Expediter or Expeditor? What a NYC Permit Expediter (Class 2 Filing Representative) Does

Both spellings are used. “Permit expediter” and “permit expeditor” mean the same job: someone who handles the filing side of a construction project with the city’s agencies, mainly the Department of Buildings (DOB), so the owner, architect or contractor doesn’t have to.

DOB itself doesn’t use either word as a license title. It registers people who do this work as filing representatives.

How DOB registers filing representatives

DOB requires filing representatives who do business with the Department to register and carry a Department-issued ID card. There are two classes:

  • Class 1 Filing Representative: registered to present, submit or furnish applications or construction documents, and to remove documents from the Department.
  • Class 2 Code and Zoning Representative: can do everything a Class 1 can, and is also registered to appear before and attend appointments with plan examiners or Department technical staff seeking construction document approvals.

New license applications are filed online through DOB NOW. Registrations must be renewed.

What a permit expediter does day to day

  • Researches the property first: existing permits, open jobs, the Certificate of Occupancy, and DOB, ECB and HPD violations
  • Prepares and submits filings and forms with the architect or engineer of record, mostly in DOB NOW: Build (see Alt-1 vs Alt-2 vs Alt-3)
  • Tracks objections and, as a Class 2 representative, can attend plan examiner appointments
  • Pulls work permits and keeps contractor registration and insurance documents in order
  • Follows inspections and sign-offs through to the close-out: Certificate of Occupancy, TCO or Letter of Completion
  • Handles violation removal, including the paperwork for hearings and certifications of correction

An expediter isn’t a substitute for a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect. Where plans are required, the PE or RA is the applicant of record. The expediter handles the filing work around them.

When it makes sense to hire one

  • The job involves more than one agency (DOB, FDNY, Landmarks, DOT, DEP, HPD)
  • There are objections to resolve with a plan examiner
  • Old open permits or violations are holding up a sale, refinance or new filing
  • You’re a contractor or design professional who would rather spend time on the work than in the portal

About S & M Expediting

S & M Expediting is a Class 2 filing representative and a NYC-certified M/WBE, led by Mercedes Lata, with more than 75 years of combined NYC expediting experience. See about us, our services, and the difference a Class 2 filing license makes.

Who does the construction work

We will work with the contractor you have, or if not, we will recommend one from our network.

Contact us to talk about your project.