Permit Types

NYC DOB permit types categorized by job type, which indicates the nature of construction work.

Primary Job Types

Alteration (A)

Modifications to existing buildings. Most common permit type.

Examples:

• Interior renovations
• Adding/removing walls
• HVAC system upgrades
• Window replacements
• Facade repairs
• Accessibility improvements

Subcategories:

• Major Alteration (A1): Significant structural changes
• Minor Alteration (A2): Non-structural modifications
• Minor Alteration (A3): Simple work not requiring plans

Cost Range: $5K - $10M+

Timeline: 2 weeks - 2 years depending on scope

New Building (NB)

Construction of entirely new structures.

Examples:

• Residential towers
• Commercial buildings
• Mixed-use developments
• Accessory structures

Requirements:

• Complete architectural plans
• Structural engineering review
• Environmental reviews
• Multiple approvals

Cost Range: $500K - $500M+

Timeline: 1-5+ years from filing to completion

Demolition (DM)

Partial or complete demolition of existing structures.

Types:

• Full Demolition: Complete building removal
• Partial Demolition: Removing portions of building
• Interior Demolition: Gut renovations

Cost Range: $10K - $1M+

Timeline: 1 week - 6 months

Note: Often precedes new construction or major renovation.

Foundation (FN)

Foundation work for new construction or existing buildings.

Examples:

• New foundation installation
• Foundation underpinning
• Foundation repairs
• Basement excavation

Cost Range: $50K - $2M+

Timeline: 1-6 months

Equipment (EQ)

Installation or replacement of mechanical equipment.

Examples:

• HVAC systems
• Boilers
• Chillers
• Elevators
• Fire suppression systems

Cost Range: $10K - $500K+

Timeline: 1 day - 6 months

Secondary Work Types

Sign (SG)

Commercial signage installation or modification.

Sprinkler (SP)

Fire sprinkler system installation or modification.

Standpipe (SD)

Standpipe system work for fire safety.

Fence (FN)

Fence installation (different from Foundation FN code).

Curb Cut (CC)

Driveway or curb modifications.

Scaffold (SC)

Temporary scaffolding installation.

Shed (SH)

Construction shed or sidewalk shed.

How to Use Permit Types

In Search Filters

Filter by job type to narrow your search:

1. Go to Home page
2. Open filter sidebar
3. Select Permit Type dropdown
4. Choose one or more types
5. Click Apply Filters

In Alert Queries

Reference permit types in your alert queries:

Alterations in Manhattan over $1M

New buildings in Brooklyn

Demolition permits in Queens

Understanding Combinations

Some projects have multiple permit types:

Example: A development might have:

1. Demolition permit (remove existing building)
2. Foundation permit (new foundation)
3. New Building permit (construct building)
4. Sign permit (commercial signage)

Each gets a separate job filing number but may share the same address/BIN.

Permit Type Statistics

Across NYC's 950,000+ filings:

Reading Job Filing Numbers

Job filing numbers include the permit type:

Format: [Borough][Job Number]-[Type][Sequence]

Examples:

• M00123456-A1-MS - Manhattan, Alteration Type 1, Mechanical/Sprinkler
• B00456789-NB-CN - Brooklyn, New Building, Construction
• Q00789012-DM-GC - Queens, Demolition, General Construction

Related Concepts

• Permit Statuses - Understanding filing status
• Work Types - Specific construction activities
• Filings vs Permits - Key difference explained

Using this info: Apply permit type filters in your searches or alerts.