Plan/Work Approval Application (PW1)
A plan/work approval application is the request you send to the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) to get official permission for construction or renovation work. Without this approval, you cannot start most major work in your apartment, house, or building
Because the paperwork (especially the PW1 form) is so complex, many people hire “expeditors” or “filing representatives” to make sure everything is correct and goes to the right place. This has created a whole industry dedicated to helping homeowners manage DOB paperwork. The DOB has also developed online systems—like PC-filing, E-filing, and now DOB NOW: Build—to make submitting your applications easier.
When do you need a PW1?
- You change walls, layout, or room use (for example, removing a wall, adding a bedroom).
- You change building systems (plumbing, sprinklers, heating/AC, electrical, fire safety systems).
- You change how the space is used (for example, from office to apartment, or the other way around).
. If an architect or engineer must draw plans for your project, you almost always need a PW1 before you can get a work permit. Making mistakes or missing paperwork can cause delays, fines, or extra costs.
Who files the PW1?
The PW1 is normally filed by a licensed design professional (architect or engineer) who becomes the official “applicant of record.” Many owners also work with a filing representative, often called an expeditor, who prepares the forms, uploads documents, and communicates with DOB.
You, as the owner, still need to sign certain parts and must understand what kind of work is being requested, because DOB will hold you responsible for the property.
How does the process work?
Today, most PW1 applications are filed online through DOB NOW: Build. Sometimes extra schedules (PW1B and PW1C) have to be attached. The process is complicated, so thats why you need a professional to do it.
PW1B – Schedule B (Plumbing, Sprinkler, Standpipe)
PW1B is a schedule attached to PW1 that lists detailed information about plumbing, sprinkler and standpipe systems for the job. Your licensed plumber or fire‑protection contractor uses PW1B to show which pipes, fixtures and equipment will be installed or changed, and on which floors.
PW1C – Schedule C (Heating and Combustion Equipment)
PW1C is a schedule attached to PW1 that describes boilers, burners, fuel tanks and other heating or combustion equipment in the project. Your design professional uses PW1C to give DOB details like fuel type, BTU rating, number and size of fuel tanks, vents and chimneys, so the Department can check safety and code compliance.
- The architect/engineer prepares plans and basic information (address, work type, description, estimated cost, code version, etc.).
- They enter the information into DOB NOW: Build and submit the PW1 for DOB review.
- DOB reviews the application and may ask questions or request changes.
- Once DOB approves the PW1, you can apply for your work permit and legally start the project.
Simple example for a NYC homeowner
You want to renovate your kitchen in your NYC apartment. Before you can start, you (or your architect/contractor) must fill out a “plan/work approval application” (using the PW1 form) and submit it to the NYC Department of Buildings. The DOB reviews your plans to make sure they are safe and follow the rules. If they approve it, you’ll get a work permit.
If you decide to make changes during the project—like moving a wall—you must file an amendment to update your application. If you change contractors or architects, you would need to reassign or supersede the filing. If you stop the project, you might have to withdraw the filing.
Many homeowners hire a filing representative (expeditor) to make this process easier and avoid mistakes or delays. Now, much of this paperwork can be done online through the DOB’s system, DOB NOW: Build.
