Updated October 2025: You need a construction permit when you construct, alter or change the use of the building or structure of the building. There are a lot of different types of permits that encompass construction, boiler, elevator, and plumbing. To learn more about what type of permit you need, continue reading below.
General Process of Obtaining a Permit
- Hire a licensed professional to file plans for building/construction changes and applications with the building department. A Licensed Professional can be either a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer according to the City of New York.
- Once the plans have been filed with the Licensed Professional, a contractor will be hired. They must apply for a work permit, which is a type of construction permit required for most building work.
- After the permit is issued, the contractor completes work you must arrange for one of two things. Either arrange to have the required special and/or progress inspections done.
- Once this process is complete, depending on the type of filing, the Department will either issue a Letter of Completion. Alternatively, a Certificate of Occupancy may be issued.
While this process can seem relatively quick and easy, it makes sense to have help when putting all your ducks in order. What do you need first and what do you need from your licensed professional in order to begin work? The plans and permits must be filed prior to work commencing on the construction site. Consider enlisting the help of S&M Expediting when organizing all your paperwork and plans for the filings.
What Type of Permit Do I Need?
There are a lot of different types of permits that encompass construction, boiler, elevator and plumbing. Of those types of permits, the primary permit applications are: New Building, for the construction of new structures, (NB) and Alterations for work on existing buildings. There are Alt-CO permits issued when there is a change in use, egress, or occupancy. Alteration permits cover general construction work. Plumbing, mechanical, and structural permits are issued to name a few. Construction permits are essential but there are additional permits issued by the DOB.
Are there instances when I will not need a permit?
There are some construction-related projects that are considered minor work and do not require a permit. However, there are some catches to the process when a permit is not required. For example, when you are installing kitchen cabinets into your home that does not necessarily require a permit. However, the contractor completing the work must have an HIC license to perform work in a one- or two-family home. NYC Rule 101-14 lists the categories of work that require permitting by the DOB.
How long does approval take?
Contact S&M Expediting for more information about whether your project requires a permit or not. We can also explain more about the different licenses that may come in handy to help you along with your permit process. We can tell you how long you as a homeowner can expect the construction permit process to take.
The amount of time it takes to approve a plan directly relates to the number of objections a project reviewer might see in the plans. It also depends on how easy it may be to resolve those objections.
