NYC Permit Search by Address

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) issues permits for virtually all construction, renovation, and demolition work in the five boroughs. RegWatch tracks permits across 2.9M+ NYC properties, combining data from DOB NOW and BIS for complete coverage. Permits range from minor alterations (Alt-3) to major new building construction (NB). Understanding a property's permit history reveals critical information about construction activity, planned renovations, and compliance status.

Traditionally, checking permit status requires navigating DOB NOW or BIS (Building Information System) — separate systems with different interfaces and data. Contractors and expediters often need to cross-reference both systems to get a complete picture.

RegWatch aggregates permit data from all DOB systems and presents it in a clean, filterable interface. For each property you'll see:

• Active permits — currently open jobs with status and type
• Historical permits — complete filing history
• Job types — NB (New Building), A1/A2/A3 (Alterations), DM (Demolition)
• Filing status — pre-filing, approved, issued, sign-off
• Contractor and owner information
• Associated violations for each permit

This is invaluable for investors evaluating development activity in a neighborhood, contractors checking on competing projects, and property owners monitoring work on adjacent buildings.

Open permits can be a red flag during property transactions. Unpermitted work, expired permits, and outstanding DOB objections can delay closings, increase insurance costs, and create liability. Check for associated DOB violations and ECB penalties alongside permit data. RegWatch flags these issues automatically, helping attorneys and title companies identify permit-related risks before they become problems.