NYC DOB Hurricane Ida Damage Repair Fee Waivers Set to Expire Soon
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) recently announced that the fee and permit waivers issued for repair work related to Hurricane Ida will expire on August 31, 2023. This program, which has been in place since September 14, 2021, was introduced under a Mayoral Emergency Executive Order to support property owners affected by Hurricane Ida.
Through this waiver, the DOB aimed to relieve some of the financial and regulatory burdens associated with repair work, allowing owners to carry out necessary work without paying standard fees or facing permit restrictions. However, with the expiration date fast approaching, it’s essential for eligible applicants to complete any remaining filings promptly to take advantage of the waivers before they expire.
The DOB’s waiver program includes two main benefits that were designed to help expedite the repair process:
- Fee Waivers for Permit Filings: Property owners with damage related to Hurricane Ida have been able to file applications without the typical filing fees, reducing the financial strain of repair work. This waiver has applied to various filing types in DOB NOW: Build, including Electrical, Limited Alteration Applications, and Elevator permits.
- Permit Restriction Waivers: In addition to fee waivers, certain permit restrictions were temporarily lifted. These included restrictions under Local Laws 160 of 2017 (Owner Arrears), 104 of 2019 (Multiple Dwellings with Excessive Open Violations), and 114 of 2019 (False Statements and Work Without a Permit). By waiving these restrictions, the DOB aimed to streamline the repair approval process, allowing owners to proceed with essential safety repairs without delays.
For those using the DOB NOW: Build portal, an additional statement has been added to the Statements & Signatures section of all relevant applications. Here, property owners and applicants can certify if the filing relates to Hurricane Ida damage by selecting ‘Yes.’ When selected, this designation automatically applies the waiver for all fees on that particular application. However, it’s crucial to note that after August 31, 2023, any new applications filed will no longer be eligible for these waivers.
The expiration of the waiver program marks a shift back to standard procedures for property owners, contractors, and industry professionals. As of September 1, 2023, the DOB will require all applications, even those for Hurricane Ida-related repairs, to follow the usual fee and permit restrictions. The DOB encourages those with pending repair work or related filings to complete them as soon as possible to take advantage of the current waivers.
Stay tuned for more updates and information on this and other NYC DOB initiatives.
Please visit the official notice on the NYC for all the requirements and details. Stay informed about the most recent changes and regulations.
