NYC Building Permit Costs and Filing Fees

The cost of obtaining a building permit in NYC includes DOB filing fees, plan examination fees, and professional fees. Understanding these costs helps property owners budget for construction and renovation projects.

DOB Filing Fees

• New Building (NB) - Filing fee based on construction cost: $0.12 per square foot or minimum $280
• Alteration Type 1 (A1) - $280 minimum, additional fees based on scope
• Alteration Type 2 (A2) - $280 minimum
• Alteration Type 3 (A3) - $150-$280 depending on work type
• Demolition (DM) - $280 minimum
• Plumbing - $100-$200 per fixture
• Electrical - Based on amperage and scope

Plan Examination Fees

If the application goes through DOB plan examination (rather than professional certification), additional fees apply. Plan examination fees are based on the construction cost and can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for large projects.

Professional Fees

Beyond DOB fees, you will need to budget for: architect or engineer fees for design and filing ($2,000-$50,000+ depending on project), expeditor fees for filing management ($500-$5,000), and special inspections and testing ($1,000-$10,000+).

Total Project Costs

For a typical residential renovation, total permitting costs (including professional fees) may range from $3,000 to $15,000. For new construction or major alterations, costs can reach $50,000 or more. These are in addition to actual construction costs.

Hidden Costs

Budget for potential additional costs: objection responses (if DOB raises issues), post-approval amendments, special permit fees for zoning actions, landmark approvals if in a historic district, and construction insurance requirements.