Expedited Permits from NYC Agencies

Permit Expediting Services in NYC

Before starting any new project in New York, completing compliance filing and obtaining necessary permits is a must. However, obtaining multiple permits from several agencies can take time and cause unnecessary delays. NYC permit filing experts, like licensed architects and professional engineers, can get your permits and expedited approval.

As professional engineers and licensed architects, we help people obtain NYC building construction permits and more on an expedited schedule.

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Essential Permits That We Expedite for Smooth Project Execution in NYC

As NYC Permit Filing Experts, we help you apply for and expedite the approval process for permits from the following departments:

Permits From the DOB

Building permit approval in NYC goes through the Department of Buildings. These permit applications can only be made via licensed architects and engineers and are a mandatory part of building permits in NYC. 

Some of the most important DOB permits that fall under our permit expediting service in NYC are:

New Building Permits

Essential before starting the construction from the ground up of any new building, whether it is residential, commercial, or mixed-use.

Alteration Permits (Alt-1, Alt-2, and Alt-3)

Alt-1  is needed for major and or structural changes, Alt-2 is for non-structural renovations and repairs, and Alt-3 is for limited alterations in the interior of a building.

Limited Alteration Application (LAA)

From minor plumbing work and gas piping installation to sprinkler and fire alarm installation, all minor, necessary activities fall under the purview of Limited Alteration Application (LAA) permits

Demolition Permits

Demolition permits are a must for both full and partial demolition work (including interior demolition) of buildings.

Electrical Permits

For new electrical service installations, panel upgrades, wiring, or temporary service, an electrical permit from the DOB is a must.

Signage Permits

Any new exterior signs in front of commercial buildings, illuminated signs, or signage that spans more than 40 sq ft require separate permits.

Fence and Temporary Enclosure Permits

Temporary scaffolding, 10ft or higher outdoor fences, and construction fences/sidewalk sheds require mandatory permits. Further, any sidewalk sheds must be removed within 90 days of work completion.

Certificates of Occupancy

These permit the legal use of a newly completed building or one where construction/renovation work has been completed.

Permits From the DEP

Any work that involves the sewer and drainage system of NYC calls for permits from the DEP. These help maintain regulatory compliance, public health, and safety, and ensure that the new alteration adheres to clean water discharge standards.

Our compliance filings service involves applying for permits from the DEP and acquiring them on an expedited timeline.

Sewer Certification and Connection

Mandatory permits are required if the sewers from your commercial/residential property connect to the sewers and drainage systems owned and maintained by the city.

Drainage Proposals

These permits are necessary if any changes are being made to existing city drainage plans due to re-routing sewers or mapping/de-mapping streets.

Stormwater Permits

For any fresh construction work that either creates 5,000 sq. ft. of new impervious area or disturbs over 20,000 sq. ft. of soil, availing of a stormwater permit is mandatory.

Water Service Connection Permits

Before conducting any repairs on an active Water Service Line, a Wet Connection, Tap, or Plug, one needs to apply for a permit through the city of New York’s Permit and Review Information System (PARIS).

RPZ Permits

Installation of new RPZ devices, which prevent the backflow of contaminated water into the drinking water supply, requires RPZ permits.

Drilling and Excavation Permits

If the construction work involves drilling or excavating to depths greater than 50 feet (or 100 feet) or comes within 200 feet horizontal distance of a water tunnel shaft, it is important to obtain a drilling/excavation permit that prevents damage.

Permits From the DOT

In addition to building permit approvals, approvals also need to be obtained from the DOT for any changes or work associated with the adjoining streets and driveways.

Our permit expediting services in NYC also cover the necessary permits that need to be obtained from the DOT.

Street/Sidewalk Permits

These permits allow a new construction to open streets, sidewalks, and install canopies for their residential/commercial property.

Driveway Permits

For curb cuts and sidewalk modifications due to driveways, obtaining permits from the DOT (along with DOB) is mandatory.

Utility Permits

These are mandatory before installing or performing maintenance work on utility lines in streets.

Sign Permits

If any directional or advertising signs need to be installed next to public roadways, a mandatory permit is required.

Permits From the FDNY

Alongside DOB, DOT, and DEP permits, the New York Fire Department (FDNY) also offers certain permits and certifications necessary for public safety and emergency response.

The FDNY permits that we help with include the following:

Fire Alarm Systems

Installation, modification, and/or alteration of new and existing fire alarm systems for residential and commercial buildings requires a separate permit.

Fire Suppression Systems

For any changes to both water-based and non-water-based fire suppression systems (sprinklers and standpipes), FDNY permits are a must.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness

Before receiving the Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion, comprehensive emergency action plans and procedures need to be submitted to and approved by the FDNY.

In-Building Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (ARCS)

This permit/certification ensures that there is ample provision for reliable radio communication for emergency responders within the premises of the building.

Other Approvals

In addition to the above permits and certifications, additional documentation may be needed from the FDNY depending on the type of building and associated activities.

How A-Z Professional Engineers Help as a Permit Expediter in NYC

Being NYC Permit Filing Experts, A-Z Professional Engineers helps you in the following ways:

  • Preparing site layouts, site safety plans, surveys, and all necessary documentation for permit applications.
  • Submitting permit applications to specific departments like the DOB, DEP, DOT, and FDNY, as necessary.
  • Following up with the government agencies for an expedited approval on permit applications.
  • Reviewing and revising the permit applications and associated documentation in case of any issues.
  • Obtaining the applied permits and compliance documentation early for prompt project commencement.
Modern Glass and Steel Architectural Ceiling

Why A-Z Professional Engineers are the Best Choice as Compliance Filing and Permit Filing Experts

As a leading engineering and architectural consultancy in New York, A-Z Professional Engineers is the best choice due to the following reasons:

  • An acute knowledge of all necessary compliance filings and permits as per the NYC government agencies.
  • A comprehensive package of design, consultancy, permit expediting, and compliance filing services.
  • Local expertise and an ability to expedite all necessary permit approvals and applications for a smooth project execution.
  • Client-focused solutions where they work collaboratively with the client at all levels of project execution.
  • Ability to mitigate the risk of costly project delays by preventing non-compliance.

Are you seeking compliance filing and permit expediting services in NYC that cover all relevant agencies? Contact A-Z Professional Engineers for your next construction or renovation project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for permits on my own, or is applying with an agent mandatory?

When applying with DOB, you will need to apply through a licensed Architect (RA) or Engineer (PE). As professional engineers experienced with permit and compliance filing, we handle the plan submission and approval process for you on an expedited schedule.

Incomplete plans, missing documentation (like utility clearances, Engineer/Architect stamps), errors in calculations, or failing to meet specific code requirements (e.g., zoning, accessibility).

You need LPC (Landmarks Preservation Commission) approval before DOB permits, adding significant time; an expeditor helps coordinate these parallel reviews.

NYC has specific emergency work procedures, but these still require quick, thorough filings through DOB NOW or specific channels, often initiated by a Commissioner’s Order (CO).

No. Every agency in New York (DOB, DOT, DEP, Parks) has its own system. However, the city has general e-filing for some specific permits.