2021 DEPT. OF BUILDINGS SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
December
Follow-Up #5 - Local Law 152 of 2016: Licensed Master Plumbers Allowed to Certify a Building Does Not Contain Gas Piping; Procedures for Certifying a Building Is Not Supplied with Gas
Local Law 152 of 2016 has been amended by Local Law 138 of 2021. The changes include:
New Requirements for Category Testing of Elevators
Beginning January 1, 2022, category testing of elevators must comply with the following new requirements in Local Law 126 of 2021.
New Periodic Boiler Inspection Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2022, owners of boilers must comply with new annual boiler inspection requirements.
Update #19: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Zoning for Accessibility Text Amendment
Developments and enlargements within 50 Feet of mass transit stations must obtain approval from the Metropolitan Transportation Agency (MTA) prior to filing an application with the Department of Buildings.
Follow-up #4: Local Law 152 of 2016: Gas Piping Inspections Deadline for Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13, and 18 in all Boroughs Extended
Exposed gas piping systems in all buildings, except one- or two-family homes, must be inspected by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP), or a qualified individual working under the direct and continuing supervision of an LMP, at least once every four years according to the schedule set out in 1 RCNY §103-10. Local Law 137 of 2021 extends the inspection deadline for buildings in Community Districts (CD) 2, 5, 7, 13, and 18 in all boroughs to June 30, 2022.
November
Periodic Elevator Inspections Must be Performed by Approved Agency on Behalf of Owner
Beginning January 1, 2022, owners are responsible for the required periodic elevator inspections listed in Table N1 of ASME A17.1, as modified by Chapter K1 of Appendix K of the New York City Building Code. The periodic inspection must be performed by an approved elevator agency on behalf of the owner, see Article 304 of Title 28 of the NYC Administrative Code. Inspections will no longer be performed by Private Elevator Agency Directors/Inspectors on behalf of the Department of Buildings.
Customer Service Atrium Closure on December 3, 2021
The Customer Service Atrium at 280 Broadway in Manhattan will be closed Friday, December 3, 2021, for all drop-off and in-person transactions due to office renovations.
Penalties for Failure to File Sprinkler Report
Beginning January 1, 2022, owners who fail to file an acceptable report certifying sprinklers were installed in their building, as required by Local Law 26 of 2004, will be subject to the civil penalties. The filing must be submitted to the Department of Buildings at NYCDOBLL26@buildings.nyc.gov.
Update #18: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
New License Requirements for Elevator Work in New York City
Beginning January 1, 2022, elevator work in New York City may only be performed by authorized individuals, that are under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Elevator Agency Director. The Department will issue two new Elevator Agency Technician licenses and the Elevator Agency Helper registration to qualified individuals. DOB will begin accepting applications for these licenses and registration on December 11, 2021.
New Periodic Inspection Requirements for NYC Parking Structures
Beginning January 1, 2022, Local Law 126 of 2021 (Intro No. 2261-A) will require owners of parking structures to hire a NYS licensed and registered professional engineer to inspect the structure at least once every six years and file a report with the Department of Buildings documenting the results of the inspection.
New Process to Request Records
On Monday, November 15, a new process to request records launched in DOB NOW: BIS Options. A Record Requests in DOB NOW guide is now available.
Elevator Licenses: Extension of December 31, 2021 Expiration Date
All active Private Elevator Inspection Agency Director, Co-Director, and Inspector Licenses set to expire on December 31, 2021, will instead expire based on the month and day (mm/dd) the license was originally issued. See below schedule.
DOB-Approved Course Providers to Deliver Hybrid Online/In-Person Training for Hands-On Training Courses
In May of 2020 DOB announced the shift to online training by DOB-approved Course Providers, with the exception of courses that included hands-on training. For courses that include hands-on training, DOB-approved course providers can now deliver the hands-on portion of the training in person and the remaining portion through either a live Virtual Classroom or live Webinar – adhering to DOB’s Actively Proctored Online Training Policy and the applicable accreditation standards of each course provider.
Temporary Records Room Closure and New Process to Request Records
The Records Room in all borough offices will continue to be closed from Monday, November 8 through Friday, November 12, 2021. On Monday, November 15, a new process to request records will launch in DOB NOW: BIS Options.
New Process for Submitting Documents in eFiling
The eFiling system was updated on October 25, 2021 so that uploaded documents and forms will now have a status of either Received or Pending.
Update #17: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
October
New Customer Service Office Hours and Temporary Records Room Closure
Beginning Monday, November 1, 2021 all DOB customer service locations, except the Licensing Unit, will close at 12:00 pm for drop-offs and in-person transactions. In addition, the Records Room in all borough offices will be closed from Monday, November 1 through Friday November 5, 2021.
New Energy Review Process to Launch in DOB NOW: Build
On November 8, 2021, a new integrated energy review process will be added to DOB NOW: Build, in accordance with the New York City Energy Conversation Code (NYCECC).
Update #16: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
New Fees for NYC Energy Conservation Code Compliance Reviews
Beginning November 8, 2021, the Department of Buildings will charge review fees for NYC Energy Conservation Code compliance, per Title 1 of the Rules of the City of New York Section 101-03. These review fees will be charged for jobs filed in DOB NOW: Build as either Professional Certification or Standard Plan Examination.
Local Law 87 of 2009: Energy Efficiency Report Must be Filed by a Registered Design Professional
Beginning January 1, 2022, an Energy Efficiency Report (EER) must be submitted to the Department of Buildings by a registered design professional. Registered energy auditors and retro-commissioning agents who are not registered design professionals may continue to submit an EER to DOB until their registrations expire or until December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. Registrations will not be renewed once expired.
Certificate of No Harassment (CONH) Not Required for Minimum Work to Rescind a Vacate Order
Beginning October 16, 2021, applications for buildings with any of the below designations in the Property Profile will not require submission of a Certificate of No Harassment (CONH) to the Department of Buildings if the work to be performed is the minimum necessary to lift an active vacate order issued by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) or DOB, per Section 10-02 of Title 28 of the Rules of the City of New York. These applications must be filed as Standard Plan Examination in DOB NOW.
NEW Requirement for Limited Alteration Application Supersede and Withdrawal Requests
As of Friday, October 15, 2021, all requests to supersede or withdraw a DOB NOW Limited Alteration Application (LAA) filing must be submitted in DOB NOW: Build.
Manhattan Borough Office Operations Relocating to First Floor, Customer Service Atrium
Beginning Friday, October 8, 2021, the Manhattan Borough Director’s Office and select services will be located on the first floor, Customer Service Atrium at 280 Broadway and will no longer be available on the 3rd Floor.
Façade Compliance Filings: Supporting Documents Now Viewable in the DOB NOW Public Portal
Beginning October 8, 2021, all supporting documents submitted with an accepted façade compliance filing in DOB NOW: Safety can be viewed by the public in the DOB NOW Public Portal. Supporting documents include photographs, plot plans, the TR6 Report, and the FISP1 and FISP2 forms.
Update #15: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
September
Construction Code and Zoning Resolution Determinations Now Available in DOB’s Building on My Block Portal
Beginning September 23, 2021, customers may search for Construction Code Determination (CCD1) or Zoning Resolution Determination (ZRD1) documents for applications in the Building Information System (BIS) using the Department’s Building on My Block portal.
Building Owners Required to Post Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label – Local Law 33 of 2018 as amended by Local Law 95 of 2019
No later than October 31, 2021, owners of buildings over 25,000 square feet – or multiple buildings on a lot that total 100,000 square feet or more – that appear on the NYC Benchmarking Covered Building List for Compliance in 2021 must post the Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label that includes the building’s 2020 energy efficiency grade in a conspicuous location near each public entrance to their buildings.
License Renewal Requirements: Hoisting Machine Operator Class B Endorsements
Hoisting Machine Operators Class B are required to renew their HMO ratings at the same time they renew their license and requalify those ratings during the prior existing term of their license according to 1 RCNY §104-09.
Update #14: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Fees and Permit Restrictions Waived for Work Due to Damage Caused by Remnants of Hurricane Ida
Beginning Tuesday, September 14, 2021, the Department of Buildings will not require applicants to pay any fees for filings and permits for work due to damage caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida per Mayoral Emergency Executive Order No. 235. Permit restrictions will also be waived on these properties.
New Bi-weekly Online Q&A Sessions and Monthly Industry Meetings
Beginning in September, the Department of Buildings will expand our customer service meetings to include additional opportunities to work directly with us in moving projects forward.
Customer Service Windows Open with Limited Service on September 3, 2021
Due to continued travel delays as a result of Wednesday’s storm, all DOB Customer Service Windows will be open on Friday, September 3, 2021 but with limited service. Customers are encouraged to use online services.
Customer Service Windows Closed on September 2, 2021
Due to the travel advisory in effect in New York City, all DOB Customer Service Windows will be closed on Thursday, September 2, 2021. Drop-off services will also be closed.
New Homeowner Relief Program for Eligible Owners of One-and Two-family Homes
Beginning August 30, 2021, the Department of Buildings will issue a Request for Corrective Action, rather than an OATH summons, for most violating conditions at one- and two- family homes where the owner is eligible to participate in the Homeowner Relief Program (HRP). Owners who receive a Request for Corrective Action will not receive an OATH summons if they correct the violating conditions within 60 days.
August
Update #13: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Owner Information Removed from Public View in the Building Information System and DOB NOW Public Portal
As of May 20, 2021, the Department of Buildings has removed the owner’s information from public view in the Buildings Information System (BIS) and the DOB NOW Public Portal. The change was made to prevent potential misuse of information.
Update #12: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Online Submission of New License Applications
Beginning, Tuesday, September 7, 2021, applications for new Department of Buildings issued licenses/registrations are required to be submitted online at www.nyc.gov/dobnow.
Re-inspection Fee Change
Effective August 13, 2021, the fee for each re-inspection made necessary by an owner’s failure to correct violating conditions or respond to a request to correct such conditions that results in the issuance of a violation has increased from $85 to $225.
New Required Document in DOB NOW: Build – Property Ownership Certification (Local Law 160 of 2017)
Beginning August 16, 2021, for jobs created on or after August 16, 2021, applications for New Building and Alteration-CO in DOB NOW: Build will require a Property Ownership Certification Form to proceed with a permit request.
Redesigned Website
Beginning Tuesday, August 10, 2021, a redesigned Department of Buildings website is available at www.nyc.gov/buildings. DOB’s online resources have been streamlined to make it easier to learn about new Department programs, navigate City regulations, and quickly find information.
July
Update #11: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Facade Violation Search Portal, Civil Penalty Payments and Waiver Requests to Launch in DOB NOW: Safety on July 12, 2021
A new Façade Violations portal is launching in DOB NOW: Safety on Monday, July 12, 2021, for submitting civil penalty payments or requests to waive civil penalties for Cycles 6 and later that result from a Failure to File or Late Filing of TR6/FISP Reports, FISP Failure to Correct SWARMP Conditions, and FISP Failure to Correct Unsafe Conditions. The portal includes only civil penalties related to DOB violations payable to DOB and not OATH/ECB summonses paid to OATH. The last day to submit payments or waiver requests in person, by email, or mail is Thursday, July 8, 2021.
June
POSTPONED: New Required Document in DOB NOW: Build – Property Ownership Certification (Local Law 160 of 2017)
In August 2021, to proceed with a permit request in DOB NOW: Build, applications for New Building and Alteration-CO, except jobs on government-owned properties, will require a Property Ownership Certification Form.
Update #10: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Update #9: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Follow Up #2: Building Owners Required to Post Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label - Local Law 33 of 2018 as amended by Local Law 95 of 2019
Violations for failure to post the Energy Efficiency Rating Label required by Local Law 33 of 2018 must be paid or challenged in DOB NOW: Safety.
Update #8: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Update #7: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
May
New Required Document For All Permits in DOB NOW: Build – Property Ownership Certification (Local Law 160 of 2017
Beginning June 30, 2021, all applications, except Limited Alteration Applications (LAA), electrical, and elevator jobs, require a Property Ownership Certification form to proceed with a permit request in DOB NOW: Build.
Update #6: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Sidewalk Shed Removal and Earthwork Notifications
Effective Monday, May 24, 2021, submit all sidewalk shed removal and earthwork notifications in DOB NOW: Build. The DOB Customer Service Contact Center will no longer accept these notifications by phone.
Update #5: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Follow Up #1: Local Law 154 of 2017: Owner Notification of Start of Work in DOB NOW
Beginning May 17, 2021, for applications filed in DOB NOW, the owner must notify the Department of Buildings in DOB NOW: Build at least 72 hours before starting work requiring a Tenant Protection Plan (TPP).
Local Law 114 of 2019 to Launch in DOB NOW: Build
Beginning May 17, 2021, applications in DOB NOW: Build will be subject to the same requirements currently in DOB’s Buildings Information System (BIS) for Local Law 114 of 2019 (Denial of Permits for False Statements and Work Without a Permit).
Local Law 104 of 2019 to Launch in DOB NOW: Build
Beginning May 17, 2021, applications in DOB NOW: Build will be subject to the same requirements currently in DOB's Buildings Information System (BIS) for Local Law 104 of 2019 (Denial of Permits for Multiple Dwellings with Excessive Open Violations).
Local Law 1 of 2018 and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing to Launch in DOB NOW: Build
Beginning May 17, 2021, applications in DOB NOW: Build will be subject to the same requirements currently in DOB’s Buildings Information System (BIS) for Local Law 1 of 2018 and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH).
DOB NOW: Build Updates – BIS Schedule of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy
Effective May 17, 2021, DOB NOW: Build will be updated with a Correction feature for BIS Schedule of Occupancy requests and expanded capability for entering job reference numbers. Certificate of Occupancy requests will be fee exempt when applicable.
Temporary Place of Assembly Filings Resume
Beginning Monday, May 17, Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) filings will resume submission in DOB NOW: Build. Issuance of a TPA by the Department of Buildings is not an approval of the event pursuant to New York State: NY Forward Guidelines, and responsibility for conformance with such guidelines remains entirely with the applicant/organizer.
Update #4: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
April
Update #3: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
BIS Crane Notice Document Submission and Payments in DOB NOW: Build
Beginning May 3, 2021, applicants must submit in DOB NOW: Build all documents and payments for Cranes Notices (CN) still active in BIS (CNs initially filed prior to July 7, 2020).
Follow Up #1: Building Owners Required to Post Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label - Local Law 33 of 2018 as amended by Local Law 95 of 2019
Beginning April 29, 2021, the Department of Buildings will issue violations to owners of buildings over 25,000 square feet – or multiple buildings on a lot that total 100,000 square feet or more – that appear on the NYC Benchmarking Covered Buildings List who fail to post an Energy Efficiency Rating Label as required by Local Law 33 of 2018. Per 1 RCNY 103-06 (l)(2), an owner who fails to post the label within 30 days after October 1 will be subject to a civil penalty of $1,250.
Benchmarking Compliance Deadline Extended to June 1, 2021
Property owners who were required to submit their CY2020 benchmarking information by May 1, 2021, are required to submit a fully compliant report by June 1, 2021.
Additional Training for BIS Schedule of Occupancy in DOB NOW: Build
DOB will be conducting additional online training sessions in April and May to provide guidance on how to enter Schedules of Occupancy for BIS jobs in DOB NOW: Build.
Update #2: Occupancy Submissions
Department of Buildings staff are working to address the high volume of occupancy submissions that have been received since the expansion of DOB NOW: Build on March 1, 2021. A Service Notice will be posted weekly to provide current service levels.
Large New Building and Alteration-CO Jobs Reviewed by the Development HUB
As of March 1, 2021, large New Building (NB) and Alteration-CO (Alt-CO) jobs are being assigned to and reviewed by the Development HUB.
Follow-up #4 – Local Law 152 of 2016: Gas Piping Inspections Deadline for Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13 and 18
By December 31, 2021, owners of buildings, except one- or two-family homes, located in Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13 and 18 in all boroughs must submit to the Department of Buildings a signed and sealed GPS2: Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification through the online portal at www.nyc.gov/DOBgaspipecert
Local Law 97/2019: Building Emissions Adjustments Applications
Beginning April 12, 2021, the Department of Buildings will accept applications for adjustments to a building’s annual emissions limits for calendar years 2024-2029 and for not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare facilities. Applications for adjustments must be submitted in DOB NOW: Safety.
March
Follow-Up #3 – Local Law 28 of 2019 and Local Law 29 of 2021: Extension of Enforcement Moratorium and Temporary Assistance Program for Certain Business Signs
Local Law 29 of 2021 extends the moratorium on the issuance of certain accessory sign violations, and the temporary assistance program for certain accessory signs to January 1, 2023.
Occupancy Submissions Update
Schedule of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy requests submitted in DOB NOW: Build by March 24, 2021 will receive a first-time review on or before March 31, 2021. In addition, a 90-day extension has been granted for Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCO) if steps have been taken to renew the TCO in DOB NOW prior to the expiration date of the TCO.
eFiling Authentication Forms and Limited Alteration Applications (LAA) Customer Service
As of Monday, March 22, 2021, all eFiling Authentication Forms are required to be submitted via the DOB Help Form at www.nyc.gov/dobhelp. Also use the help form to submit audit questions, civil penalty review requests, supersede/withdrawal requests and other general inquiries specific to Limited Alteration Applications.
Remote Video Inspections Pilot Program
The Department of Buildings is piloting Remote Video Inspections (RVI) for certain inspection types from March 19 – April 30, 2021 using digital video technology. This voluntary program covers Construction Final Inspections in Staten Island and Rescission of Stop Work Orders issued for Construction Work Without Permit in Brooklyn, replacing the in-person inspections.
Follow-Up #1 – Local Law 160 of 2017: Covered Arrears
Beginning March 1, 2021, as required by Local Law 160 of 2017, the Department will deny New Building and Alteration-CO permits in DOB NOW if $25,000 or more in covered arrears is owed to New York City with respect to the property for which the permit is being sought, or the owners of the property together owe $25,000 or more in covered arrears to the City.
DOB NOW: Build Structural and Foundation Work Type Guidelines
The recent expansions of DOB NOW: Build allow for all structural and foundation work to be filed under the structural or foundation work types. Interim Guidelines for Structural Work Type Filing are rescinded.
Minor Plan Changes Require a Post Approval Amendment
Beginning Monday, March 15, 2021, all minor plan changes for jobs after approval will require submission as a Post Approval Amendment.
Local Law 104 of 2019: Denial of Permits for Multiple Dwellings with Excessive Open Violations
Beginning March 4, 2021, the Department will deny applications for initial work permits in the Buildings Information System (BIS) for multiple dwellings with the following ratios of open hazardous or immediately hazardous Housing Maintenance Code violations and/or open immediately hazardous or major Construction Code violations to dwelling units.
February
Local Law 196 of 2017: Site Safety Training Deadline
Local Law 196 of 2017 requires workers at job sites that must designate a Construction Superintendent, Site Safety Coordinator or Site Safety Manager to receive 40 hours of Site Safety Training by March 1, 2021.
General Construction (Phase Two) and Occupancy to Launch in DOB NOW: Build
The next major expansion of DOB NOW: Build will occur on March 1, 2021.
Training for DOB NOW: Build Upcoming Expansion: General Construction (Phase Two) and Occupancy
In preparation for a major expansion and upgrade of DOB NOW: Build that will occur in late February 2021, DOB will be conducting online training.
Customer Service Windows Closed on February 2, 2021
Due to the inclement weather, all DOB Customer Service Windows are closed on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Drop-off services will also be closed.
Customer Service Windows Closing at 12:00 pm Monday, February 1, 2021
Due to the inclement weather, all DOB Customer Service Windows will close at 12:00 pm on Monday, February 1, 2021. Drop-off services will also be closed.
January
Request for Corner/Angle Scaffold Inspection
Requests for an inspection of Corner/Angle Scaffolds must be submitted using the Corner/Angle Scaffold Inspection Request Form. Prior to requesting a Corner/Angle Scaffold inspection, please ensure you are prepared by satisfying the inspection requirements.
Façade: Failure to Correct Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) Civil Penalty
Effective February 21, 2020, a Failure to Correct SWARMP civil penalty applies for Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) eligible buildings that are classified as unsafe because the owner failed to correct conditions noted in the previous FISP report filing cycle, as per 1 RCNY §103-04.
DOB NOW: Safety Filing Extensions
As a result of the DOB NOW: Safety intermittent system outage between December 28, 2020 to January 5, 2021, eligible boiler, elevator and façade compliance filings submitted by January 15, 2021 will be granted refunds for late fees or penalties.