Alteration or Renovation?
Alteration (in NYC DOB sense) means a construction project which, upon successful completion and final inspection, always results in the issuance of a new Certificate of Occupancy.
Examples: converting a one-family house into a two-family, adding a floor or major extension, changing a store into an apartment, or reworking egress paths.
Work that does not result in a new CO* is classified as a renovation project.
In simple words: if the change (already done without paperwork) makes your legal home nicer, newer, or better laid out, without changing its official classification → it’s renovation.
When in doubt, safely consult an architect or expeditor – some “big renovations” cross into alteration territory even if they feel like “just remodeling” to a homeowner.
An alteration changes the “legal facts” about your building: use, occupancy, exits (egress), or building size.
Types of alterations (how DOB classifies them)
Alteration Type – I – This is described as a major change to the Certificate of Occupancy (CO). It could be a commercial to residential conversion or vice versa. Or an additional building or space…
Alteration Type – II – These are alterations that do not change the use or occupancy of the building but require several types of work – which could be plumbing or construction. When this application is filed under directive 14 the applicant may sign off after Final Inspection has been completed.
Alteration Type – III – This is a minor alteration that involves minimal work such as the cutting of a curb or a construction fence. In some instances detailed plans are not required and these can be filed by a non-professional.
Related terms
- Certificate of occupancy
- Final inspection
- inspection
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