Live NYC DOB Data — Updated Daily

NYC Construction Permits
by Address — Free

Search DOB construction permit history for any New York City address. See active permits, permit types, filing dates, and work descriptions — know exactly what's being built or renovated near you.

Download NYC Intel Free Permit Types Explained
Live Data

Active Construction Permits by Borough

NYC Intel pulls DOB permit data from NYC Open Data, updated daily. These figures reflect currently active construction permits across all five boroughs.

Brooklyn
active permits
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Bronx
active permits
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Manhattan
active permits
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Queens
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Staten Island
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Know Your Permits

NYC DOB Permit Types Explained

The NYC Department of Buildings issues several types of permits depending on the scope of work. Here's what each type means and why it matters for renters, buyers, and neighbors.

NB

New Building

A brand new structure is being built from the ground up. Signals major construction impact for neighbors.

ALT1

Major Alteration

Significant structural changes: adding floors, changing building use, or altering load-bearing elements.

ALT2

Minor Alteration

Non-structural interior work: bathroom renovations, electrical upgrades, HVAC replacement, partition walls.

ALT3

Minor Work

Very small-scope alterations that don't require detailed plan filing. Includes plumbing repairs, minor mechanical work.

DM

Demolition

Full or partial building demolition. A DM permit on a residential building may signal tenant displacement risk.

EW

Equipment Work

Installation or replacement of equipment: elevators, boilers, cranes, or other mechanical systems.


Why It Matters

What Permit History Tells You Before You Rent or Buy

🚨

Spot Illegal Construction

If your landlord is doing renovation work with no active permit, that's illegal. Cross-check construction 311 complaints with DOB permit data to identify unpermitted work.

🏗️

Know What's Coming

Active permits on neighboring buildings tell you whether a construction project next door is permitted and how long it might last. No more surprise jackhammering at 7am.

⚠️

Demolition Risk Flag

A DM (demolition) permit on a residential building can signal that tenants may be displaced. In NYC, landlords sometimes pursue permits to empty rent-stabilized buildings. NYC Intel shows this data so you can see the risk.


Step by Step

How to Look Up Construction Permits for Any NYC Address

1

Download NYC Intel (Free)

Available on the App Store. No account required.

2

Enter the Address

Type any NYC address — your building, a prospective apartment, or a neighboring property.

3

Tap Construction Permits

See all active and historical DOB permits: permit type, filing date, scope of work, and permit status.

4

Cross-Reference with 311 & HPD

Compare permit data with 311 construction complaints and HPD violations for the same address to spot illegal work or ongoing disputes.


FAQ

NYC Construction Permits — Common Questions

How do I look up construction permits for a NYC address?
Download the free NYC Intel app, enter any NYC address, and tap Permits. You'll see all active and historical DOB permits for that address — permit type, filing date, work description, and status. No account required.
What is an NYC DOB permit?
A DOB permit is an official authorization from the NYC Department of Buildings for construction, renovation, or alteration work. All significant construction requires a permit. Work without a permit is illegal and can result in stop-work orders and fines.
How do I know if construction at my building is legal?
Look up the address in NYC Intel and check the Permits section. If construction is happening but no active permit appears, that's a red flag for illegal work. Cross-check with 311 complaints — illegal construction complaints at the same address confirm the issue.
What types of DOB permits does NYC Intel show?
NYC Intel shows all major DOB permit types: NB (New Building), ALT1 (major alterations), ALT2 (minor alterations), ALT3 (minor work), DM (demolition), and EW (equipment work). Each type tells you something different about the scope of work at the building.
What does a demolition (DM) permit mean for tenants?
A DM permit can signal that a landlord intends to empty and demolish the building, which can be used to remove rent-stabilized tenants. It doesn't mean eviction is immediate, but it is a serious warning sign worth monitoring. NYC Intel shows DM permits so renters can see this risk early.

See Every Permit, Violation, and Complaint for Any NYC Address

NYC Intel combines DOB permits, HPD violations, eviction history, 311 complaints, rat activity, and restaurant grades — all in one free address search.

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