Code: EA (official acronym)
Description: (Earthwork) - This is a work type code used in DOB NOW filings for permits that involve excavation, grading, fill, landscape work, soil improvement, or underpinning. When you file a permit application through DOB NOW, you select EA as one of the work types if your project includes digging, moving soil, or preparing land.
Practical Meaning: If your project includes excavation for a foundation, basement extension, grading for drainage, or underpinning to support an existing building, your architect or engineer must select the EA work type when filing the permit application. EA permits are often filed together with Foundation (FO) or Structural (ST) work types for the same project. Your engineer or contractor may also refer to this as "earthwork" or "sitework".
Where You May See It: You may see EA listed on your DOB NOW permit application summary, on issued work permits for your project, in job filing descriptions in BIS when you search your property, in communications from your architect or engineer about which permits they are filing, and on Stop Work Orders if work begins without the proper EA permit.
Why It Matters: Earthwork can affect neighboring properties through soil movement, foundation stability, or excavation damage. DOB requires EA permits to ensure proper engineering design, protection of adjacent buildings, and inspection of excavation work. Starting earthwork without an approved EA permit results in Class 1 violations, Stop Work Orders, and fines. For major alterations that involve earthwork, you cannot get final sign-off until all EA work is inspected and approved.
Source: More about DOB permit types