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Use the Department’s required tools to get your project from planning to completion. Get all the requirements from application submission and obtaining permits to required inspections, project close-out and sign-off.

For a general overview of the Department’s project requirements specific to your project type, use Project Guidelines. The Project Guidelines contain general operational, administrative, and technical requirements related to construction project type.

Keep your project moving by using these tools:

  • DOB NOW - The Department’s self-service online tool that provides customers with the ability to manage more robust online accounts, making it easier to submit applications, make payments, schedule appointments, check the status of an application or inspection, pull permits, make renewals, and have virtual interactions with DOB staff. These efforts will reduce the number of in-person visits to Department offices and will replace the current Building Information System (BIS) mainframe system.
  • eFiling - The eFiling system is an online portal for submission of applications in the Buildings Information System (BIS) through the Development HUB, HUB Full-Service, HUB Self-Service or borough office. The system allows for submission of all BIS job applications (New Building, Alteration-1, -2, -3) except a select number of project/work types or additional considerations. Register for an eFiling account.
  • BIS - Through the Building Information System (BIS) mainframe allows for submission of job filing directly to a DOB borough office. Using BIS, you can search for general information on a property in the city including recorded complaints, violations, actions, applications, and inspections. Get started using BIS.
  • Permits & Plan Exam - The majority of New York City construction requires a Department of Buildings permit. There are many permit types, such as construction, boiler, elevator, plumbing, etc. A New York State Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must submit construction plans to obtain a permit. Then a Department Plan Examiner will review the plans for compliance.
  • Required Items - To ensure compliance, Required Items indicate what requirements apply to a specific job, and when they must be satisfied. Every job filing is unique. Scope of work, location, and other variables determine which requirements apply.