple trades, or substantial revisions can require additional coordination and review.
The best approach is to identify necessary amendments during construction, rather than waiting until the owner needs a final inspection, Letter of Completion, Certificate of Occupancy, refinancing, or property closing.
How HN Republic Can Help With a NYC DOB PAA
A Post Approval Amendment often involves several parties.
The Applicant of Record controls the professional filing, while the owner, contractors, consultants, and filing representative may need to provide information and coordinate outstanding requirements.
HN Republic’s NYC DOB Expediting & Permit Services can assist with filing coordination, DOB NOW tracking, application research, objection follow-up, permit management, and closeout planning.
For projects that are already complete but remain open, HN Republic’s NYC Certificate of Occupancy & Project Closeout Services focus on identifying unresolved permits, inspections, technical reports, amendments, and other requirements preventing completion.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC DOB PAAs
What does PAA mean in NYC DOB?
PAA means Post Approval Amendment. It is an amendment filed after DOB approval when applicable information, the approved scope, or approved plans need to be revised.
Who can file a PAA in DOB NOW?
DOB states that the Applicant of Record must file the PAA and that it must be the same Applicant of Record associated with the original filing.
How much is a DOB NOW PAA?
DOB currently lists a $100 flat one-time fee for initiating a new PAA. Additional DOB filing fees may apply if the amendment increases the project’s estimated construction cost. New York City Government
Can I change approved DOB plans after getting a permit?
Changes may be possible, but the required procedure depends on the extent of the revisions and the filing system. In DOB NOW, changes to approved plans are generally processed through the PAA.
Do I need a PAA before DOB sign-off?
If the approved scope or plans need to be substantively changed, the necessary amendment should generally be resolved before final closeout. The exact requirement depends on the project and filing history.
Final Thoughts
A NYC DOB Post Approval Amendment is an important tool for keeping an approved construction application consistent with changes that occur during a project.
The biggest mistake is waiting until the end of construction to determine whether the built conditions match the approved DOB plans.
Owners, contractors, and design professionals should review changes as they occur. Addressing a required PAA early can reduce the risk of discovering major filing problems during a final inspection, property sale, refinancing, Letter of Completion request, or Certificate of Occupancy process.
If you have an approved NYC DOB application that needs to be amended, or an old job that cannot reach sign-off because the construction differs from the approved plans, HN Republic can assist with application research, DOB coordination, expediting, and project closeout.
Contact HN Republic for DOB Expediting & Permit Services in NYC or Certificate of Occupancy, Sign-Off and Project Closeout Services.
This article is provided for general educational information only. NYC Department of Buildings procedures, forms, fees, construction codes, zoning regulations, and filing requirements may change.
