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NYC Department of Buildings · Owner guide
NYC DOB Cranes and Derricks Permit: CD and CN Requirements
NYC DOB regulates crane and derrick lifting operations through distinct equipment and site-specific authorizations. Crane Device (CD) and Crane Notice (CN) processes address different parts of the regulated work. A construction project using a crane should verify the equipment’s regulatory status and whether the intended location, configuration and lift require site-specific authorization.
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 Cranes and Derricks Permit?
NYC DOB regulates the design, use and safety of cranes and derricks for lifting operations. Crane Device (CD) and site-specific Crane Notice (CN) processes address different parts of a regulated lifting operation.
DOB’s Cranes and Derricks Unit oversees relevant lifting equipment. The applicable device type and crane configuration determine what engineering materials, notifications and inspections are needed.
Need help with Cranes and Derricks 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 crane device identification, model and configuration, along with site and lift plans, equipment location and proposed loads.
Crane planning involves more than selecting lifting equipment. The project team should identify the crane or derrick configuration, lifting location, available ground or structural support, and the anticipated movement of loads. The DOB filing path can depend on the machine and proposed operation, including whether the equipment has a separate device or site-specific permit requirement. Review the equipment records and required qualified personnel before scheduling deliveries or setting up the site. Traffic management or street-use matters may involve another agency.
Work Type, Agency and Permit Boundaries
A crane device record is not identical to a site-specific crane notice. Equipment approvals, operating-personnel requirements, inspections and related street-use approvals can be separate.
DOB NOW: Build is the standard current filing platform for this subject. The authorized filer and contractor roles depend on the regulated work, and separate agency permissions may still be necessary.
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.
- The authorized crane applicant identifies the correct DOB NOW crane device and site-application route. Obtain the required approvals and confirmations before the planned lift.
- 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:
- Crane device identification, model and configuration.
- Site and lift plans, equipment location and proposed loads.
- Contractor, licensed operator and responsible professional details.
- Available CD/CN records, inspection notices and street-use coordination.
DOB Review, Inspections and Closeout
Confirm the status of issued authorizations and posting or availability requirements. Coordinate site safety and public access separately from the equipment registration.
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.
Keep the equipment identification, approved lift or site documents, permit records, and inspection information connected to the correct machine. If the crane type, setup, or working position changes, have the responsible parties review the effect on authorizations before operating. Contractors should also verify site-safety coordination and the status of any related building or temporary protection permits. The fact that a machine was used successfully at another location does not establish approval for this project’s setup.
Common Problems to Avoid
Confusing CD with CN
Track the device and its specific site approval as separate records where applicable.
Site layout changes after approval
Review whether a revised crane notice or engineer submission is needed.
Ignoring street or overhead risks
Check public-way and adjacent-building restrictions with the qualified project team.
How SLK Buildings May Assist
SLK Buildings may assist with Cranes and Derricks 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
Does one crane approval cover every job site?
No. Site-specific crane notices and conditions can apply in addition to device approval.
Who reviews regulated crane operations?
The DOB Cranes and Derricks Unit oversees the relevant regulatory processes.
Is a construction hoist always a crane permit?
No. DOB classifies hoisting devices differently according to their use; some belong to PMM or Elevator processes.
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.