About building permit actions
Summary
Before any structure can be built, altered or demolished in New York City, the Department of Buildings must provide a permit. It's how the city ensures that each project complies with building codes and meets current safety standards and zoning requirements.
In this section of EveryBlock, you can find actions regarding building permits near you. In other words, you can find out when the city takes actions such as approving or disapproving projects on your block.
The information from the Department of Buildings also includes the location of the project, the date the action was taken, the project's estimated cost and other details, including the building's current and proposed uses.
Source
The data comes from the Job Weekly Statistical Reports published by the Department of Buildings. The department updates its data weekly, and we at EveryBlock publish it shortly thereafter.
How does the permitting process work?
The Department of Buildings also reviews plans to divide property (for such uses as condos). Permits also are required for a place of assembly — when a premise would have 75 or more people gather indoors or 200 or more gather outdoors for religious, recreational, educational, political or social purposes, or to consume food or drink.
The timeframe for getting a permit from the Department of Buildings varies. For more information on the process, see How to file an application and get a permit. Once the department approves a plan, a contractor or a contractor's representative can apply for a construction work permit.
A building permit is only valid for a year, in most cases. Permit fees vary, but the cost for new buildings is based on the structure's size. Alteration permits' costs are based on a percentage of the projected work price.
Working without a permit can lead to criminal and civil action. To report work being performed without a permit, call 311, or use the Department of Building's Web site.
Demolition permits work differently. Each contractor must notify the Department of Buildings' Building Enforcement Safety Team 24 hours before demolition. The premises must be enclosed, a sidewalk shed must be erected if required, and all glass must be removed.
For all buildings 15 feet tall or more, a sign stating the contractors' name, address and phone number must be posted. No demolition of a building or structure shall commence until a permit has been obtained from the Department of Buildings.
The contractor must post a sign in a readily visible location on the front of the building to be demolished with the following information: name of the contractor, business address, business telephone number. The Department of Buildings lists Rules And Regulations Relating To Commencement Of Demolition.
For more, the Department of Buildings has a Building Knowledge page.
