NYC Department of Buildings Permit Fee Calculator & Guide
Estimate the cost of filing building permits with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
This tool uses the current DOB fee schedule to help homeowners and developers budget accurately for renovation and construction filing costs.
Results are estimates only. Always confirm with a qualified professional or the DOB directly.
When is a NYC Building Permit Required?
Most construction, renovation, and repair work in New York City requires a DOB permit. Permits ensure that work is safe, legal, and inspected by qualified professionals.
projects that require a permit
Constructing a new structure or building
Combining or subdividing apartments
Adding extensions or changing layouts
Relocating plumbing or gas lines
Replacing windows or exterior doors
Major electrical work
Demolishing load-bearing elements
Work in landmarked or historic buildings
Note: Even for minor work, your condo or co-op board may require one. Check your Alteration Agreement.
projects that do not require a permit
Interior painting or cosmetic finishes
Replacing cabinetry (without moving walls or systems)
Replacing faucets, toilets, or light fixtures (like-for-like)
Refinishing floors
Installing appliances without modifying plumbing/electric
Note: Even for minor work, your contractor may still need a valid Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license.
how long do nyc permits take?
Permit approval times vary depending on the filing type and whether you’re using professional certification.
Typical timeframes
Alt1 (Standard Filing): ~3–4 months
Alt1 (Self-Certified): ~3–4 weeks
Alt2 (Standard): ~4–6 weeks
Landmarks Preservation Commission (Standard): ~4–6 weeks
LPC Expedited Review: ~4–7 business days
These timelines are averages. Delays due to paperwork, reviews, or resubmissions are common.
How nyc permit fees are calculated
NYC DOB permit fees are typically calculated based on the total construction cost of your project. Larger projects and more complex permit types may incur higher fees.
Factors That Influence Permit Cost:
Type of work (e.g., new build, alteration, repair)
Square footage and total cost of construction
Occupancy group and zoning
Special inspections required
Expediting or professional filing services
2021 NYC DOB Fee Schedule
Standard Sliding Scale
| Construction Cost Range | DOB Fee Rate (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| First $100,000 | $0.25 |
| Next $900,000 (up to $1M) | $0.20 |
| Next $2M (up to $3M) | $0.15 |
| Next $2M (up to $5M) | $0.10 |
| Over $5,000,000 | $0.05 |
These rates are based on the 2021 schedule. Always check for the latest updates from the NYC DOB.
This sliding fee structure means that larger projects are billed incrementally — for example, a $2.5M project pays higher fees on the first $100,000 and lower rates on the remainder.
types of permits
There are three main types of building permits:
New Building (NB): For constructing new structures.
Alteration-CO (Alt-CO): For significant alterations changing a building’s use, egress, or occupancy.
Alteration (Alt): For multiple types of work, do not change the building's use, egress, or occupancy.
alteration permit categories
Alteration Permits Categories
Alt1 Permits: For major construction affecting use, egress, or occupancy, requiring a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Examples:
Converting a building from commercial to residential
Adding floors to a building
Establishing a Place of Assembly
Alt2 Permits: For interior demolition or minor renovations not impacting use, egress, or occupancy.
Alt3 Permits: For minor alterations not affecting use, egress, or occupancy. Examples:
Erecting scaffolding
Putting up tents
Cutting a curb
Specialty Permits
Additional permits may be required for specific work types, such as:
After Hours Variance: For work outside standard hours
Asbestos Abatement: For meeting asbestos removal requirements
Boiler: To ensure compliance with Building Code
Certificate of Occupancy: Certifies the legal use and occupancy of a building
Electrical: Required for most electrical work
Plumbing: Must be obtained by a Licensed Master Plumber or Fire Suppression Piping Contractor
Estimate your DOB Permit Fee Instantly
Use the embedded calculator below to estimate your NYC DOB permit fees in seconds.
Just enter your construction budget — no email required, no login, and no pressure.
This tool is for reference only. It does not replace formal review or filing requirements.
Disclaimer
This tool provides an estimate only and should not be relied upon for official filings, pricing, or legal use. Permit fees can vary based on project type, building class, zoning, and current DOB policies. Always consult with a licensed architect or expediter before filing.
next steps for your renovation
Understanding your permit costs is just one part of planning a successful NYC renovation.
If you're budgeting, exploring scope, or trying to avoid approval delays, a strategic consultation can make all the difference.
don’t know your construction costs?
Use our NYC Renovation Estimator
Understand what’s possible, what’s required, and what to expect — before you commit to drawings or bids.
talk to a professional
request a pre-design consultation
Ready to go deeper? Our Pre-Design Study offers a structured, flat-fee way to test feasibility and get a tailored action plan.
want to see a real project in action?
Explore how we navigated permits, board approvals, and historic considerations in our step-by-step renovation case study: