A New York State licensed professional engineer (pe) or registered architect (RA) must submit construction plans to obtain a permit. A Department plan examiner will review the plans for any legal/zoning objections. When objections are satisfied, the Department will approve the application. A PE or RA may also certify that plans conform to all applicable laws. Learn more about Professional Certification.
Following application approval, a contractor can apply for a building permit to begin work. To learn more about filing an application or getting a permit, check out our Tool Kits.
Learn more about the Permit Process
Updates
Special Inspectors & Inspection Agencies
On May 13, 2012, an amendment to the Special Inspection rule went into effect. Click below for more infomation about changes to the Special Inspection rule, including registration and accreditation requirements.
Special Inspections Page
Click Here to Register
Plan Examination Guidelines
Beginning September 4th, the pilot program to accept only complete drawings with each application – currently in effect in Queens – will expand to Brooklyn. This new process will ultimately lead to faster approvals and reduce the number of repeat appointments – allowing plan examiners to better serve applicants with reviewable plans. Click on the links below to learn more and view the guidelines.
Plan Examination Guidelines Service Notice (PDF)
Plan Examination Guidelines (PDF)
Other Important Updates
New Reinstatement Fees for Applications & Permits (PDF)
New General Liability Insurance RequirementsFiling and Renewing Permits
Permit Information by Type
Resources
Required Items Reference Guide
Plan Examination Guidelines (PDF)
