NYC DOB Update: Reinstatement Fees and Requirements for Abandoned Applications and Expired Permits

The New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) recently released important information regarding reinstatement fees and procedures for abandoned applications, expired permits, and amended plans. This update is essential for property owners, contractors, and architects who are involved in ongoing or upcoming building projects in NYC, as it directly impacts the handling of expired permits and the costs associated with reactivating them.

In line with the NYC DOB guidelines, an application for construction permits or approval of project documents is considered abandoned if it remains inactive for 12 months after its submission date. This rule applies unless there has been documented action on the application, such as inspections or other interactions with the DOB, showing that the applicant has been actively pursuing project approval. Applications marked as incomplete by the Department must be addressed within 90 days; otherwise, they may also be considered abandoned. For these cases, a reinstatement fee will be required, and in some instances where code or zoning changes have occurred since the initial filing, a new application with updated fees may be mandatory.

For issued permits, the NYC DOB mandates that if work does not begin within 12 months of the permit’s issuance, the permit will automatically expire. Moreover, even if work has commenced, a permit will expire if it remains inactive for 12 months. In such cases, the applicant will need to pay a full or partial reinstatement fee, depending on the percentage of the work that is yet to be completed. This fee is determined based on an inspection by a DOB inspector, ensuring that only the remaining project percentage incurs costs. For permits expired over two years, a standard $130 reinstatement fee will be applied if the work has been completed but lacks necessary sign-offs.

The NYC DOB Commissioner also holds the discretion to extend application validity by additional 12-month periods, offering some flexibility for projects facing unexpected delays. However, it’s essential to note that if there is a substantial change in the project’s scope, leading to amendments that affect the original application’s intent, applicants may need to file a new application and cover the associated fees. This requirement ensures that all updates comply with the latest NYC building codes and zoning regulations.

To ensure that your projects remain compliant and that applications and permits don’t expire unexpectedly, NYC DOB encourages applicants to diligently track project timelines and keep the Department updated on their progress. This proactive approach helps avoid unnecessary fees and interruptions to project workflows.

Stay tuned for more updates and information on this and other NYC DOB initiatives.

For complete details and requirements, please refer to the official notice from the NYC DOB’s website. Keep yourself informed about the most recent changes and regulations. If you have questions about how these changes might affect your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance.