About
Buildings, Department of City
A new or amended Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) is required if construction will create a new building or will result in a change of use, egress, or occupancy to an existing building. If a building was constructed before 1938 and has had no change in use or additions to the property, it may not have a C of O. Proof of the legal use of a building that does not have a C of O, can be obtained from a "Letter of No Objection" from the Department of Buildings' borough offices.
If no work is planned, building owners must hire a Registered Architect or Licensed Engineer to file an Alt-1 "No Work" application before a new or amended C of O will be issued.
For additional information on a specific property, visit the online Buildings Information System database at the Buildings Information System (BISWeb) link below.
If no work is planned, building owners must hire a Registered Architect or Licensed Engineer to file an Alt-1 "No Work" application before a new or amended C of O will be issued.
For additional information on a specific property, visit the online Buildings Information System database at the Buildings Information System (BISWeb) link below.
Please contact the Department of Buildings for more information.
Additional resources
See Agency Contacts by Borough and Unit for the DOB office serving your area
For further assistance, please call 311 and ask for: Certificate of Occupancy.
Website: http://www.nyc.gov/buildings
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