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NYC Department of Buildings · Owner guide
NYC DOB Demolition and Removal Permit (Legacy BIS DM)
Demolition and Removal (DM) identifies a historical BIS work-permit classification. Owners often encounter an old DM job while checking what was removed from a property, whether an earlier demolition was completed or whether a permit remains open.
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 Demolition and Removal Permit?
Demolition and Removal (DM) identifies a historical BIS work-permit classification. It can appear when researching older building removal or demolition projects.
Historical demolition job details, permits, required documents and final records should be examined together. An old DM permit may describe a scope that is not equivalent to the owner’s present plans.
Need help with Legacy BIS Demolition and Removal 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.
On This Page
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 BIS job number and the original demolition description, along with approved demolition or site-safety documents, if available.
A historical BIS Demolition and Removal (DM) permit should be read as part of its original job file. A reference to demolition does not prove that an entire building was removed or that present-day Full Demolition rules are the same. Review the approved scope, related alteration documents, permit issuance, inspections, and sign-off history. This can resolve questions about a removed interior portion, old equipment, or a prior building phase without treating DM as the right filing category for a new project.
Work Type, Agency and Permit Boundaries
DM is a legacy record label, not the current Full Demolition (FD) application type in DOB NOW. Partial demolition as part of other work may be filed under a different current work type.
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.
- Retrieve the historical BIS filing to establish the authorized scope. A new demolition proposal should be classified through today’s DOB process by the responsible applicant.
- 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:
- BIS job number and the original demolition description.
- Approved demolition or site-safety documents, if available.
- Permits, inspection history and associated job status.
- Current property condition and related new-building or alteration records.
DOB Review, Inspections and Closeout
Check completion and remaining DOB obligations against the actual site condition. Unresolved historical records need individual review rather than an assumption that the site is fully cleared.
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.
If new demolition is proposed, ask the responsible professional to determine whether the work falls under current Full Demolition, Structural, or another DOB work type. The historical record can still matter when evaluating existing conditions, but it should not substitute for a current approved scope. Keep copies of the old BIS job together with the new project filing, clearly labeled by date and permit number. That separation helps contractors avoid using an old permit as authority for present construction.
Common Problems to Avoid
Using legacy DM to describe new work
DOB NOW uses a separate Full Demolition process for qualifying complete removal.
Misreading partial demolition
Determine whether the work affected an entire structure or a component of a broader alteration.
Missing sign-offs
An old issued permit is not proof of final approval or site clearance.
How SLK Buildings May Assist
SLK Buildings may assist with Legacy BIS Demolition and Removal 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
Is DM still a current DOB NOW work type?
No. DM is used here to explain historical BIS demolition and removal records.
How is full demolition filed today?
DOB directs current Full Demolition jobs to DOB NOW: Build.
Can a DM permit prove a building was legally removed?
Check the authorized scope, inspections, completion records and current site condition.
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.