Skip to content

FAQs

While every municipality has its own set of permit fee schedules, this provides a general guideline:

  • Permit fees are often based on the square footage of the building or structure or cost of the project for new construction.
  • Electrical permit fees are often determined by the service size in amperage.
  • Mechanical permit fees are often determined by valuation.
  • Plumbing permits are often determined by the number of fixtures to be installed.
  • Roofing permits are often determined by project valuation.

Permit plan review time depends on the scope, size, complexity and location of the project. Each project is evaluated by divisions within a building department. Some permits are issued same day, (simple electrical, roofing, plumbing, mechanical projects) while others for projects such as new builds and remodels take weeks or months. Proper building permit application submittals combined with accurate supporting drawings and documents are a critical part of ensuring the most expeditious review time.

The existence of an open violation(s) is not an automatic cause for alarm. Violations can be for major or minor offenses of the Building Code or Zoning Resolution. Violations can remain open even after the offending condition is corrected because a Certificate of Correction has not been filed indicating that the condition has been corrected.

A work permit is required for the cutting away of any wall, floor, or roof construction, or any portion thereof; or the removal, cutting, or modification of any beams or structural supports; or the removal, change, or closing of any required means of egress; or the rearrangement or relocation of any parts of the building affecting loading or exit requirements, or light, heat, ventilation, or elevator requirements; additions to, alterations of, or rearrangement, relocation or removal of any standpipe or sprinkler piping, water distribution piping, house sewer, private sewer, or drainage system, including leaders, or any soil, waste or vent pipe, or any gas distribution system, or any other work affecting health or the fire or structural safety of the building.

Demolition is the removal of the entire building, including the foundation. In an alteration you may remove interior and exterior walls, but not the entire foundation. An alteration can also be the addition of stories; an enlargement; or a new structure built on top of an existing foundation.

Buildings built prior to 1938 that have had no changes made to its occupancy nor egress since then were not required to have a Certificate of Occupancy.

You will need to consult with a New York State Registered Architect or Professional Engineer who can advise you regarding zoning and construction requirements. An application must be approved by the Department and a permit obtained prior to any change being made. Upon completion of the work, and a satisfactory final inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

Because time is one of our most valuable assets, most project managers quickly realize the ROI of hiring a permit service rather than spending hours navigating through research, requirements, paperwork and time spent at the building department itself. Permit expediters efficiently move drawings through the process faster due to their expertise, relationships and follow-through.

Building Project Expeditors in New York City