Overview
New York City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) handles building applications and permits across the five boroughs. The City’s process and construction codes are distinct from a general New York State permit guide.
Authority
NYC Department of Buildings
Main job types
New Building, Alteration-CO, Alteration
Trades
Select a trade for its permit path, licensing, code resources, fees and filing pitfalls.
Electrical permits and credentials
NYC DOBApplicable Code
NYC Electrical Code and relevant DOB rules, local laws and bulletins.
License Requirement
Use the NYC electrical contractor credential required for the work; DOB issues Master and Special Electrician licenses.
License Fee
DOB Master/Special Electrician application and renewal guidance
CEUs
Follow DOB’s renewal requirements for the license category.
Permit Fee
$40 initial electrical filing (nonminor) plus units/equipment: e.g. 101–200A switch $30 and small single-phase panel $15.
Plan Review Time
Coordinate the electrical filing and required DOB inspection.
Common Pitfalls
- A state credential alone does not establish the required NYC electrical authority.
- Electrical inspection is not the same as building job sign-off.
Permit-to-closeout workflow
Choose the job and work types
Establish NB, Alt-CO or Alt and related building-system filings.
Coordinate professional submission
Prepare drawings, inspection responsibilities and owner approvals.
Resolve examination or audit
Clear objections before permit issuance.
Obtain contractor permits
Keep credentials and insurance active; pay outstanding filing charges.
Inspect and submit reports
Use DOB NOW: Inspections and complete required special-inspection reports.
Sign off the job
Submit required as-built documents and request the appropriate completion record.
Permit fees and worked estimates
DOB January 2026 guidance changes alteration filings made with Alt-CO from February 2, 2026. Building type, job relationship and reported scope determine the base. Examples are filing subtotals, excluding professional fees, FDNY, amendments, penalties and separate trade costs.
| Trade | Permit fee | License fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical permits and credentials | $40 initial electrical filing (nonminor) plus units/equipment: e.g. 101–200A switch $30 and small single-phase panel $15. | DOB Master/Special Electrician application and renewal guidance |
| Plumbing and limited alterations | Eligible 1–3-family LAA base $130 + $2.60 per $1,000 or fraction above $5,000; other building/filing categories differ. | DOB Master Plumber licensing and renewal guidance |
| Mechanical and building-system filings | 1–3-family alteration with Alt-CO: $170 + $2.60 per $1,000 above $5,000; energy review can add $220. | Relevant DOB registration or specialist-license service |
| Fire suppression and alarms | Sprinkler/standpipe DOB scopes use the applicable alteration filing formula; FDNY fees are additional, not included. | DOB fire-suppression credential application and renewal service |
| General contracting and home improvement | Alt filed with Alt-CO: 1–3 family $170 + $2.60/$1,000 above $5,000; below 7 floors other buildings $280 + $10.30/$1,000 above $3,000. | Separate DOB registration and DCWP HIC licensing charges |
Choose your permit route
DOB identifies New Building, Alteration-CO and Alteration application types. Alteration-CO addresses changes involving use, egress or occupancy. Most permits use DOB NOW: Build; some legacy BIS applications and renewals use other filing routes. Confirm the route for the specific work type and existing job.
Submission checklist
Application and review
Use DOB’s project requirements for intake, plan examination or eligible professional certification. Resolve objections or audit findings. Significant changes to approved work require a Post Approval Amendment; coordinate revised and as-built drawings with the applicant of record.
Codes and local amendments
DOB’s NYC Codes directory links construction, energy, electrical, existing-building and past codes, local laws, rules and bulletins. Ask the registered design professional to establish the applicable provisions and transitions for the building and filing.
Owner responsibilities and contractor licensing
Owners participate in filing approvals and should verify the credentials for each work type. DOB registrations depend on scope; DCWP separately licenses residential home-improvement contractors. Plumbing filings require owner access to DOB NOW: Build and the appropriate licensed permit holder. Do not use owner status to bypass licensed trade requirements.
Enforcement and closeout pitfalls
Inspections and closeout
DOB NOW: Inspections is separate from DOB NOW: Build. Arrange the required Department inspections, submit special-inspection reports, resolve objections and complete final sign-off. Confirm whether the project needs a Letter of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy rather than treating permit approval as project closeout.