BIS – means Buildings Information System
The Buildings Information System (BIS) is the NYC Department of Buildings’ free online tool where any homeowner can check details on their property without signing up. Just enter your address, borough/block/lot (BBL), or building ID number (BIN) to see complaints, violations, permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, and more. It’s your quick way to spot issues early, avoid fines, and plan safe renovations on your NYC home.
How Homeowners Use BIS
- Search your property profile for basics like floors, zoning, and restrictions.
- View open or past violations, complaints, and inspection results.
- Check job applications, active permits, and licensed tradespeople working on similar projects.
BIS also handles some job filings, but most now go through eFiling—print PW1/EF1 forms for exceptions like certain landmarks and drop them at a DOB office with check payment, then upload plans via eSubmit. Staying on top of BIS keeps your home compliant, saves money on surprises, and prevents stop-work orders.
Revised 12/05/2024
Related terms
Some glossary entries use an asterisk * at the end of the term (for example, violation* or permit*). This mark is only a technical tool on this website. It does not change the meaning of the word.
- NYC DOB*
- DOB
- Buildings Information System
- complaints
- inspections
- violation*
- NYC
- Blok and Lot (BBL)
- violations
- certificates
- expeditor*
- BIS
- eFiling
- permits
- restrictions
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