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Project Requirements Owner: Mechanical

Work you can do without a permit, Registered Design Professional or Licensed Contractor

There is some minor work, described below, that can be performed without a work permit, without hiring a Licensed Contractor, or without hiring a Registered Design Professional.

Work you can do without a permit

NYC Administrative Code 28-105.4 clarifies work exempt from permit, which does not absolve work from compliance with any other law or rules enforced by the Department. Owners are obligated to comply with requirements of other city agencies. Unless otherwise indicated, permits shall not be required for the following:

  • Ordinary Plumbing Work.  AC 28-105.4.4 lists work considered ordinary maintenance and repair, including allowable replacement/relocation of plumbing, gas piping, equipment and components, which must be performed by a Licensed Master Plumber.

  • Emergency Work.  AC 28-105.4.1 clarifies Emergency Work as work otherwise requiring a permit, performed to relieve an emergency condition. Licensed specialized Skilled Trades may perform emergency work prior to getting a permit as long as it is submitted within two (2) business days after work commences and includes a description of the emergency condition and mitigating measures taken, such as:

    • Repair of gas leaks,

    • Repair or replacement of heating or hot water equipment servicing residential occupancies during the heating season or education occupancies between November 1st and May 1st.

    • Replacement of equipment in health facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

    • Replacement of equipment in certain public institutions following emergency events

  • Minor Alterations and Ordinary Repairs.  AC 28-105.4.2 defines minor alterations and ordinary repairs for which a permit is not required and work not considered as such.

  • Service Equipment.  Mechanical work does not require a permit in buildings as described in 1 RCNY 101-14, Table 2: Section II, or in existing one and two family homes as described in 1 RCNY 101-14, Table 1.

When you need to hire a professional and obtain a permit

Master Plumber

Limited Plumbing Alteration Work as described in AC 28-101.5 can only be performed by a Licensed Master Plumber. A Registered Design Professional must submit permit documents to the Department if work exceeds this.

Licensed Oil Burner Installer

Limited oil burner boiler alterations as described in AC 28-101.5 can only be performed by a Licensed Oil Burner Installer. A Registered Design Professional must submit permit documents to the Department if work exceeds this.

Licensed High Pressure Boiler Operation Engineer

A Registered Design Professional must submit permit documents to the Department for work performed by a Licensed High Pressure Boiler Operation Engineer.

Licensed Electrician

Electrical work including new installation, alteration, or repair of electric wiring, wiring apparatuses, appliances or equipment requires a separately submitted electrical permit and shall be performed by a New York City Licensed Electrical Contractor who will coordinate with other members of the project team.  When such application includes work as listed below or requires Energy Conservation Code (ECC) compliance, it must reference the general project application number. Electrical construction documents are not required to be submitted by a Registered Design Professional, except as follows:

  • Electrical Plan Review plan examination. Submitted by a Licensed Electrician when electrical equipment or installation is at least 1000 KVA. (1 RCNY § 34-05 )
  • Fire Alarm System. FDNY plan examination, the periodic testing, inspection and maintenance by either a Licensed Electrician or Registered Design Professional. (FC 604)

General Contractor

The owner must hire a Registered Design Professional to submit permit application plans to the Department prior to work being performed by a General Contractor.

When you need to hire a Registered Design Professional and Licensed Tradesman/Contractor to obtain a permit

A Registered Design Professional (licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect) must submit construction plans for approval by the Department in order to obtain a work permit.

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