NYC DOB Permit Types & Requirements: Complete Guide (2026)

Nearly all construction, renovation, and alteration work in New York City requires a permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB). Working without a permit can result in stop work orders, ECB violations, and fines up to $25,000 or more.

This guide covers every major NYC DOB permit type, what each one requires, how the filing process works, and what it costs.

Permit Types Overview

New Building (NB) Permits

Required for constructing an entirely new building. NB applications go through plan examination by DOB and must include:

• Full architectural and structural drawings stamped by a PE or RA
• Zoning analysis and compliance documentation
• Environmental review (where applicable)
• Fire protection, mechanical, and plumbing plans

NB permits are the most complex and expensive permit type. Plan examination alone can take weeks to months.

Alteration Permits (ALT1, ALT2, ALT3)

ALT1 (Alteration Type 1) is required when work changes the building's use, egress, or occupancy. Examples:

• Converting commercial space to residential
• Adding or removing a stairway
• Changing the number of dwelling units

ALT2 (Alteration Type 2) covers work involving multiple work types that does not change use, egress, or occupancy. Examples:

• Gut renovation of an apartment with plumbing and electrical
• Structural modifications plus mechanical work

ALT3 (Alteration Type 3) is for one minor work type, such as adding a single plumbing fixture, minor partition work, or a single mechanical installation.

ALT1 vs ALT2 vs ALT3: Which Do I Need?

Limited Alteration Application (LAA)

An LAA permit is for limited-scope work that doesn't require full plans. Common LAA work includes:

• Installing or replacing signs
• Sidewalk sheds and scaffolding
• Temporary fences and construction fencing
• Curb cuts
• Solar panel installations (in some cases)

LAA permits can sometimes be filed by the property owner directly, without a PE or RA, depending on the scope.

NYC DOB LAA Filing Guide: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm the work qualifies as LAA scope. Signs, sidewalk sheds, fences, curb cuts, and similar limited work qualify; anything touching structural elements, egress, or occupancy generally needs an ALT-1/ALT-2 filing instead.
2. Create or log into your DOB NOW account at a810-dobnow.nyc.gov.
3. Select "LAA" as the job type under the Build module and enter the property's BIN, block, and lot.
4. Upload supporting documentation — for sign permits this typically means a sign specification sheet and site photo; for sidewalk sheds, a site safety plan.
5. Pay the LAA filing fee ($100–$300 typical, see fee table below) and submit for plan review.
6. Schedule the required inspection once the permit is approved and work is complete.

When can an owner file vs. when is a licensed professional required? An owner can typically self-file straightforward LAA work (a replacement sign, a temporary construction fence) without a PE, RA, or other licensed filer. However, any LAA scope that touches plumbing or gas piping — for example, a sidewalk shed with a water connection, or work affecting a standpipe — requires a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) to file and sign off on that portion of the work. When in doubt, check the specific LAA subtype in DOB NOW; it will flag if a licensed filer is required before you can submit.

Demolition Permits

A demolition permit is required for full or partial demolition of any structure. For a detailed breakdown, see our NYC Demolition Permits guide.

Plumbing Permits

Plumbing work requires a separate permit and must be performed by or under the supervision of a NYC Licensed Master Plumber. This includes new fixtures, gas piping, water service lines, and sewer connections.

Schedule B Filings (Plumbing / Fire Suppression)

Plumbing and fire suppression scopes are filed on Schedule B of the DOB NOW alteration application (Schedule A covers the general construction scope). A Schedule B filing is required whenever a job involves new or altered plumbing risers, water service, sewer connections, or fire suppression/sprinkler piping — even if the rest of the job is a routine ALT-2. The Licensed Master Plumber (for plumbing scope) or a licensed fire suppression contractor (for sprinkler scope) signs and files their portion of Schedule B directly, separate from the general contractor's Schedule A filing.

Electrical Permits

Electrical work requires a permit filed by a NYC Licensed Electrician and must pass DOB electrical inspection. This includes new wiring, panel upgrades, and commercial electrical installations.

Mechanical Permits

Mechanical permit requirements cover HVAC, boiler, and other equipment work that isn't strictly plumbing or electrical. A separate mechanical permit (filed under the DOB NOW mechanical work type) is generally required for:

• HVAC installation/replacement: New or replacement rooftop units, split systems, ductwork, and ventilation equipment affecting a building's mechanical systems.
• Boiler installation/replacement: New boiler installs, conversions (e.g., oil to gas), and major boiler equipment replacement — filed in coordination with a licensed master plumber or oil burner installer as applicable.
• Fuel-burning and fuel storage equipment: Standby generators, fuel tanks, and related fuel oil piping changes.

Mechanical permit applications typically require a filing by a Registered Design Professional (RA/PE) for equipment affecting structural loads, egress, or life safety systems, plus sign-off from the applicable licensed trade (plumber for boiler/gas work, electrician for equipment power connections). Routine like-for-like equipment replacement may qualify for a simpler filing, but any change in fuel type, capacity, or location generally requires full mechanical permit review.

Other Common NYC Permits

Beyond the core construction permit types above, a few other NYC DOB permits come up frequently for specific situations:

• After Hours Variance (AHV) Permit: Required to legally perform construction work outside standard hours (generally before 7am or after 6pm on weekdays, or on weekends/holidays). Filed through DOB NOW; typically needs 15+ business days for standard review, though expedited review is available for an additional fee. Required even for interior work if noise carries to neighboring units.
• Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) Permit: Required when a space not normally classified as an assembly space (e.g., a lobby, rooftop, tent, or parking area) is used to gather 75+ people for an event. Common for filming events, weddings, and pop-up installations. Requires fire safety and egress plan review before the event.
• Vault Permit: Required for any below-sidewalk vault space (common in older buildings with cellar space extending under the public sidewalk). Vaults require an annual permit renewal and periodic structural inspection, and unpaid vault fees can result in DOB/DOF liens.

What Work Does NOT Require a Permit?

Not every renovation or repair needs DOB sign-off. Common examples of work that generally does not require a permit include:

• Cosmetic painting and wallpapering
• Minor plaster or drywall patching (no structural work)
• Replacing plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, faucet) in the exact same location without changing piping
• Replacing flooring, carpeting, or tile without altering the subfloor structure
• Installing free-standing cabinets, shelving, or furniture
• Replacing windows with the same size/type (in many cases — always confirm with your local DOB borough office, as landmarked buildings and certain window types may require filing)
• Weatherproofing and caulking

Important caveat: This exemption applies to the DOB permit requirement specifically. Co-op and condo buildings frequently require an internal alteration agreement or board approval even for permit-exempt work, and any plumbing/electrical/gas work should always be performed by a licensed professional regardless of whether DOB filing is required. When in doubt, confirm with a licensed contractor, architect, or your local DOB borough office before starting work.

Filing Fees

DOB filing fees vary by permit type and estimated job cost:

Additional fees may apply for plan examination, special inspections, and objection responses.

Filing Process

Most DOB permits are now filed through DOB NOW:

1. PE or RA prepares plans and submits application through DOB NOW
2. DOB reviews application (self-certification for eligible work, or plan examination)
3. Fee payment through DOB NOW
4. Permit issued — work may begin
5. Inspections scheduled and completed during and after work
6. Sign-off obtained after all inspections pass

Penalties for Working Without a Permit

Working without a required DOB permit is one of the most common violations in NYC. Consequences include:

• Stop Work Order: All work must cease immediately until the violation is resolved
• ECB violation: Fines typically $2,500–$25,000 per violation
• Required to file after the fact: Must obtain the permit retroactively, which is more expensive and complex
• Criminal penalties: In severe cases, willful construction without a permit can result in criminal charges
• Insurance implications: Work performed without permits may void insurance coverage

For more on stop work orders, see our NYC Stop Work Orders guide.

Monitor Permits with D.O.B. Guard

D.O.B. Guard monitors permit filings, amendments, and sign-offs for any NYC property. Get alerted when new permits are filed or existing permits change status on buildings you care about.

FAQ