NYC Permit Types 101: When You Need One and How To Apply

Nearly all construction, alteration, demolition, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work in NYC requires a DOB permit. Filing the wrong permit type—or skipping permits altogether—can result in stop work orders and fines up to $25,000. This guide breaks down the 7 most common permit types, when each is required, and the filing process.

1. Alteration Permits (Alt-1, Alt-2, Alt-3)

Alteration Type 1 (Alt-1) – Major Alterations

When Required:

• Structural changes (removing/adding walls, beams, columns)
• Changes to building egress (stairs, exits, doors)
• Vertical or horizontal enlargements (adding floors, extensions)
• Changes to Certificate of Occupancy (converting residential to commercial, adding units)
• Facade work requiring sidewalk shed

Filing Requirements:

• Registered architect or professional engineer (RA or PE)
• Full construction drawings (architectural, structural, MEP)
• TR1 (Technical Report) and TR8 (Energy Code compliance)
• Zoning analysis and calculations
• Special inspections plan (if required)

Timeline: 3–6 months for plan approval
Cost: $1,500–$10,000+ (permit fees, architect, expeditor)

Alteration Type 2 (Alt-2) – Minor Alterations

When Required:

• Non-structural interior renovations (new finishes, non-load-bearing partitions)
• Window replacements (non-landmark buildings)
• HVAC system upgrades
• Plumbing or electrical work not covered by LAA (see below)
• Roof repairs or replacements

Filing Requirements:

• Registered architect or PE (for most filings)
• Simplified construction drawings
• TR8 (Energy Code compliance)

Timeline: 1–3 months
Cost: $500–$3,000

Alteration Type 3 (Alt-3) – Minor Alterations (Limited Scope)

When Required:

• Limited interior alterations (minor partition changes, finish upgrades)
• Minor plumbing or electrical work
• Sprinkler system installations (residential)

Filing Requirements:

• Registered architect, PE, or licensed contractor (depending on scope)
• Basic drawings and scope narrative

Timeline: 2–6 weeks
Cost: $300–$1,500

2. New Building Permits (NB)

When Required:

• Construction of new buildings (residential, commercial, mixed-use)
• Ground-up construction after demolition

Filing Requirements:

• Registered architect (required for all buildings over 3 stories or 35 feet)
• Structural engineer (for structural design)
• MEP engineer (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
• Full architectural, structural, MEP, and fire protection drawings
• Zoning analysis, environmental review (if applicable)
• TR1 (progress inspections) and TR8 (energy compliance)
• Geotechnical report (soil borings)

Timeline: 6–18 months for plan approval
Cost: $25,000–$150,000+ (permit fees, architects, engineers, expediting)

3. Demolition Permits (DM)

When Required:

• Full or partial building demolition
• Interior demolition (gutting apartments, removing floors)

Filing Requirements:

• Registered architect or PE
• Demolition plans and site safety plan
• Asbestos inspection and abatement plan (ACP-5, ACP-7)
• Tenant protection plan (if occupied residential building)
• Rodent control plan

Timeline: 1–3 months
Cost: $1,500–$10,000

⚠️ Note: Never begin demolition before permit approval. Illegal demolition results in $25,000 fines and criminal charges.

4. Limited Alteration Application (LAA) – Plumbing, Gas, Fire Suppression

When Required:

• Minor plumbing work (fixture replacements, pipe repairs)
• Gas piping installations or replacements
• Sprinkler system installations (commercial)
• Standpipe and fire alarm work

Filing Requirements:

• Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) or Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor
• Simplified drawings or scope description
• No architect required

Timeline: 1–4 weeks
Cost: $300–$1,000

✅ Advantage: LAA permits are faster and cheaper than alteration permits for eligible work.

5. Electrical Permits

When Required:

• New electrical service installations
• Electrical panel upgrades
• Major wiring installations
• Temporary electrical service (construction sites)

Filing Requirements:

• Licensed Master Electrician (LME)
• Electrical plans and load calculations

Timeline: 1–3 weeks
Cost: $200–$1,500

⚠️ Note: Minor electrical work (outlet replacements, switch repairs) may not require permits, but always verify with DOB.

6. Sign Permits (SG)

When Required:

• New exterior signs (storefront, awning, freestanding)
• Illuminated signs or digital displays
• Signs over 40 square feet

Filing Requirements:

• Registered architect or sign contractor
• Sign drawings with dimensions and mounting details
• Structural calculations (if sign is heavy or projecting)
• Landlord consent (for commercial tenants)

Timeline: 2–6 weeks
Cost: $300–$2,000

7. Fence and Temporary Enclosures

When Required:

• Construction fences and sidewalk sheds
• Temporary scaffolding
• Outdoor fences over 10 feet high

Filing Requirements:

• Licensed contractor or scaffold company
• Site plan showing enclosure location

Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Cost: $200–$1,000

⚠️ Note: Sidewalk sheds must be renewed annually and removed within 90 days after work completion.

How To File a DOB Permit (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Determine Permit Type

Review the work scope and identify the correct permit type. Consult with architect, engineer, or expeditor if unsure.

Step 2: Hire Licensed Professionals

Hire registered architect (RA), professional engineer (PE), or licensed contractor as required by permit type.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Gather:

• Construction drawings (scaled plans, elevations, details)
• Scope narrative
• TR forms (TR1 for inspections, TR8 for energy compliance)
• Zoning calculations (if applicable)
• Owner authorization and insurance certificates

Step 4: File in DOB NOW

Log into DOB NOW and submit application electronically. Upload all required documents and pay fees.

Step 5: Plan Examination

DOB Plan Examiner reviews application (1–6 months depending on complexity). Respond to objections and re-submit corrections.

Step 6: Permit Approval

Once approved, pay final fees and receive permit. Post permit in window facing street.

Step 7: Schedule Inspections

Schedule required DOB inspections: foundation, framing, rough plumbing/electrical, final.

Step 8: Sign-Off

After final inspection, file for sign-off and update Certificate of Occupancy if required.

Common Permit Mistakes To Avoid

• Starting Work Before Permit Approval: Results in Work Without Permit (WWP) violation ($2,500–$25,000)
• Filing Wrong Permit Type: Causes delays and rejections. Always verify with architect or expeditor.
• Incomplete Documents: Missing TR forms, zoning calculations, or signatures delay approval by months.
• Ignoring Objections: Respond to plan examiner comments within 30 days or application is rejected.
• Failing to Renew Permits: Permits expire after 1 year. Renew before expiration to avoid re-filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for interior painting or flooring?

No. Cosmetic work (painting, flooring, tiling) does not require permits unless structural work is involved.

Can I file my own DOB permit?

Some permit types (LAA, Alt-3) allow licensed contractors to file without architects. However, Alt-1, Alt-2, NB, and DM permits require registered architects or engineers.

How long does a DOB permit take?

Timelines vary: LAA (1–4 weeks), Alt-3 (2–6 weeks), Alt-2 (1–3 months), Alt-1 (3–6 months), New Building (6–18 months).

What happens if I don't get a permit?

DOB issues Work Without Permit (WWP) violation, stop work order, and fines ($2,500–$25,000). You'll need to file after-the-fact permit and legalize work.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly all construction, alteration, demolition, plumbing, and electrical work requires DOB permits
• Choose correct permit type: Alt-1, Alt-2, Alt-3, NB, DM, LAA, or electrical
• Hire licensed professionals (RA, PE, LMP, LME) as required
• File in DOB NOW and respond to objections promptly
• Never start work before permit approval—violations can cost $25,000+

Resources

• DOB NOW Portal
• DOB Work Types and Permit Guide
• DOB NOW vs. BIS Guide
• NYC DOB Violations Complete Guide

Related Resources

• NYC Building Permits Guide
• DOB NOW vs. BIS: Where To Check Permits
• Stop Work Orders: What You Need To Know
• Free NYC Violation Lookup Tool

Last updated: October 2025. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify permit requirements with DOB or licensed professionals.