A PERMIT EXPEDITER
For this month’s special topic, we asked our partner company, Milrose Consultants, to take on the challenge of getting permits in the busy city of New York. New York City (NYC) is well-known for having complicated and crowded rules about how buildings can be constructed, laws about how land can be used, and requirements for obtaining permission. In the last 33 years, Melrose has gained a lot of knowledge about how paperwork works in NYC. They work with NYC agencies every day to help their clients. Read further to learn from their expertise about how to avoid problems and succeed in projects in New York City.
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) is a government agency that makes sure buildings in the city follow the rules. They give permits for building and check on new and old buildings in all five boroughs.
There are various applications needed for permits in NYC PERMIT EXPEDITER for building new structures or making changes to existing ones. Each type of permit has a different amount of time that affects how you plan your project.
Here we look at the main types of applications for a DOB permit.
New Building (NB)
If you want to build a new structure, you have to apply for a New Building permit. If you want to keep part of a building, you need to fill out an Alteration Type 1 form.
Alteration-CO *Formerly known as Alteration Type 1 (Alt1)*
You need a permit called an Alteration Type 1/Alt1/Alteration-CO if you want to make big changes to a building that will affect how people use it, leave it, or stay in it. This permit is needed if you want to get a new or changed Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
Some examples: 1. The dog chased the cat. 2 She ate a sandwich for lunch. 3 The car crashed into a tree. 4 He forgot to bring his homework to school. 5 They danced at the party all night.
Making a commercial building or space into a place for people to live. Adding more floors to the building. Changing the number of people who can use the space. Making existing office floors more crowded. Creating a place where people can gather. Changing how the space is used.
Starting in late February 2021, when the NYC DOB enters Phase 2 of the DOB NOW: Expansion, Alt-1 filings will now be called Alteration-COs.
Alteration Type 2 (Alt2)
A Type 2 Alteration (Alt2) application is filed for basic interior demolition and/or renovation work that does not change how the space is used, how people can exit, or how many people can be in the space. An Alt2 can be filed under either D2 of 1975 or D14 of 1978.
Directive 2 (D2) applications are a choice for applicants who want to avoid filing an Alternative 1 (Alt1) when they only need to modify the exit route. In other words, if the changes will only affect how people can leave the building, the Department of Buildings (DOB) considers it a D2 review, which is a comprehensive assessment of the exit routes. Please remember that a D2 application needs a DOB inspection before it is approved.
Directive 14, also known as D14, allows registered architects or professional engineers to apply for a smaller exam at the DOB (Department of Buildings). This lets students do physical exercise. RA is a way to refer to someone’s full name of Robert Anthony. to complete the last checks required for approval.
The main difference between D2 and D14 filings is that with D2, the applicant cannot do the final inspections. Instead, the DOB inspection division does the final inspections for D2 applications.
Alteration Type 3 (Alt3)
Alteration Type 3 (Alt3) applications are filled out for changes that don’t impact how the space is used, how people can exit, or how it can be occupied. These changes only involve one small type of work.
For example, oranges and apples are two different types of fruit.
Temporary fences are fences that are not permanent and can be easily removed or dismantled. Curb cuts are ramps or slopes that are cut into the sidewalk or curb to make it easier for people using wheelchairs or strollers to access the road or sidewalk. Scaffolding is a temporary structure made of metal poles and planks that is used to support workers and materials during construction or maintenance work on tall buildings. Tents are temporary shelters made of fabric or similar materials that are supported by poles or a frame. They are commonly used for camping or outdoor events.
Place of Assembly (PA)
You must submit a PA PERMIT EXPEDITER application if you have an indoor space where 75 or more people will gather for entertainment, worship, exercise, recreation, education, or civic engagement.
Here are some examples:
Food areas Exercise areas Entertainment areas Learning areas
The DOB Permitting Process
Now that you know about the different types of permit applications, you can learn about the different ways you can get your permits approved in New York City PERMIT EXPEDITER.
Here are some examples:
Food areas Exercise areas Entertainment areas Learning areas
Landmark Filings
One thing that makes NYC PERMIT EXPEDITER really cool is its interesting past. Around 20% of the buildings in Manhattan are important historical landmarks or part of historic districts. When you submit paperwork for a famous building or in an area with important history, remember that you should include two extra sets of approved plans. Additionally, all evaluations are currently being done electronically because of the COVID-19 health emergency.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) offers the following types of approvals:
- FastTrack Review: 10-15 days
- Expedited Certificate of No Effect: 5-10 days
- Certificate of Appropriateness: 30-60 days
*If full board approval is required, it typically takes 90 days to obtain approval.
Self-Certification vs. Standard Filing
One great thing about NYC PERMIT EXPEDITER is its long and interesting history. About 20% of Manhattan’s buildings are landmark buildings or located in historic districts. When you work on an important or old building, you need two professional certifications. One of these certifications, called professional-certification, allows licensed architects and engineers to take full responsibility for reviewing and following the building codes for their own work.
Comparatively, Standard Filing means that the DOB checks and makes comments or objections, and then resolves those problems to get final approval, which can take many weeks. If you want to get approved faster and avoid delays, it’s usually better to do self-certification instead of following the usual process. The usual process takes more time.
If you have any questions about how to apply for permits in New York City or if you want to use our services for your upcoming project, please get in touch with us today. More plans that have been signed and sealed will be provided. All reviews are being done online because of the COVID-19 health emergency.
Also Read: THE FUTURE OF BUILDINGS: WHAT’S NEXT?