For Immediate Release
May 10, 2016

DOB ANNOUNCES NEW, EQUITABLE FEE STRUCTURE REDUCING COSTS FOR HOMEOWNERS

New York, NY – – Today, Buildings Commissioner Rick D. Chandler announced new, more equitable filing fees for construction permits. Under the new rules, fees for projects at one-to-three family homes will be cut in half, while major developments will pay fees commensurate with the services DOB provides in approving these much more complex projects.

This afternoon, Mayor de Blasio signed legislation authorizing the new fee structure, which is part of the Department’s transformative Building One City plan to create a more equitable agency and serve the needs of all New Yorkers.

“These fee reductions are a win for homeowners,” said Commissioner Chandler. “With new construction at a record high across the City, fees for major developments will now reflect the increased service levels required to bring them to fruition, allowing us to cut fees in half for simple projects filed by homeowners. I thank Mayor de Blasio and the City Council for their support in passing these updated fees and signing them into law.”

Under the new fee structure, projects will fall into two categories:

• New building and major alterations for 1, 2, and 3-family homes will receive a 50% reduction in filing costs;
• Complex new buildings and alterations to major developments -those that are seven stories or 100,000 square feet or greater- will be subject to increased fees reflecting the amount of resources provided by DOB to review and regulate these projects.

“I want to thank Mayor de Blasio for signing Int. No. 831 into law. Modernizing the fee structure for permits filed to the Department of Buildings will make it less onerous for small property owners to obtain permits. We want to also encourage them to engage in construction work safely. I look forward to working with the Administration and the Speaker on safe development throughout our city,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams.

"New York City is always under construction, and we depend on inspections from the Department of Buildings to keep us safe. Thank you to Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Member Jumaane Williams for finding a way to reduce the burden of fees on homeowners while remaining fiscally responsible to maintain the resources that protect New Yorkers," said Council Member Helen Rosenthal.

“Lowering the fees will help the many middle-class homeowners in Eastern Queens invest in their homes. For most people, their home is their most valuable asset. This bill will encourage people to continue to upgrade their homes and allow our communities to flourish,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik.

"This bill will have a positive effect towards encouraging homeowners to file proper permits rather than cutting corners," said Council Member Paul Vallone. "It is also a win for homeowners who will pay smaller fees on simple projects. I was proud to sponsor this bill and thank Mayor de Blasio for signing it into law."

“Intro 831 is a responsible recalculation of fees for building permits – reducing the burden on homeowners and requiring developers to pay their fair share,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres. “This new fee structure will improve DOB oversight on construction sites across New York City – making residents and workers safer as a result. I am proud to have co-sponsored the legislation, and applaud Council Member Williams for taking initiative on the issue.”

The Department’s filing fee structure has not been adjusted in a quarter century, with the last change implemented in 1991. Since this time, the Department’s role in helping to promote safe construction throughout the City has grown substantially, requiring the creation of an entire unit to focus on regulating complex major construction projects. As part of the Building One City plan, DOB continues to hire additional inspectors to ensure construction sites are safe for workers and the public.

Contact: Alexander Schnell (212) 393-2126
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