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Jobs (Applications) & Work Permits

Matt F.
  • Updated

What is the difference between a job (application) and a permit? 

Job applications are overall plans filed with the Department of Buildings, outlining development, changes, or alterations with a property.  

Permits are issued by the DOB in response to a job application, granting permission to perform specific work. While jobs remain open until they are signed off or withdrawn, permits expire within a certain timeframe and must be renewed. 

Failure to obtain permits can result in severe violations and fines, while failure to close open jobs can delay property transactions and possibly invite scrutiny from the Department. How do I submit a Job (Application) on DOB NOW? 

There are a few steps to submitting an application on DOB NOW to get approved for a Work Permit. 

If you haven’t already, make sure to register for e-Filing on DOB NOW 

  • Step 1 - Log In to DOB NOW: Build 
  • Step 2 - Initiate Job Filing 
    • Log into DOB NOW: Build and enter the job filing information. The system will generate a job filing number 
  • Step 3 - Upload Required Documents 
    • Upload a PDF of the plan sets. 
    • Upload DPL1 document. 
    • The system will determine if additional documents are required based on the information that is data entered on the job filing. 
  • Step 4 - Obtain Attestation 
    • Applicants, owners, and other stakeholders must electronically sign the job filing. 
  • Step 5 - Submit payment 
    • Payments will be made online using a credit card, debit card or e-check. 
    • Anyone associated with the job filing can submit a payment. 
  • Step 6 - Preview to File 
    • Applicant must review the filing and provide a final electronic signature. 
  • Step 7 - Submit Job Filing 
    • Applicant must officially electronically submit the job filing to the Department. 
  • Step 8 - Department Review and Approval 
    • Department staff will review the job filing. 
    • If objections are issued, the applicant will be able to make corrections in the system and resubmit. 
    • If a meeting is required to resolve objections, meetings will be conducted online. 
    • The system will send an email notification to all associated stakeholders listed on the job filing once the Department has approved the job filing. 
  • Step 9 - Enter and Submit Permit Request 
    • Permit request must be submitted online. 
    • Data enter all required information. 
    • All required stakeholders must provide an electronic signature. 
    • Resolve any civil penalties for work without a permit before submittal. 
    • Submit the permit request electronically to the Department. 
  • Step 10 - Department Review and Approval 
    • Department staff will review the permit request. 
    • The system will notify associated stakeholders if there are any objections to the request that will need to be resolved. 
    • The applicant or contractor will be able to resolve any issues regarding the permit request in the system and resubmit. 
    • The system will send an email notification to all associated stakeholders listed on the job filing once the permit is issued. 
  • Step 11 - Print Permit 
    • Associated stakeholders can log into DOB NOW: Build to print the permit. 
    • Anyone can print a copy of the permit on the Industry Portal. 

Some applications require a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy, and others should simply be signed off when the work has been completed. 

What is the Process of a Work Permit? 

For detailed steps, please visit this link - https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/business/filing.page 

  • Step 1. Hire a Licensed Professional (Registered Architect or Professional Engineer) to file plans and applications with the Department. 
  • Step 2. Hire a contractor. -  (After obtaining approval, the contractor applies for a work permit.) 
  • Step 3. Contractor(s) complete work. 
  • Step 4. Arrange for required Department inspections or trade self-certification. 
  • Step 5. New or Amended Certificate of Occupancy 
    • Yes (A New or Amended Certificate of Occupancy is required) 
      • New or amended Certificate of Occupancy issued after satisfactory completion of the inspection and all required filings. 
    • No (The original Certificate of Occupancy is satisfactory) 
      • Job signed-off by Department based upon Department inspection or Licensed Professional certifies completion with Department 

What kind of Permits are there? 

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/business/permit-information-type.page 

How do I renew a Work Permit? 

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/business/renewing.page 

Do I need a Work Permit for a minor alteration? 

Some minor work does not require a permit; a PE, RA or Department borough office manager can explain the exceptions. For example, installing new kitchen cabinets doesn’t require a permit, but Contractors must have a Department of Consumer Affairs Home Improvement Contractor License. 

What is a Stop Work Order? 

A Stop Work Order (SWO) is issued when a DOB inspector observes unsafe work or conditions on a property. While a Stop Work Order may be issued in conjunction with a violation, SWOs are typically seen in the DOB’s system as complaints. 

Stop Work Orders can be full (all work is prohibited, except for remedial work needed to make the site safe) or partial (targeting specific types of work or work in a specific area of the site). The type of Stop Work Order is noted at the time of issuance. 

(See attached PDF at the bottom of this article)

Inspectors will conduct surprise visits to sites with active Stop Work Orders, issuing escalated penalties for any work that violates the Stop Work Order. 

Failure to comply with a Stop Work Order will result in penalties of $6,000 for the first offense and $12,000 for every subsequent offense. 

These fines are civil penalties and do not include any penalties assessed at an ECB hearing/associated with a concurring violation. 

How do I lift a Stop Work Order? 

Per the DOB, the following must be completed to lift a Stop Work Order: 

  • Correct all violating conditions cited in the SWO 
  • Major buildings must certify correction to any outstanding ECB violations by submitting a Certificate of Correction to the Department’s Administrative Enforcement Unit 
  • Request a re-inspection from the unit that issued the SWO to verify that all the violating conditions have been corrected 
  • Pay any applicable civil penalties 
  • Contact the unit that issued the SWO to have the order rescinded