Most construction on an existing NYC building needs a Department of Buildings permit, and the filing type decides how the job is reviewed and how it closes out. Contractors, architects and owners still say “Alt-1”, “Alt-2” and “Alt-3”. In DOB NOW: Build, where most jobs are now filed, the names are different.
The short version
| Older name (BIS) | What it covers | DOB NOW: Build job type | How the job closes out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alt-1 (Alteration Type 1) | Major alteration that changes the use, egress or occupancy of the building | Alteration-CO (ALT-CO) | New or amended Certificate of Occupancy |
| Alt-2 (Alteration Type 2) | Multiple types of work that don’t change use, egress or occupancy | Alteration (Alt) | Letter of Completion |
| Alt-3 (Alteration Type 3) | One type of minor work that doesn’t change use, egress or occupancy | Alteration (Alt) | Letter of Completion / sign-off |
How DOB NOW decides between Alteration-CO and Alteration
When a filing is created, DOB NOW asks a series of scope questions. If any answer is yes, the job is an Alteration-CO:
- Is the alteration inconsistent with the current Certificate of Occupancy?
- Is there a change in occupancy or use?
- Is there a major change to exits?
- Is there a change in the number of stories (for 3-family or “other” building types)?
- Does the alteration need to meet New Building requirements? A yes here makes it “Alteration-CO – New Building with Existing Elements to Remain”.
If every answer is no, the job is an Alteration.
Get this right the first time. Once the job is saved, DOB says the job type can’t be changed. If it needs to change after submission, the filing has to be withdrawn and a new one created.
Examples
- Converting a two-family house to a three-family house, or commercial space to residential: Alt-1 / Alteration-CO. The use or occupancy changes, so the job ends with a new C of O. See Certificates of Occupancy.
- An interior renovation with new partitions, plumbing and other work that doesn’t change use, egress or occupancy: Alt-2 / Alteration.
- A single minor item of work: Alt-3 / Alteration.
- Plumbers’ smaller jobs may go on a Limited Alteration Application (LAA) instead. See LAA permit filings.
Which filing your job needs is decided by your Professional Engineer or Registered Architect, the applicant of record who files the plans, based on the scope of work.
Closing the job out
Alteration-CO jobs end with a final C of O (or a Temporary C of O while items are still open). Alteration jobs end with a Letter of Completion. In both cases, open violations on the job hold up the close-out.
What we do
S & M Expediting is a Class 2 filing representative and NYC-certified M/WBE, with more than 75 years of combined NYC expediting experience. We work with your PE or RA on Alt-1/Alteration-CO, Alt-2 and Alt-3/Alteration filings in DOB NOW: Build, track objections and sign-offs, and see the job through to the C of O or Letter of Completion. See our Alt-1, Alt-2 and Alt-3 permit filing service and DOB NOW filings and inspections.
Who does the work
We will work with the contractor you have, or if not, we will recommend one from our network.
Contact us to talk through your scope.
