Plan/Work Approval Application (PW1)

A Plan/Work Approval Application (PW1) provides the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) with information about a proposed construction project. It is part of the application process used to obtain approval for plans and work. When a work permit is required, application approval alone does not allow construction to begin—the required permit must also be issued.

PW1 information may be entered in the online Plans/Work (PW1) section of DOB NOW: Build or provided on the downloadable form when that form is required for the filing. Some owners also hire a DOB-registered filing representative, often called an expeditor, to help coordinate paperwork and submissions. A filing representative does not replace the architect, engineer, or licensed contractor required for the work.

When might a project require a PW1 application?

Projects that require plans and a DOB construction application commonly include:

• Changes to walls or the interior layout, such as removing a wall or creating an additional room.
• Structural work or certain alterations to plumbing, sprinkler, standpipe, heating, or other building systems.
• Changes in the legal use or occupancy of a space, such as converting an office to an apartment.

Not every repair or system change follows the same application process. Electrical work has its own filing requirements, qualifying limited work may use a Limited Alteration Application (LAA), and some minor work does not require a DOB work permit. The appropriate licensed professional should determine which plans, applications, and permits your project requires.

Who files the PW1?

For projects that require a registered design professional, a New York State registered architect or licensed professional engineer normally serves as the applicant of record. This professional is responsible for the plans and the technical information submitted as part of the application.

A filing representative may help organize documents, coordinate submissions, and communicate with DOB. However, the filing representative does not take over the design professional’s responsibility for the plans or the contractor’s responsibility for permitted work.

As the owner, you must provide the required owner information and complete applicable signatures or online attestations. You should understand the proposed work and which professionals are responsible for the application, permits, and construction.

How does the process work?

Many construction applications are submitted through DOB NOW: Build, where the applicant completes an online Plans/Work (PW1) section and other required parts of the filing. The downloadable PW1 form is used for applicable filings handled through other DOB procedures. The filing method and supporting documents depend on the job and work type.

Depending on the proposed work, the application may also require information covered by Schedule B (PW1B) or Schedule C (PW1C). This information is provided through the applicable forms or online filing sections.

For a typical project that requires plans and a construction permit, the main steps are:

1. The architect or engineer determines the filing requirements and prepares the plans and project information, including the address, proposed work, estimated cost, and applicable code requirements.
2. The applicant completes the required application sections and submits the plans and supporting documents through the appropriate DOB filing process.
3. Under standard plan examination, DOB reviews the plans and may issue objections that require corrections. Eligible applications may instead use Professional Certification, in which the architect or engineer certifies compliance. Professionally certified filings remain subject to DOB audit.
4. After the required application and plan approvals are obtained, the appropriate contractor applies for the related work permit and satisfies the applicable permit requirements.
5. Work requiring a permit may begin only after DOB issues the applicable permit and other required preconstruction conditions have been met.

Simple example for a NYC homeowner

You want to renovate your NYC kitchen by removing a wall and relocating plumbing. Your architect or engineer determines the required plans and construction filings, and the appropriate contractors obtain the permits required for their work. Approval of the plans does not automatically produce a work permit. Work requiring a permit cannot begin until that permit is issued.

A cosmetic kitchen update, such as painting or installing cabinets without other regulated work, may not require a DOB work permit. The requirements depend on the actual scope of the renovation, not simply on whether you call it a kitchen remodel.

What if the project changes?

Changes to approved plans may require a Post Approval Amendment (PAA). For example, deciding to move a wall that was not shown in the approved scope may require updated plans and DOB approval before the changed work proceeds. Ask your architect or engineer how the change must be handled.

Replacing the applicant of record requires the applicable supersede procedure. Changing the contractor on a DOB NOW construction permit generally requires a permit renewal with changes. If the project is discontinued or a professional leaves the job, withdrawal requirements depend on whether the request concerns the job filing, the applicant, or the permit holder.

NEXT STEP

View the official NYC DOB PW1 form. For a DOB NOW: Build filing, the applicant generally completes the online Plans/Work (PW1) section instead.

View PW1 Form (PDF)

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