NYC building permit approvals tougher than ever
In the 2016 fiscal year, NYC collected $60 million in building permit fines alone. Building permits are essential because they ensure developers and contractors follow local codes, standards, and safety measures. But NYC building permit approvals are tougher to obtain than anywhere else, and denials or mistakes lead to preventable construction delays that can cost you millions. This makes understanding how to file correctly and what supporting documentation to include more critical than ever to moving your project forward.
What makes NYC building permit approvals so difficult to obtain?
As of July 2019, the U.S. Census recorded a population of 8,336,817 in New York City. That equals more than 20,000 people per square mile. With such high population density, zoning and building codes come under greater scrutiny. Below, we get into a few reasons why NYC's building permit approvals are harder to obtain than anywhere else.
Strict local laws and code updates make compliance more difficult and lead to confusion
In recent years, NYC building codes have seen a number of changes. Many come from the NYCECC. Every four years, new NYCECC criteria help position building to meet the city's future goals for climate change and carbon emissions. Also, other code changes stem from enhanced safety measures, like the new FISP rules and laws for tenant protection plans.
NYC's local laws and codes set a standard. Still, the number of revised codes and evolving application processes cause confusion and make compliance with local laws more difficult. (Which leads to denied applications.) Without a permitting expediter to advise on code updates, handle filings, and secure approvals, projects easily get delayed. When worker or occupant safety is at stake, stop-work orders happen and put a halt to the entire process.
Zoning codes are accessible but can be difficult to understand
Another reason NYC's building permit approvals are more difficult? Zoning. Zoning helps sets criteria for how to use land parcels and the size and shape of the structures on them. But even with ZoLa, truly understanding New York City's zoning makes for tough work.
With NYC zoning, each and every property requires thorough research before submitting for permits. Why? Because, with each zoning designation, additional regulations need to be addressed and potential issues vetted. For example, you'll want to see if your property has multiple zonings, such as commercial or boundary overlays. Or whether an E-designation exists, which would be triggered by certain modifications and renovations. The point is: with zoning, whenever you obtain one piece of information about zoning or re-zoning, you really need to find out even more.
Mistakes with plans, formatting, or filing make for delays or denials
Plans get rejected for all kinds of reasons and delay projects. The DOB requires plans to address all applicable criteria and regulations. Even if your plans do, they can get kicked back due to insufficient detail. Understanding how to fully articulate measures in an application is both a science and an art—and one that will help your application get approved.
Issues with formatting or incomplete filings also get kicked back and delay projects indefinitely. Without a doubt, it's far better to make sure your permit applications are double-checked and positioned for approval.
Permit expediters make NYC building permit approvals easier to get
Permit expediting services prove to help with approvals time and time again. We make it our business to stay on top of each and every regulation, change, and process to ensure your project gets off to a smooth start.
