Service Updates

Follow-up #2: Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures Reports to launch in DOB NOW: Safety
Beginning April 17, 2023, all Periodic Inspection of Parking Structure (PIPS) Compliance Reports are required to be filed in DOB NOW: Safety. Manual submissions will not be accepted after April 14, 2023.

Fast-track Post Approval Amendments for Standard Plan Examination BIS filings related to Occupancy Requests
Effective March 27, 2023, a new option is available in eFiling to submit fast-track Post Approval Amendments (PAAs) for standard plan examination job filings in the Buildings Information System (BIS) for changes related to objections on Schedule of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy requests.

Small Business Team at Buildings After Hours
DOB’s Small Business Team (SBT) is available during Buildings After Hours every Tuesday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm for small business owners to receive assistance.

New Supersede & Withdrawal functions in DOB NOW: Build
Beginning March 6, 2023, additional supersede and withdrawal functions are available for PW1/PW2 filings in DOB NOW: Build.

Follow-Up #4: Extension of Enforcement Moratorium and Temporary Assistance Program for Certain Business Signs
The moratorium on the issuance of certain accessory sign violations, and the temporary assistance program for certain accessory signs have been extended to February 9, 2025. (see Intro. 886 of 2023) Until that date, the Department of Buildings will not issue violations for business storefront signs that existed before February 9, 2019, are no more than 150 sq. ft. in area or 1,200 pounds, and do not create an imminent threat to public health or safety.

Follow up #1: Full Demolition to Launch in DOB NOW: Build
Beginning on March 6, 2023, all new Full Demolition (FD) jobs will be required to be filed in DOB NOW: Build.

Updated Submission Process for CD5: Suspended Scaffold Applications
Effective Tuesday, February 21, 2023, include only one paper set of documents with submission of CD5: Suspended Scaffold Applications. After plan review is complete, digital project drawings will be requested for stamping and will be returned by email.

Local Law 97 of 2019: Updated Building Emissions Limits
The Department of Buildings has established updated emissions limits for buildings required by Title 28 of the NYC Administrative Code, Articles 320 and 321 to have building emissions reports submitted. The new limits are based on the property types in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM), rather than the occupancy groups listed in the New York City Building Code. (See 1 RCNY § 103-14.)

Foundation Filings No Longer Require Energy Submissions
Effective January 26, 2023, Foundation (FO) filings in DOB NOW: Build no longer require an Energy Submission. Any prior Energy Submissions in any status have been removed from all FO filings.

Retaining Wall Report Filing Process
Owners of retaining walls that are 10 feet or higher and fronting a public right of way are required by NYC Administrative Code §28-305.4 to hire a NYS licensed professional engineer who is designated by the Department of Buildings as a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI) to inspect the structure at least once every five years and file a report with DOB according to the schedule set out in 1 RCNY §103-09. Cycle 2 ends on December 31, 2023.

Full Demolition to Launch in DOB NOW: Build
Beginning in early 2023, all new Full Demolition (FD) jobs will be required to be filed in DOB NOW: Build. Certain jobs filed in the Buildings Information System (BIS) prior to the DOB NOW launch will be required to be refiled in DOB NOW: Build to continue the job.

NEW Electrical Inspection Request Types
To improve scheduling of electrical inspections, starting January 6, 2023, DOB NOW: Inspections will list new inspection types for electrical jobs.