The majority of construction requires a Department of Buildings permit. Most often, a New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must file plans and pull permits before work begins.
There are many permit types, such as construction, boiler, elevator, and plumbing. The primary permit applications are: New Building (NB), and Alterations Type-1, 2, and 3:
Some minor work does not require a permit; a PE, an RA, or a Department borough office manager can explain the exceptions. For example, installing new kitchen cabinets doesn’t require a permit but contractors must have a Department of Consumer Affairs home improvement contractor license.
A PE, an RA, or a contractor can estimate these fees.
Plan approval time depends upon the project’s complexity and the issues – or objections – to be resolved.