Buildings311Search all NYC.gov websites
Project Checklists for Owner:
New Deck and Porch Installation
This section contains a list of questions/tasks to help Owners, who are responsible for hiring professionals to provide compliance with the applicable Construction Codes and other regulations discussed in the Project Guidelines. These assignments should be made prior to beginning any construction activity. If you are unfamiliar with these regulations, you should reference the corresponding detailed section(s) of NYC Construction Code and other regulations referenced in this guide for more information.
Checklists include:
Initial Project Checklist
DO
- Pre-Project: Hire a NYS licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) to ensure your project is Code and zoning compliant.
- Site Survey: Hire a licensed Surveyor to provide a site survey showing all existing conditions.
- Project Plans: Only a Registered Design Professional can submit construction documents, including drawings and other submissions, to the Department for approval.
- Asbestos Investigation: Have asbestos investigation performed on site to check for Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) that will be removed or disturbed.
- Project Work: Hire a licensed Contractor to perform the work. In addition to General Contractor, installation may require additional trades for plumbing, and electrical work. When hiring a licensed Contractor, have a written contract that includes the Contractor’s company name, address and license number(s).
- Post Permit: Ensure permit is posted in a conspicuous place at the work site for the duration of the work.
- Eligibility as a Historic Building: Historic buildings that are eligible or listed on the State/National Registers of Historic Places(SHPO) may be exempt from the NYCECC; however, buildings only in NYC LPC and Districts are not exempt from the NYCECC.
- Provide Contact Information: Owner must provide their email address to the Department for correspondence, inspections and final sign-off of the project.
- Work Completion: Ensure inspections and sign-offs are performed to close the project permit.
DON’T
- Work Without a Permit: Do not begin work without a DOB permit. Even if the application for work has been approved, property owners and the people performing work without a permit may face violations with penalties, court appearances, and civil or criminal penalties.
Get a printable version.
Prior to Application Approval Checklist
- Hire a Registered Design Professional (RDP), P.E. or R.A., to consult and finalize scope of work.
- Provide necessary information and consent to project submission requirements, and authorize the Registered Design Professional, who is the Applicant of Record, to submit project plans (construction documents) for approval by the Department.
- Project approval is required prior to beginning work.
*NOTE: The owner is the individual or entity that owns the building/property, or the owner-authorized property management entity that represents the building for which an application is being filed. The Owner of the building/property is ultimately responsible for the project, and their signature/consent is required for submission of the project application by their design professional, and Department approval. The owner may attend plan examination appointments only if accompanied by the applicant or the Filing Representative.*
Get a printable version.
Pre-Permit & On-going Project Work Checklist
Pre-Permit
- Licensed Contractor: Hire NYC Licensed/Registered Contractor to obtain work permit(s) in order to begin work.
- Special Inspections: If the scope of work requires, hire the required Special Inspection Agency (SIA) to perform Special/Progress Inspections.
- Notify the Department: Prior to permit, provide the names of special inspection agency hired to do the Special Inspections, using an online submission.
On-going
- Site Safety:Property Owners must maintain their properties in a safe condition during the course of work.
Get a printable version.
Project Completion Close-out Checklist
- Special Inspections: If the scope of work requires, the Special Inspection Agency hired must complete and submit results online to the Department.
- Department Inspections: Make sure the Contractor has completed all Department of Buildings inspections and has obtained sign-off of the completed work.
- Permit Sign-off: Confirm the Contractor has requested and passed a final sign-off inspection required by the Department.
- Final Survey: Hire a licensed Surveyor to submit a final survey.
Get a printable version.