New York City Department of Buildings

Category: City government office in New York

Address: 280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA

Phone: +12125665000

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 8:30AM–4PM

Tuesday: 8:30AM–4PM

Wednesday: 8:30AM–4PM

Thursday: 8:30AM–4PM

Friday: 8:30AM–4PM

Saturday: Closed

Reviews

MinHua Huang

May 20, 2022

Primitive ticket system with a 99 cent speaker from the 80s. Building is like 85 degrees indoors at all times. Simple cashiers take 15 minutes per transaction. Do not bother calling them for a question because you will be transferred at least 6 times and finally leave a voicemail to someone that will not call back. How does a department that makes millions off fining people and filing fees seem so underfunded. Seems like they are better off hiring random people off the street because 90 percent of the employees here are just as competent.

Christy Gill

Apr 29, 2022

Today I experienced one of the worst customer service experiences at Department of Buildings (DOB). Not only were ALL the employees, with the exception of one, extremely rude, like next level rude, but apparently also expect customers to be psychic. Let me provide some context. Apparently for the DOB it's the year 1992 and not 2022 because they only accept payment for various services at three desks in one office for the ENTIRE NYC. Payment is not accepted by mail or like most of government offices, heaven forbid, on the World Wide Web. You can even pay speeding tickets online, folks. Let me share my experience. The office advertised on Google they close at 2pm. I called in the morning and was provided numerous automated options (anything to avoid humans helping humans). Finally I was able to speak to someone who then transferred me to another individual who allegedly could answer my question better, but alas I was not honored with that assistance because that employee did not answer the phone, and even though I left a voicemail, no one returned my call. At the office i had the supreme pleasure of interacting with two of the rudest female security guards. They spoke to me as if I were a confused criminal - curt, harsh, and completely impolite. I made the mistake of thinking I was a paying customer and not that I was a teen on the reality show "Beyond Scared Straight." At the office I was told that the system was down and they cannot accept payments. Again, let me emphasize, the only office for the entire new york city, that only accepts payments in person - their system is down. Furthermore, it was oh so graciously explained to us all waiting that they close at 12pm and regardless of if the system is back online, all the customers will have to leave at that time. I was told that for cashier tickets to speak to the cashier. I went to the booth and the cashier was on her personal phone scrolling Instagram and extremely reluctant to address any questions. Forgive me for verifying the form of payment. Also, before 12pm she vacated her post and I do have photo evidence. Around 11:45 am it seemed the systems were back online or at least the computers were on, but by then most of the employees had either already vacated their posts to pick up food or retreat to the back office. God forbid any of them stick around to help the 10+ customers lingering around in the hope that having traveled to this office that they will receive some assistance. As I was leaving another supervisor came back inside and I asked her about the cashier and without looking she told me no she didn't leave, but as she peeked around the corner, literally as she's saying this the overhead lights to the desk area turned off. I asked another employee if they close at 12pm everyday and she said yes rudely. So I clarified, online it says you close at 2pm. At which point she decided to point to a paper sign posted on a wall which lists which desks close at 2pm and which close at 12pm, and proceeded to read it to me as if I don't speak English. (Thank you for judging me by my skin tone! And no she was not white) Or, apparently I'm supposed to see the 2pm time on Google and after not being able to communicate with anyone directly on the phone, just psychically know that some desks actually close at 12pm. Or psychically know to look for one sign on one wall placed high above the ticket machines that informs me of the variety in closing times. So after a completely unsuccessful mission having been treated as if I were a non-English speaker trying to illegally cross the U.S. border, I still have to return to make a payment on another day.

Green December

Mar 25, 2022

City workers are paid to help you and yet they can’t even do that. Trying to get basic building submittal requirements and they refuse to help anyone. I’d give zero stars if I could. I’ve never encountered such lazy employees anywhere. Find people who will do their job!

Nilufa Kalam

Jan 4, 2022

Hell on Earth, Rude and stick up attitude from staff

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Questions & Answers

What constitutes an illegal basement apartment

Carl Carillo | Sep 30, 2018
Domingp Torres | Sep 29, 2021

How do I turn my garage to an apartment legally

Do i need a permit to install an AC split unit in coop apartment?

Max Klavansky | Sep 29, 2020
Abdallah Moustapha El Cherbini | Sep 29, 2020

Depends. If unit is greater than 3 tons then yes. You typically would also get a equipment use card or whats now called a certificate of compliance for the unit.

I am a home owner, my driveway has been blocked by my neighbor with chained gate,garbage buckets and a fence at the center of the the driveway. I spoke to him about it and he just keep ignoring us. How can I solve this problem

khrisendat ramjit za | Sep 30, 2018
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

Call 311 for an inspection to see if your neighbor has constructed an illegal fence.

Is 4605 Ave I a landmark

Charles Windley | Sep 30, 2017
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

No

when doing a façade inspection the architect said he was filing a schedule a. what is a schedule A the local law 11 filing or a part of it

Liberty Construction Corp. | Sep 29, 2020
Leonel Barragán | Sep 29, 2020

See "PW1A: Schedule A - Occupancy / Use." A Schedule A list any building's use and occupancy and it's a required standard form when doing major renovations. A PW1A for Facade / L11 inspections is generally not required, unless it affects egree due to occupancy, i.e. a residential building where safety is mandatory. See more details at: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/homeowner/dob-forms-applications.page

Why is there constant construction 7 days a week behind 301 west 121st

Nereida Pagan | Sep 29, 2020
Leonel Barragán | Sep 29, 2020

Construction Permits may have been issued to accommodate that construction site. If not certain, call 311 to report matter.

Is there a link to send pictures of dangerous construction work being performed? I see scenarios at times where something needs to be done immediately BEFORE someone is hurt

Elizabeth McDermott | Sep 30, 2019
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

Please call 911 for immediate dangerous conditions. Non-urgent issues - 311.

Can I complain about noises upstairs here

Butch Tardona | Jan 2, 2022
Minara Akter | Jan 2, 2022

No that complaint has to go thru 311

What constitutes an illegal basement apartment

joseph crocitto | Sep 29, 2021
Steven Yow | Sep 29, 2021

An apartment in the basement (not cellar) that was not filed for with the NYC DOB. Typically one that does not have two forms of egress or permitted gas, water and waste lines.

Hello: my husband is welder and he's applying for DOB license. He paid everything. He wants to know how make an appointment to take the picture.

Roxana Rosales | Sep 29, 2020
Kaminski Daley | Sep 29, 2020

When his license is ready they will notify him. Then they will make an appointment for him to come to take the picture or use the picture in the database.

Roofers were working on my roof yesterday, new years day, a holiday, banging and making a lot of noise. Is it legal for them to be working on . holiday? Who would I complain to about all the noise?

CM Balyan | Sep 29, 2020
Leonel Barragán | Sep 29, 2020

Call 311.

How late are you open on MYE

Rachel Z | Sep 29, 2020
Leonel Barragán | Sep 29, 2020

Today, Tuesday 12/31/2019, DOB at all boroughs is open until 4:00 PM and ending all transactions by 5:00 PM... some non-essential staff and management may leave as early as 2:00 PM. You will need to get a ticket and wait to be called, so set ample time for all your transactions.

Active Permit for 50 Jay Steet Brooklyn and 142 Front Street?

Joseph Coleman | Sep 30, 2019
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

http://a810-bisweb.nyc.gov/bisweb/bispi00.jsp

the elev aitor in the building was updae duiring 3 month. noe job is finish, but we are waitin the inspector. where we can find out where inspecor come ?

Larisa Bederov | Sep 30, 2019
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

Elevator Company must request an inspection for sign off in DOB NOW (Online Portal).

How do I get rid of violation from 1990 from the previous owner of my house without any documents? Can I go to Deparment of building to take care the matter or I need to hire a professional help?

Jenny Chen | Sep 30, 2019
Jason Rivera | Sep 30, 2019

Depending on the type of violation you may need a professional or you may be able to handle it as an owner.

How can I view floor plans online with DOB?

Rachael Best | Sep 30, 2019
Jason Rivera | Sep 30, 2019

You can't. You have to go to the borough office and ask the record room for the plans.

What does a supers license cover on a jobsite

joseph douso | Sep 30, 2019
Tyshon Burton | Sep 30, 2019

A Construction Superintendent's Registration covers work on job sites up to 9 stories. Work on job sites are permit specific so if the registration is required, the permit will be able to be pulled without a designated Construction Superintendent. For further details on how to apply can be found on the department's website on the Licensing section. You may also call 212-363-2259 for more information.

My landlord renting out garage to someone who does work from that garage and all day , sometimes after hours making loud welding machine noice , I made complaint 312, but nothing happened, what should I do

Elena Efremova | Sep 30, 2019
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

Construction complaints are handled based on priority. Emergencies such as a building collapse or where there was an accident is usually responded to right away. Other complaints non-emergency complaints can take a few days or weeks.

My building have scalping on it, now almost a year. A large piece of wood fell from it and damaged my car. How do I get my car damage repaired? I've contacted my landlord, nothing is happening. Please help..

lavonne willis | Sep 30, 2019
lavonne willis | Sep 30, 2019

It happened almost 2 months ago. I've contacted numerous people, all I get is the runaround. I'm really frustrated. Well I've filed a small claims case. They told me to get a estimate, I got 3!!now I guess they see it's $1900/2000.they don't want to pay for repairs. They have stopped all communications from the but I'm not reporting it to my insurance company. They should pay for my damages.. I'll see what happens in small claims court. My case is next month

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Can a kitchen be in a basement there are regular windows in front and back with doors in front and back its two step down from the front

Elizabeth Cintron | Sep 30, 2019
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

Depends. Please call 311 and ask to be connected with a Department of Buildings phone rep. Or you may visit the NYC Department of Buildings office located in your borough. There is one in every borough.

How do I change my mother daughter home into a legal two family

Blaise Giove | Sep 30, 2018
Leonel Barragán | Sep 30, 2018

File plans at DOB through a licensed Architect / Engineer/ Contractor. Check Zoning Resolution first to make sure that home is legally able to convert from a one family to two family home. Visiting City Hall won't help you.

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How do get my city welding ticket

Ken Jackson | Sep 30, 2018
bahaa el din | Sep 30, 2018

call 311

I'm here over a week to get city to see how unsare we are electronic going on and off on its own wet hires any the mean thing bad black mold geting sick being here my mom in the hospital can someone help me please

Thomas Errichiello | Sep 30, 2018
Leonel Barragán | Sep 30, 2018

I'm sorry about your bad experience. Please contact NYC's HPD or the Health Department .Call 311 toll-free for more information.

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Does the DOB provide legal aid services

aimTroy | Sep 30, 2018
Timothy Peters | Sep 30, 2018

Yes they do

are carports that ate not driveways legal?

Aaron Tabi | Sep 30, 2018
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

It depends on whether or not it's part of an approved plan.

How much pour-cent a stablase rent much pays for lease renewals

Hamidou Sawadogo | Sep 30, 2018
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

Please call 311

I am renting an apartment since 1 month ago, since our third week in the place we noticed a problem of humidity in the ceiling and in one of the bathrooms. How much time do the landowners should take for repair before consider this as negligence?

Luis Gomez Abarca | Sep 30, 2017
Denise Campbell | Sep 30, 2019

Please call 311 to inspect to make sure your apartment is safe from mold that may be caused by the humidity.

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