About DOB BIS
DOB's Building Information System (BIS) is the legacy way to look up building permits, violations, and inspections. DOB NOW has superseded it as the primary system for nearly all filings, leaving BIS as a read-only archive of older records.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Data scope: BIS = DOB data only. RegWatch = DOB + HPD + DOF + ACRIS + DCP + 6 more.
Systems: Legacy BIS records and DOB NOW live in separate systems. RegWatch combines both.
Context: BIS shows violations without ECB hearing status. RegWatch links violations to ECB hearings and liens.
Monitoring: BIS is search-only. RegWatch saves any building free with in-app compliance alerts, and email alerts with Pro.
Reports: BIS has no export. RegWatch includes a report PDF with Pro or a one-time report.
The Verdict
BIS remains the archive for DOB's legacy records, while DOB NOW is now the primary system. RegWatch draws on both and adds the context of 10 more agencies, making it far more useful for comprehensive property research.
What You Get with RegWatch
- Save any building free
- In-app compliance alerts, free
- Email monitoring and unlimited AI chat with Pro
- 250+ source data aggregation
- < 3 second results
- Title abstracts from ACRIS
- One-time report snapshot from $15
- Risk scoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RegWatch better than DOB BIS?
RegWatch and DOB BIS serve different purposes. RegWatch excels at aggregating data from 250+ government sources into one search with automated reports and monitoring.
Can I use both?
Yes. Many professionals use RegWatch alongside other tools. RegWatch handles the data aggregation layer while other tools may offer specialized features.
Is there a free option?
Yes. Search any building and save it to your portfolio for free, with in-app compliance alerts and most report sections free to browse. Email monitoring and unlimited AI chat come with a Pro subscription ($15/mo); a one-time Full Analysis report ($15) is an optional snapshot with no monitoring. No credit card to start.
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