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Project Advocate Program

DOB’s citywide Project Advocate Program initiative provides customers with a single point of contact (a Project Advocate) within the Department and its borough offices to assist in resolving of technical and operational issues relating to projects or properties, so jobs can be completed in a Code-compliant and timely manner. Using Project Advocate services does not allow the owner, applicant or contractor to bypass responsibilities or skip any operational, technical or legal requirements.

Property owners and other involved individuals (registered design professionals, developers, or authorized representatives) seeking to use program services contact Project Advocates in each borough office, the construction safety unit, the Development HUB, and the Inspection HUB.

Using Project Advocate Services

Step 1: Request Project Advocate Services

Use the Project Advocate Service Request Form to request Project Advocate services and schedule an appointment. This allows the Project Advocate time to research your project prior to your scheduled meeting so your time is used efficiently and will reduce unnecessary revisits and wait time.

Step 2: Submit the Form

Submit the form and all your essential project information to the borough email address where your project is located:

  • Bronx projects – BXPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov
  • Brooklyn projects – BKPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov
  • Manhattan projects – MNPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov
  • Queens projects – QNPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov
  • Staten Island projects – SIPAServiceRequest@buildings.nyc.gov

Step 3: Submission Review

The borough office will review the submission and respond with a decision and follow-up information.

Service Goals: How a Project Advocate Can Help You

As technical and operational liaisons, Project Advocates assist your large and complex projects by:

  • providing initial project consultations, and coordination with all stakeholders
  • acting as a single point of contact to coordinate project submission requirements, approvals and permits across various DOB Units
  • resolving issues up front, creating a roadmap for the project, and facilitating efficient decision making in the borough offices.
  • assisting with correcting and resolving DOB and OATH violations
  • facilitating internal and external interagency handoffs and coordination
  • assisting design professionals, and project managers in all phases of a project.

Project Advocates are also responsible for implementing and coordinating key DOB initiatives to assist property owners and managers with the following:

  • Construction work special and DOB inspections, and permit sign-off
  • Project completion and Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

Additional Information & Assistance

Open Application Initiative

  • For buildings that do not have a CO or only have Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, consider issuing final CO
  • Allow some applications and violations to remain open while issuing final CO

PER 20: Request for Certificate of Occupancy with Open Application(s) Cover Letter

  • PER20 form must be completed to summarize the issues and attach any supporting documentation for review by the borough Project Advocate. The submission must include pertinent details or issues that impact the project and copies of relevant documents.
  • Requests for service will be reviewed in the respective borough office, and if accepted, the designated contact must schedule follow-up appointment(s) and bring all applicable paperwork and relevant documents for review with the Project Advocate.
  • Please refer to Buildings Bulletins 2018-009

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