NYC Building Permit Search Guide

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NYC Building Permit Search Guide

Search building permits, construction filings, violations, certificates of occupancy, and inspection records for New York City properties using official NYC Department of Buildings tools.

Search BIS Building Records DOB NOW Public Portal NYC Zoning Map Find Property Owner

Official NYC Permit Research Tools

These are the main government systems used to research building permits in New York City.

DOB NOW Public Portal (new permits and filings) NYC Building Information System (BIS) NYC Zoning and Land Use Map (ZoLa) NYC Department of Buildings Website NYC Open Data Building Records

DOB NOW contains newer permit filings while BIS contains older historical records. Searching both systems provides the most complete permit history.

How to Search NYC Building Permits by Address

  1. Open the DOB NOW portal.
  2. Select “Public Search”.
  3. Enter property address and borough.
  4. Open the building profile.
  5. View permits, filings, inspections, and violations.

This building profile provides detailed construction history including permit applications and inspection results.

Advanced Search Trick: Use BIN or Block & Lot

Many NYC buildings share similar addresses, which can make searches confusing. The Department of Buildings often indexes properties using **BIN (Building Identification Number)** or **Block and Lot numbers**.

Steps

  1. Find the BIN using the NYC Zoning Map.
  2. Search that BIN in the BIS system.
  3. View permits, violations, and building filings.

How to Check NYC Building Violations

Violations may indicate unsafe construction or illegal work.

  1. Open DOB NOW or BIS.
  2. Search the property address.
  3. Click the “Violations” section.
  4. Review open violations or stop-work orders.

How to Check Certificate of Occupancy

The Certificate of Occupancy shows how a building is legally allowed to be used.

Search Certificate of Occupancy

Steps

  1. Open BIS building profile.
  2. Locate “Certificate of Occupancy”.
  3. Download the official certificate.

Verify Contractor License

NYC Contractor License Lookup

Always verify contractor licenses before hiring a contractor for construction work.

Real Estate Due Diligence Checklist

  • Check building permit history
  • Review open violations
  • Check certificate of occupancy
  • Verify contractor license
  • Confirm inspection approvals

NYC Department of Buildings

280 Broadway New York, NY 10007 Phone: 311 or 212-NEW-YORK

Local NYC Permit Insights

  • Most renovations require an ALT2 permit.
  • Major structural changes require ALT1 permits.
  • Architects or engineers must submit construction filings.
  • Stop-work orders halt construction until violations are fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I search NYC building permits?

Use the DOB NOW Public Portal or BIS system and search using the property address.

What is the difference between DOB NOW and BIS?

DOB NOW contains newer permit filings while BIS contains older building records.

Can open violations affect property sales?

Yes. Open violations or stop-work orders can delay real estate transactions.

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County Permit Smart Tools

Find the Right Permit, Prepare Documents, Plan Inspections & Avoid Permit Mistakes

Use these quick permit tools to understand which permit may apply, how to search permit records, what documents to prepare, which inspections may happen, and which local department usually handles your issue.

Built for permit users Helpful for building permits, remodels, roofing, electrical, plumbing, fences, pools, decks, zoning, and inspection planning.
Educational guidance only Permit rules, fees, forms, inspections, and deadlines must be verified with the official county or city office.
Mobile friendly Designed for phones, tablets, and desktop screens without external scripts, jQuery, or extra plugins.

Permit Type Finder

Select your project type to see the likely permit category, common documents, possible inspections, and the office you may need to contact.

Commercial and rental projects may need extra review, contractor details, or inspections.
Result copied.

Permit Search Method Helper

Search portals work differently by county or city. Choose what information you have and this tool will suggest the best way to search permit records.

Use this to create simple search variations if needed.
Tips copied.

Permit Application Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist before applying online or visiting the building department. Missing documents are one of the most common reasons permit applications are delayed.

Tip: Save PDFs, drawings, contractor licence proof, emails, and receipts in one folder before applying. It makes resubmission and inspection scheduling easier.

Permit Inspection Stage Planner

Select your project type to see common inspection stages and what to prepare before requesting an inspection.

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Correct Department Finder

Select the issue and this tool will show the department that usually handles it. Local names may vary by county or city.

Select an option above to see the usual department.

Unpermitted Work Risk Checker

If work was already done without a permit, use this tool to understand the risk level and next steps before ignoring the issue.

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Important: These tools are for educational planning only. They do not replace official building department decisions, permit portals, inspection results, zoning determinations, contractor licensing boards, FEMA/floodplain rules, legal advice, or engineering advice. Always verify permit requirements, fees, forms, inspections, deadlines, and corrective steps with the official county or city office.