Violations & compliance · Permits & development · 10/15/2026
How DOB NOW: Build Handles Permit Filings Online
DOB NOW: Build is the Department of Buildings' self-service online tool for owners, design professionals, filing representatives and licensees. The system flags extra documents based on the filing details entered. After work is done, some jobs need a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy, while others only need to be signed off.
DPublished by NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)Read the original ↗
What happened
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) published a guide page titled "Filing through DOB NOW: Build." It is dated October 15, 2026. It explains how the agency's online filing system works. It does not announce a new rule, fee or deadline.
DOB describes DOB NOW as a self-service online tool. Property owners, design professionals, filing representatives and licensees can use it to do all of their business with DOB online.
The page lists several practical points. The system decides whether more documents are needed, based on the job filing information entered. Anyone associated with a job filing can submit a payment. Anyone can print a copy of the permit on the DOB NOW Portal.
The page also covers what happens after a permit is issued. DOB says some applications require a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy. Others should simply be signed off when the work is done.
Key facts
- Agency
- NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
- Date
- October 15, 2026
- System
- DOB NOW: Build, a self-service online tool
- Who can use it
- Property owners, design professionals, filing representatives and licensees
- Extra documents
- The system determines if more documents are required based on the job filing information entered
- Payments
- Anyone associated with a job filing can submit a payment
- Permit copies
- Anyone can print a copy of a permit on the DOB NOW Portal
- After the permit
- Some applications require a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy; others should be signed off when work is completed
What it means
Landlords
If you plan work on a building, filings, payments and permits are handled online through DOB NOW. Expect the system to ask for more documents depending on what you enter, and plan for either a sign-off or a Certificate of Occupancy change when the work ends.
Buyers and owners
When work is finished, check whether the job needs a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy or only a sign-off. An open job that was never closed out can matter for a sale or refinance.
Tenants and voucher holders
DOB says anyone can print a copy of a permit on the DOB NOW Portal. That gives tenants a way to look at permits for work in their building.
The highlights
- Anyone associated with a job filing can submit the payment.
- Anyone can print a copy of a permit from the DOB NOW Portal.
- Some jobs need a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy; others need a sign-off.
Why it matters Landlords
Landlords doing building work file, pay and close out permits with DOB online, and open jobs need a sign-off or CO when complete.
What to do: Check whether your completed job needs a sign-off or a new Certificate of Occupancy.
Not known yet
- Whether anything on this page changed from earlier versions
- Filing fees or permit costs for specific job types
- How long reviews or sign-offs usually take
- Which job types need a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy versus a sign-off
Background
In New York City, most construction, alteration and repair work beyond minor jobs needs a DOB permit, usually filed by a licensed design professional or filing representative for the owner. A Certificate of Occupancy states a building's legal use and how many units it may contain. Work that changes those things generally requires a new or amended certificate. Work done without required permits can lead to DOB violations, which are generally heard at OATH.
Summary written by Bulwark from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)’s announcement. The original story is at home4.nyc.gov. This is general information, not legal advice.
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Photo: Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0