What is MTA approval and when do you need it
According to the New York City Building Code chapter 33 ( Safeguards During Construction or Demolition)- BC 3304.3.5
Any kind of excavation of any depth within 200 feet of any MTA subway station or line, needs initial approval from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in order to get DOB approval.
Now, here are the steps that you have to follow to be able to get your permit:
1- You need to check your property address on the NYC ZONING website and from the list on the left of the first page, make sure the Subways indicator is active to show the lines on the map
2- Search your property/land address and see if your lot is located within 200 feet of any MTA subway lines or not
3- If you don’t have any excavation, and you want to do an ALT-2 ( interior renovation without any excavation for the balcony, deck, or small columns in the rear yard)then No need for MTA approval, but any excavation especially for the ALT-1 ( not for conversion and changing the C oF o ) and New Building you need
4- Then after the 3rd step, you can submit the MTA approval with your layout to DOB and go through the plan examining process, get your work permit and start the job
