Step-by-Step Guide
Know the permit types
NB = New Building. A1 = Major Alteration. A2 = Multiple work types. A3 = Minor Alteration. DM = Demolition.
Search by address
Enter any NYC address into RegWatch or search DOB NOW directly — DOB NOW is now the primary system, with BIS as a legacy archive. RegWatch combines both.
Review permit status
Check if permits are pre-filing, approved, issued, or signed off. Open or expired permits may need attention.
Check for associated violations
Permits can have associated violations for non-compliance. RegWatch cross-references these automatically.
Additional Details
DOB NOW has replaced BIS as the primary filing system; BIS remains a legacy archive for older records. RegWatch aggregates both to ensure complete coverage.
What You Get with RegWatch
- Search any NYC address instantly
- Data from 250+ government sources
- Professional PDF reports
- Title abstract generation
- Portfolio monitoring
- AI property analyst
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free way to do this?
You can search some NYC agency databases for free individually (ACRIS, DOB BIS, HPD Online, DOF). RegWatch offers a free account: free property viewing plus saved buildings with in-app compliance alerts. Our coverage extends beyond NYC to Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and New Jersey counties.
How long does this take?
Manually: 30 minutes to several hours per property depending on depth. With RegWatch: under 3 seconds for a complete profile from 250+ sources.
Do I need any special tools?
No special tools required. RegWatch works in any modern web browser. For manual research, you just need internet access to city agency websites.
How current is the data?
RegWatch data from official NYC sources is updated multiple times per day. Most records are within 24 hours of the agency databases.
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