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NYC Department of Buildings · Owner guide
NYC DOB Alteration Permit (Legacy BIS AL)
An Alteration (AL) permit is a historical DOB permit record associated with an older Buildings Information System (BIS) alteration job. An owner may need the legacy record when a property sale, renovation or violation review refers to an old AL job or permit. The existing record can show which work was authorized and whether associated sign-offs were recorded.
Start with the DOB Permit Types and Certificates of Operation directory for the complete work-type list, or use the Department of Buildings Table of Content for wider NYC DOB subjects. Check the work scope and responsible applicant before treating an application as an issued authorization.
What Is a Legacy BIS Alteration Permit?
An Alteration (AL) permit is a historical DOB permit record associated with an older Buildings Information System (BIS) alteration job. It is useful when checking work performed under an earlier filing rather than choosing a new DOB NOW work type.
A BIS job can have permits, inspections, plan changes and job status records that must be checked separately. A historical permit number alone is not evidence that all construction was signed off.
Need help with Legacy BIS Alteration Permit coordination?
SLK Buildings can help property owners and project teams identify the correct DOB record, organize available project documents, and coordinate next steps with the responsible applicants, contractors and licensed professionals.
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When Does This DOB Authorization Apply?
Deciding whether this authorization applies requires a property-specific review of the proposed work, the existing conditions and the current agency records. In particular, compare borough and address together with the BIS job or permit number, along with historical approved plans and the work description.
If an older alteration appears in a purchase report or property search, begin by comparing the BIS job description with the work visible at the site. An AL job may refer to a different construction phase than a recent DOB NOW filing at the same address. Review the original approval, permit issue dates, permit-holder history, and any later amendments together. An owner should not assume that the newest permit replaces an older open record, or that a completed renovation establishes formal job sign-off.
When reviewing an older alteration permit, owners should confirm whether the historical BIS job matches the actual work performed at the property. Compare the job description, approved plans, issued permits, and available inspection or sign-off records. If the proposed work differs from the original approval, the responsible professional should determine whether a new DOB NOW filing is required. This distinction helps owners avoid confusing an incomplete historical filing with a new construction authorization.
Work Type, Agency and Permit Boundaries
AL is a legacy classification. Current DOB NOW alterations are organized by job type and specific work types, such as General Construction or Plumbing, rather than by issuing a new generic BIS AL work permit.
The Buildings Information System (BIS) record is the correct starting point for the historical job. Modern DOB NOW: Build is used for current work types, with limited legacy eFiling exceptions described by DOB.
Steps to Request or Review the DOB Authorization
Use the following sequence to avoid applying against the wrong property record or work scope:
- Confirm the building address, Building Identification Number (BIN), and existing job or equipment record. Check whether the project is new work or an older open job.
- Define the exact work or certificate need with the authorized professional. Compare the project details with the DOB work type and any separate trade or agency approvals.
- Start by locating the BIS job and reviewing its work and permit history. For new construction work, the responsible applicant should determine the applicable current DOB NOW job and permit classification instead of reusing the old AL label.
- Review the submitted filing and DOB status. Address objections, missing documents, required attestations and pre-permit conditions through the authorized applicant.
- Confirm the issued permit or certificate and the approved work limitations before acting. Save the final record and track inspection or completion duties.
Documents and Information to Prepare
The responsible applicant should assemble project-specific information before starting the filing or records review:
- Borough and address together with the BIS job or permit number.
- Historical approved plans and the work description.
- Permits, sign-off records and any outstanding objections.
- Existing Certificate of Occupancy and relevant owner records.
DOB Review, Inspections and Closeout
Compare the permit scope with the available sign-offs and current condition. If records are missing or an old application remains open, identify the proper DOB records or professional review route before making assumptions.
An application marked approved, a permit issued and a project signed off are different milestones. Review the applicable status in DOB NOW or BIS, and retain supporting inspection and closeout documentation for the property record.
For a practical records review, make a small inventory of the job numbers, the permits issued under each job, and the inspections or completion records still missing. Ask the responsible professional to identify whether the remaining matter concerns an old closeout, a new scope of work, or both. This distinction is especially useful when responding to a buyer’s question, a lender’s request, or an objection raised during a new filing. Do not submit new work as a legacy AL permit simply to match a historical label.
Common Problems to Avoid
Confusing an old job with a new application
An AL job record should not be entered as a new DOB NOW work type.
Assuming issued means completed
Check inspections and sign-offs independently of the permit issuance date.
Unmatched addresses or BINs
Confirm the correct building and BIS job before relying on a historical record.
How SLK Buildings May Assist
SLK Buildings may assist with Legacy BIS Alteration Permit coordination by reviewing available DOB records, organizing project information and identifying which applicant, licensed contractor or agency contact needs to handle the next action.
The authorized design and trade professionals remain responsible for regulated submissions and work, and DOB controls permit decisions, inspections and completion. Owners can begin by gathering the property address, existing filing numbers and a clear description of the proposed work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a new AL permit in DOB NOW?
Current jobs generally use DOB NOW job types and specific work types. AL refers to a historical BIS record.
Does an old AL permit prove work was legalized?
Not by itself. Check job status, required inspections and final completion records.
Where should I look for an older job number?
Search the DOB BIS property and job records using the property address or known job number.
Seeking Professional Guidance on NYC DOB Permits and Certificates
Property owners and project teams may need to confirm which DOB authorization applies, distinguish historical permits from current work types, and organize existing drawings, job numbers and approved records. When permits, certificates or multiple trades are involved, the responsible professionals and DOB must determine the permitted scope and required approvals.
SLK Buildings Assists with NYC DOB Permit Coordination
SLK Buildings may help identify the agency process, organize available records, coordinate with owners, contractors and licensed design professionals, and track outstanding requests within an agreed scope. For a project-specific discussion, provide the property address, known job or permit numbers, existing approvals and the work being proposed.
SLK Buildings is an independent consulting and construction-management firm, not affiliated with NYC DOB or any government agency. Information is for general education and is not legal, architectural, engineering or other licensed-professional advice. Qualified providers must perform regulated services. DOB and other agencies control official determinations, and SLK does not guarantee permits, certificates, inspections, approvals or outcomes.