DOB service levels tracker: what is it + is it accurate?
In the past, DOB updates on a project's status required follow ups and constant refreshes of your browser. That's no longer the case. The NYC DOB now offers an online service levels tracker. Here's what you can find on this customer service dashboard, how accurate the DOB service levels tracker is, and if it’s helpful to your project.
Benefits of the new DOB service levels tracker
Many people underestimate the time DOB processes take. For some, permitting and application approvals seem to stretch on and on. Project timelines get delayed. Additionally, budget overages can become an issue. However, finding out estimated timelines for many DOB services just got a little easier.
The new online DOB services level tracker makes standard lead times visible in a consolidated dashboard view. All metrics on the DOB service levels tracker are updated monthly and should reflect info based on quarterly timeframes. This helps contractors, homeowners, and design professionals. For example: with accurate, up-to-date timelines, project planning goes much more smoothly.
Metrics available in the DOB service levels tracker
So what exactly can you use the DOB service levels tracker for? You can view average timelines for a variety of DOB services. Examples include plan submission review, inspection requests, appointments to plan approval, construction safety compliance, and general customer service.
Plan Submission Reviews
Anyone applying for a DOB application approval should be interested in how long it takes to gain approval. Yes, the amount of time to approval varies per project. However, if your plans aren't complete, your work permit may be additionally delayed. (We can help you avoid this misstep.) It helps to know what the average or standard amount of time is between application filings and approvals. This information allows you to create more accurate project budgets and timelines reflective of the DOB's response. The DOB service levels tracker provides estimates for:
New buildings
Major alterations
Minor alterations
Demolition permit applications
Self-service online portal, DOB NOW
Inspection requests
With the DOB service levels tracker, it's possible to see approximately how many business days it's taking for the DOB to fulfill inspection requests. As always, the metrics are a general gauge for what to expect. They may not exactly reflect your project, they're a good guideline to have.
Appointments to plan approval
Plans for larger scale construction jobs are more likely to get kicked back by the DOB than simpler ones. For instance, this is usually due to their complexity and detailed nature. (And the ever-evolving nature of NYC building codes.) If you expect approval on the first appointment, your schedule can quickly get off track. We recommend checking the DOB service levels online tracker beforehand. You'll see how projects similar to yours fare and can adjust your schedule as needed.
Construction safety compliance and enforcement
The DOB takes worksite safety regulations seriously. For instance, it's common for them to visit sites to enforce and review safety plans. Sometimes, these visits lead to stop work orders. Of course, this leaves everyone wondering: how soon can I have a re-inspection? First, log into the DOB dashboard. Then, find the number of business days the DOB averages for re-inspections. Finally, submit your request and follow-up as that timeframe closes and plan accordingly. (In addition to this information, site safety plan approvals and demolition information are also available.)
General customer service
The online service levels tracker shows how the DOB's customer service team is handling questions. According to the tracker, you can expect a 2-minute wait for phone calls. Emails take about 48 hours to receive a reply. And if you haven't heard back? Log in and see if those wait times have been updated or changed.
The reason behind the new DOB dashboard
The DOB has a big job throughout NYC and its boroughs. However, the new service levels tracker shows a renewed commitment to transparency. With the DOB service levels tracker, New Yorkers can gain a better understanding of the length of time needed to complete the necessary steps with the City.
Is the DOB service levels tracker accurate?
Some of our clients have asked: is the DOB service levels tracker? Our response is: the new DOB dashboard will be helpful in a number of ways. But as is the case with any and all data, it’s helpful to remember: metrics are a product of specific parameters, and it’s difficult to know exactly what those parameters are.
Keep this in mind before relying solely or heavily on the DOB service levels tracker as the most accurate source of information. In our experience, the data doesn’t always reflect the true time it takes for any category. Why? It’s possible professionally certified applications are being factored into the data. With no review needed, these take little to no involvement or time. Because of this, these applications can make reported lead times across an entire category look shorter than they actually are.
In light of this, we recommend using the lead times indicated by the DOB for general reference only. Avoid using it as a guideline for any particular project. A number of factors play into permitting applications, reviews, and approvals. Getting the clearest picture of timelines usually requires hands-on knowledge and expertise about the DOB and the ins and outs of a specific project. For years, we’ve offered our clients this level of service. Because of our experience, we’re uniquely tuned into the time it can take for a specific project to gain approvals and are happy to chat with you on timeframes and how we can help.
