County building permit guide
New York City (5 Boroughs), New York building permits — complete guide (2026)
NYC DOB manages all 5 boroughs. The most complex permit system in the US. DOB NOW handles most applications digitally. Licensed professionals (PE, RA, master plumber/electrician) required for nearly all permitted work. Self-certification by licensed PEs/RAs speeds plan review.
Avg cost: $200–$2
500
Processing: 6–16 weeks
~60K permits/yr
~8.3M residents
$200–$2,500Avg permit cost
6–16 weeksProcessing time
60,000Permits/year
LimitedADU-friendly
Ready to apply for your New York City (5 Boroughs), New York permit?
Covers all 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island. DOB NOW Build handles most permit types.
Apply via DOB NOW ↗
New York City (5 Boroughs), New York Building Department
DOB NOW — fully online
NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
(212) 393-2550
Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm ET
280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
DOB NOW
NYC requires licensed professionals for most permit work. Homeowners cannot self-file most applications. LPC approval required before DOB for historic district properties.
Permit fees — New York City (5 Boroughs), New York, 2026
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction | $1,500–$5,000+ | 8–16 weeks | Full DOB plan exam; zoning + FDNY sign-off required |
| Alteration Type 1 | $500–$2,500 | 6–12 weeks | Change of use, occupancy, or egress — most complex |
| Alteration Type 2 | $300–$1,500 | 4–8 weeks | Multiple trade work — typical for renovations |
| Alteration Type 3 | $200–$800 | 2–4 weeks | Single trade work — most straightforward alterations |
| Electrical | $100–$400 | 1–3 weeks | Master electrician must file; separate from building permit |
| Plumbing | $100–$400 | 1–3 weeks | Master plumber must file; includes gas work |
| Sprinkler | $200–$600 | 2–4 weeks | FDNY review required in addition to DOB |
| Elevator | $300–$1,200 | 4–8 weeks | Separate permit + annual inspection required |
| Demolition | $500–$2,000 | 4–8 weeks | Asbestos survey required; utility disconnects first |
| Scaffold / Sidewalk | $200–$800 | 1–3 weeks | Required for all exterior work above street level |
How to get a permit in New York City (5 Boroughs), New York
1
Find a licensed professional
PE, RA, or master tradesperson required to file most NYC permit applications. Homeowners cannot self-file the majority of work types.
2
Check zoning and landmarks
NYC zoning is extremely complex — confirm FAR, setbacks, use group, and overlays before designing. LPC approval required first for historic district properties.
3
File through DOB NOW
DOB NOW Build is the primary digital portal. Most Alt 2, Alt 3, and trade permits are filed here. Some complex new construction still uses paper submission.
4
Plan examination
Complex projects go through DOB plan exam. Licensed PEs/RAs can self-certify code compliance to bypass plan exam — DOB audits a percentage for accuracy.
5
Pay fees and get permit
Fees based on project cost valuation. Permit issued after plan exam approval or self-certification acceptance.
6
Schedule inspections
Via DOB NOW. Licensed professionals can self-certify some inspections. Final inspection required before certificate of occupancy.
Jurisdictions within New York City (5 Boroughs), New York
Special zone requirements
Flood Zone AE/VE
Coastal areas all boroughs
Post-Sandy maps expanded significantly. Elevation certificates and flood-proofing required.
Historic Districts
Multiple neighborhoods
NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approval required for exterior changes. Adds 2–6 months.
Coastal Risk
Rockaways, SI south shore
Enhanced flood-resistant construction requirements. FEMA V-zones most restrictive.
Frequently asked questions — New York City (5 Boroughs), New York
Can homeowners pull their own permits in NYC?
Mostly no. Licensed PEs, RAs, master electricians, and master plumbers are required to file most permit applications. Homeowners can file certain minor work items but the vast majority of permitted work requires a licensed professional filer.
What is the difference between Alt 1, Alt 2, and Alt 3?
Alt 1 changes the use, occupancy, or egress of a building — the most complex. Alt 2 involves multiple trades (e.g., structural + electrical + plumbing). Alt 3 is a single trade. Most residential renovations are Alt 2 or Alt 3.
How does self-certification work?
Licensed PEs and RAs can self-certify that their plans comply with the building code, bypassing the DOB plan examination queue. DOB audits a percentage of self-certified applications for accuracy. This is the fastest path for most projects.
What is LPC and when do I need approval?
The Landmarks Preservation Commission reviews exterior changes to buildings in historic districts or designated landmarks. LPC approval must be obtained before DOB will accept the permit application. This process adds 2–6 months minimum.
NYC DOB 2024 · US Census Bureau BPS