Scaffold Safety Team
The Scaffold Safety Team has new email addresses to request corner scaffold pre-inspections and to submit third person on scaffold letters.
Learn More

Benchmarking Reports
The Benchmarking Report deadline has been extended. For owners whose buildings must provide a Benchmarking Report for 2012, reports must be uploaded no later than May 31, 2013.
Learn More

Places of Assembly:  Local Law 2 of 2013
New requirements for Places of Assembly go in effect on May 7, 2013.
Learn More

Filing Representative Registration
Beginning July 1, 2013, there will be two classes of filing representatives: Class 1 Filing Representatives and Class 2 Code and Zoning Representatives.
Learn More

After-hours Variance (AHV) Renewals
The NYC Development Hub’s Self-Service now allows filing representatives to file for After-hours Variance (AHV) Renewals for contractors or licensees.
Learn More

Construction Licensing Update
Beginning December 17, 2012, the Department will be responsible for all construction trade licensing exams and there will be new license examination and background investigation fees for all such licenses as per RCNY 101-03.
Learn More

Electrical Payments
Electrical Firms are now able to pay account fees online at the Electrical Firm Payments portal.
Learn More

Electrical Inspection Request Process
To improve the Department's electrical inspection scheduling, as of November 29, 2012, all electrical inspection appointments will now be made through the Electrical Inspection Request Form. Appointment requests will no longer be accepted via fax.
Learn More

Low- and High-Pressure Boiler Inspection & Report Deadlines Extended
The Department has extended 2012's inspection cycle for low- and high-pressure boilers to December 31, 2012. Additionally, the deadline for the reports for these inspections has been extended until February 15, 2013.
Learn More 

Category 1 Elevator Inspection Cycle Extended
The Department has extended 2012's deadline for Category 1 Elevator Inspections to February 15, 2013. Additionally, the deadline for the reports for these inspections has been extended until March 29, 2013.
Learn More 

Owner Email Needed to Electronically File PW1
To improve communication throughout the construction process, applicants must provide the owner's email address in the PW1 application when filing a project electronically.
Learn More

NYC Development Hub
Hub customers are now able to pay fees online at the Hub Payment Portal.
Learn More 

Cranes + Derricks:  New Mast Climber Forms
Beginning July 1, applicants must use the new Mast Climber application forms and submit them to the Department’s Cranes and Derricks Division before installing, climbing, using or removing a mast climber.
Learn More

Electrical Code: ECB Violations for Non-Compliance
Starting July 1, 2012, electrical work not in compliance with the NYC 2011 Electrical Code will be subject to Environmental Control Board (ECB)  violations.
Learn More 

Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP)
Owners of buildings higher than six stories must have exterior walls and appurtenances inspected every five years and they must file a technical façade report with the Department.
Learn More 

Submit 3D Site Safety Plans Electronically
The Department is now electronically accepting three-dimensional site safety plans. Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, designers can create sophisticated, modernized site safety plans that will enhance construction safety, promote collaboration between property owners, architects, engineers and the Department – and accelerate the approval process.
Learn More 

New ADA Standards + DOB Construction Permits
Design standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have recently been updated. Beginning March 15, 2012, new buildings and major alterations may be required to meet these new minimum requirements.
Learn More 

Work Without a Permit or SWO Violations
Beginning February 14, 2012, applicants or property owners must submit a new L2 form when requesting an override, reduction or waiver of civil penalties for Work Without a Permit or Stop Work Order violation. See the L2 instructions for more on the new form and submission requirements.
Learn More
Read FAQs

Procedures to Obtain After-Hours Variances for Crane Work
After-Hours Variances must be obtained for all after-hours cranes and derricks work - that is all work performed between the hours of 6pm and 7am on weekdays and anytime of the weekends. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More

Sustainable Contractor Designation Program Expanded
In November 2011, the Department expanded its Sustainable Contractor Designation Program to include Master Plumbers and Master and Special Electricians. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More  

Account Statements of Electrical Firms
Starting in November 2011, the Department began mailing account statements to electrical firms on a quarterly basis. Click the link below to learn more.
Learn More 

Changes to Elevator Filing Fees
In November 2011, the Department changed the minimum filing fees for elevator applications. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More 

Green Roof & Solar Panel Applications for Tax Abatement
Starting in October 2011, all applicants seeking tax abatements for green roof and solar panel installations must efile their applications through the Department’s new NYC Development Hub. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More 

New Form for Boiler Batch Intakes
In October 2011, the Department began requiring applicants file the new Boiler Batch Intake form when filing five or more inspection reports at a time. Click on the link below to learn more.  
Learn More 

Pre-filing & Applications Processing Simplified in Manhattan & Staten Island
In October 2011, the Department’s Manhattan and Staten Island borough offices began combining the pre-filing and applications processing into one step. Click below to learn more.
Learn More 

Changes to After-Hours Variance Permit & Payment Processes
In September 2011, the Department consolidated the After-Hours Variance permitting and payment processes. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More 

New Reinstatement Fees for Expired Permits & Applications
In September 2011, the Department changed the reinstatement fees for expired permits and applications. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More

New Minimum Alteration Application Filing Fees
In September 2011, the Department changed the minimum filing fees for all alteration applications. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More

Online After-Hours Variances Renewal
Starting in March 2011, the Department began allowing contractors and tradespeople to renew After-Hours Variance (AHV) permits online using the Department’s efiling system. Click on the link below to learn more.
 Learn More

Changes to Plan Reviews for Manhattan Eating & Drinking Establishments
Starting in August 2011, applications for new eating and drinking establishments in Manhattan began having streamlined construction plan reviews through NBAT, the New Business Acceleration Team. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More  

SBS Waterfront Permits Unit New Location
In August 2011, the NYC Department of Small Business Services’ (SBS) Waterfront Permits Unit moved from 280 Broadway to SBS' headquarters at 110 William Street, 7th Floor, in Lower Manhattan.
Learn More 

LAA Applications for Boiler Fuel Upgrades
Starting in July 2011, the Department began allowing oil burner installers to file LAA applications to upgrade boiler’s fuel grade to a cleaner fuel. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More 

New Safety Requirements for Sidewalk Sheds
In July 2011, new sidewalk shed safety and illumination requirements took effect in accordance with Local Law 51 of 2010. Click the link to learn more.
Learn More  

New Re-Inspection Fees for Hazardous Violations
Beginning in June 2011, the Department began applying an $85.00 re-inspection fee to each open hazardous violation the Department re-inspects. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More  

New General Liability Insurance Requirements
In June 2011, the Department introduced new General Liability insurance requirements for construction and demolition projects. Click on the link to learn more.
Learn More  

Online Inspection Requests Can Now be Made for Queens Construction
Beginning in June 2011, the Department’s Queens Construction Unit began accepting construction inspection requests through 311’s website. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More  

New Permits for Crane Work
In May 2011, the Department introduced new permits for crane work. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More  

New Landmarks Preservation Commission Filing Fees
In May 2011, the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s (LPC) filing fees increased. The fees apply to all initial applications filed to do work on landmarked property or when a Certificate of Appropriateness or Certificate of No Effect is required from LPC. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More  

Elimination of ASB4s Asbestos Exemption Form
As of May 2011, the Department began no longer requiring ASB4 asbestos exemption forms to be submitted with related PW1 forms. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More  

New Customer Service Counter Hours
In March 2011, the Department announced new customer service counter hours for the Construction, Plumbing and Electrical units. Click on the link below to view the new hours.
Learn More 

Changes to Cranes & Derricks Application Filing Fees
In March 2011, the filing fees for applications to the Cranes & Derricks Unit changed. Click on the link below to view the new fees.
Learn More 

Applications for Sign & Sign Structures
Only sign hangers licensed by the Department and New York State-licensed architects and professional engineers may submit applications for sign and sign structures. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn More 

Special Inspection Agency Registration
Special Inspection Agencies must be registered with the Department. Click the link below to learn more and view the requirements.
Learn More  

Adult Establishments
1 RCNY 9000-1 clarifies the Department’s criteria for determining the dates of establishment and discontinuance for adult establishments, houses of worship and schools. Click on the link below to learn more.
Learn more 

Form Changes
You must now use the 01/11 versions of the following forms: 

• PW1: Plan Work Approval Application
• PW1C: Schedule C- Heating & Combustion Equipment
• PC1: Required Items Checklist for Professional Certification
• TR1: Technical Report Statement of Responsibility
• ED16A: Electrical Permit Application
• EN2: As Built Energy Analysis
• TR8: Technical Report Statement of Responsibility for Energy Code Progress Inspections

View Timeline for New Forms 
Description of Form Changes 

Documentation for HMO Class C Licenses
All licensed Class C Hoisting Machine Operators must have provided documentation to the Department by October 1, 2009 of Certified Crane Operator (CCO) certificate from that National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or certification documentation from the Crane Institute Certification (CIC) to keep their license current.
 Learn more 
 View Guide 
 View Fact Sheet 
 View FAQs 

Other Related Links:
Application Filing News
Inspection News
Licensing News