Getting a DOB filing approved in New York City is not just about uploading drawings and waiting for a permit. It is about submitting the right scope, the right documents, the right signatures, and the right supporting information from the beginning.

A small missing item can delay approval, trigger objections, or prevent a contractor from pulling the permit. That is why every successful DOB filing starts with a clear checklist.

At Lemuztec, we help property owners, contractors, developers, and design professionals move through the DOB filing process with structure, accuracy, and speed.

CTA Button:
Start Your DOB Filing Review

Secondary CTA:
Talk to a Permit Specialist

Why a DOB Filing Checklist Matters

In NYC, each DOB filing is different. The required items depend on the project scope, location, building type, work type, and other project-specific conditions. The Department of Buildings states that required items are determined by each job filing, and that scope, location, and other variables affect what must be satisfied.

That means there is no single universal checklist that works for every project. A kitchen renovation, façade repair, plumbing filing, full demolition, commercial build-out, or alteration project may each require a different set of forms, inspections, reports, and agency clearances.

A strong checklist helps you:

Avoid incomplete submissions.
Reduce DOB objections.
Prepare documents before filing.
Coordinate owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and filing representatives.
Move faster from filing to approval and permit issuance.

 

The NYC DOB Filing Approval Process at a Glance

Most DOB filings today move through DOB NOW: Build, the city’s online platform for job filings, permits, document uploads, payments, objections, Post Approval Amendments, Letters of Completion, and related requests.

A typical DOB NOW filing process includes:

1. Registering the required stakeholders.
2. Creating the job filing.
3. Uploading required documents.
4. Obtaining electronic attestations.
5. Submitting payment.
6. Previewing and submitting the filing.
7. Responding to DOB objections, if any.
8. Obtaining approval.
9. Submitting the permit request.
10. Resolving permit objections or penalties.
11. Printing the issued permit.

DOB Filing Checklist: What You Need Before Submission

1. Confirm the Property Information

Before preparing the filing, confirm the basic property data:

Address
Borough
Block and lot
BIN
Existing building use
Current Certificate of Occupancy status
Zoning district
Landmark or historic district status
Open permits
DOB violations
ECB/OATH summonses
Stop Work Orders
Prior filings related to the same scope

This step matters because unresolved violations, incorrect property information, or missing related job numbers can slow down the review process.

2. Define the Exact Scope of Work

A successful filing starts with a clear scope. DOB reviewers need to understand what work is being proposed and how it affects the building.

Your scope should clearly identify:

Type of work
Floors affected
Rooms or areas affected
Structural impact
Plumbing impact
Mechanical impact
Sprinkler or standpipe impact
Fire alarm impact
Energy code impact
Tenant occupancy during construction
Whether the work changes use, occupancy, or egress

A vague scope often leads to objections. A precise scope helps the filing team select the correct work types and supporting documents.

3. Identify the Correct Filing Type and Work Type

Depending on the project, the filing may involve one or more work types. Common examples include:

General Construction
Plumbing
Mechanical Systems
Structural
Sprinkler
Standpipe
Electrical
Earthwork
Curb Cut
Foundation
Demolition
Signage
Place of Assembly
Temporary Place of Assembly

In DOB NOW, a job can include multiple filings. DOB explains that each job may contain one or more filings, and each filing may require its own approval and permit.

4. Assemble the Professional Team

Before filing, confirm who is responsible for each part of the process:

Owner
Registered Architect
Professional Engineer
Filing Representative
Licensed Contractor
Special Inspection Agency
Progress Inspector
Asbestos Investigator
Expeditor or permit consultant

For DOB NOW job filings, only a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer may submit the job filing. Filing representatives can enter and view information, but they cannot submit filings or permits.

5. Prepare the Core DOB Documents

The documents required depend on the project, but many filings may involve:

Plan Set
Architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, or other drawings as required.

PW1 / Plan Work Application
The PW1 is the first document filed with DOB to begin the application process.

PW2 / Work Permit Application
Used by the contractor or licensee to obtain a permit to perform work.

PW3 / Cost Affidavit
Used to certify estimated and actual project costs for permit purposes.

DPL-1 Form
DOB NOW requires design professionals and licensees to upload the completed Design Professional/Licensee Seal and Signature form when applicable.

TR1 / Technical Report
Used to identify responsibility or report completed inspections and tests.

TR8 / Energy Code Progress Inspections
Used for energy code progress inspection responsibility and reporting when applicable.

TPP1 / Tenant Protection Plan
Required for buildings being altered or demolished when one or more dwelling units will remain occupied during construction.

ZD1 / Zoning Diagram
Required prior to approval for New Building and Alteration Enlargement applications, and for applicable PAAs.

PD1 / Plot Diagram
Used when a plot diagram is required and submitted at pre-filing.

6. Confirm Asbestos Requirements

For renovation, alteration, or demolition work, asbestos requirements must be reviewed early. NYC DOB explains that owners must demonstrate asbestos abatement requirements have been satisfied before a DOB permit can be issued, and applicants must indicate on the PW1 whether the project requires abatement, does not require abatement, or is exempt.

Depending on the project, this may involve:

ACP-5 Asbestos Assessment Report
ACP-7 Asbestos Project Notification
ACP-21 Asbestos Project Completion
ACP-20 Conditional Completion
DEP review or clearance

This is one of the most common areas where permit timelines get delayed.

7. Upload Required Documents Correctly

DOB NOW requires a PDF of the plan set and the DPL-1 document, and the system determines additional required documents based on the job filing information entered.

Before uploading, check:

File names
PDF quality
Sheet order
Professional seals
Signatures
Complete drawing set
Correct job number
Correct filing type
Required supporting forms
Legibility of all documents

A poorly organized upload can create confusion during plan review.

8. Obtain Electronic Attestations

DOB NOW requires the applicant, property owner, and other stakeholders to electronically sign the job filing when required.

Before submission, confirm:

Owner email matches the filing.
Applicant of record has access.
All required stakeholders are associated.
Signatures are completed before final submission.
No stakeholder information is missing.

9. Submit Payment

DOB NOW payments can be made online using credit card, debit card, or e-check.

Before payment, verify:

Estimated job cost
Filing fees
Permit fees
Civil penalties
Work Without Permit penalties, if applicable
Returned payment issues
Fee balance from related filings

Unresolved balances or penalties can block the next step.

10. Review Before Submission

Before clicking submit, complete a final quality check:

Is the scope accurate?
Are the correct work types selected?
Are the plans complete?
Are all required forms uploaded?
Are signatures complete?
Are required items addressed?
Are related filings referenced?
Are asbestos requirements resolved?
Are fees ready for payment?
Are owner and applicant details correct?

This final review can prevent unnecessary DOB objections.

 

Common Reasons DOB Filings Get Delayed

DOB filings are often delayed because of:

Incomplete drawings
Missing DPL-1
Incorrect owner information
Missing electronic attestation
Unclear scope of work
Incorrect work type
Missing asbestos documentation
Unresolved DOB violations
Unpaid civil penalties
Missing TR1 or TR8
Tenant Protection Plan issues
Incorrect cost affidavit
Missing related job number
Poorly coordinated professional responsibilities
Incomplete required items

A filing can be technically strong and still get delayed if the administrative details are not aligned.

 

Standard Plan Review vs. Professional Certification

Some projects may be submitted through standard plan examination, while others may use Professional Certification. Under Professional Certification, a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer certifies that the plans comply with applicable laws, which can reduce the time normally associated with DOB plan examination.

However, Professional Certification does not mean “no review ever.” Filings may still be audited, and the professional remains responsible for compliance.

How Lemuztec Helps You Get Filing-Ready

DOB approval is not just about submitting documents. It is about knowing what the Department expects before the filing is reviewed.

Lemuztec helps clients with:

DOB filing preparation
Document checklist review
Permit strategy
DOB NOW coordination
Required item tracking
Objection response support
Violation-related filing strategy
Contractor and owner coordination
Permit readiness review
Sign-off and closeout planning

Our goal is simple: fewer delays, fewer objections, and a smoother path to approval.