Code: Permit (DOB approval document)
Description: (Building Permit For Construction Or Alteration Work) is the official approval from the NYC Department Of Buildings that allows you to start specific construction, alteration, or repair work at your property. It is based on approved plans and checks that the work follows NYC building codes, zoning rules, and safety regulations.
Practical Meaning: For a homeowner, a permit means you have city permission to start the planned work, but you must follow the approved plans and pass required inspections. If you do work that needs a permit without getting one, you risk violations, fines, stop work orders, and problems when selling or refinancing the property.
Where You May See It: DOB letters or violation notices, BIS job records, DOB NOW job filings, contractor or architect proposals, closing documents, title report, bank or insurance questions.
Why It Matters: Permits help keep your building safe and legal, and missing or improper permits can lead to serious DOB enforcement, extra costs, and delays in finishing or closing out work. Do not confuse this with a simple contractor estimate or invoice, which is not city approval.
Source: More About Building Permits