Permits and DOB

NYC permits, filings, and approvals handled end to end

From the right Alteration type to LPC and FEMA review, we map your scope to the correct filing, pull the permits, and carry the job to closeout.

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DOB permit types

Matching your scope to the right filing

The New York City Department of Buildings sorts work into Alteration types and construction permits. Choosing the correct path up front keeps your project on schedule and avoids stop-work surprises.

Alt-1, major alteration

Used when the work changes the use, egress, or occupancy of the building, or otherwise affects the Certificate of Occupancy. Alt-1 filings require a new or amended C of O at completion and the deepest level of plan review.

Alt-2, multiple non-major

Covers several types of work happening together that do not change use, egress, or occupancy, such as plumbing, mechanical, and layout changes within an existing footprint. No change to the C of O, but a sign-off on each work type is required.

Alt-3, minor alteration

A single type of minor work, for example a curb cut, a standpipe modification, or a limited structural repair, that does not affect use, egress, or occupancy.

Construction permits

The work permits pulled under a filing, including general construction, plumbing, mechanical, sprinkler, standpipe, and equipment use permits. These authorize work to start and must stay active and renewed through completion.

What triggers a filing

When each path applies

Change of use, egress, or occupancy

Converting a layout, adding a unit, or altering exits typically pushes a project into Alt-1 territory with a C of O update at the end.

Combined trades, same occupancy

Renovations that bundle plumbing, mechanical, and interior work without touching use or egress usually file as Alt-2, with sign-offs per trade.

Single minor scope

One narrow item, such as a standpipe tweak or curb cut, generally files as Alt-3.

Historic district or landmark

Work on a designated property requires a Landmarks Preservation Commission Certificate of Appropriateness before DOB will issue permits.

Flood-zone location

Properties in FEMA AE or VE zones add elevation, flood-vent, and material requirements that must be reflected in the filing and inspections.

How we help

Approvals and closeout, handled

DOB filing and expediting

We prepare the filing, select the correct Alteration type, coordinate the design professional of record, and push permits through plan review so work can start on time.

LPC and historic district approvals

For landmarked properties and historic districts, we assemble the LPC Certificate of Appropriateness package and coordinate review before any DOB permit moves forward.

Violation removal and closeout

We resolve open violations, schedule final inspections and sign-offs, and obtain the amended Certificate of Occupancy or letter of completion to close the job.

Special review

LPC and FEMA considerations

Landmarks and historic districts

If a building is an individual landmark or sits inside a historic district, the LPC reviews exterior and other regulated work for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Minor work may qualify for a faster staff-level permit, while larger changes go to the full commission. DOB will not issue permits until LPC has signed off, so we sequence the two approvals together.

FEMA flood zones

Properties mapped in FEMA flood zones, including AE and VE, carry added rules on elevation, flood vents, breakaway construction, and flood-resistant materials. These requirements shape both the design and the inspections, and we build them into the filing from the start so the project clears review without rework.

Get started

Not sure which filing you need?

Tell us about your project and we will map the scope to the right DOB path, flag any LPC or FEMA review, and outline the permits required.

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