Updated: January 14, 2026
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued several Service Notices detailing significant updates to DOB NOW and DOB NOW: Build, filing and permitting procedures, all of which are set to take effect on January 26, 2026.
To help you navigate these changes, we consolidated the following updates below:
Fee Updates in DOB NOW: Build
- Beginning January 26, 2026, fee calculations will be updated in DOB NOW: Build for subsequent filings on an Alt-CO – New Buildings with Existing Elements to Remain; new Full Demolition job filings; and AHV permits.
Fee Update for New Alteration Job Filings in Conjunction with an Alteration‑CO (Alt-CO) in DOB NOW: Build
- Starting January 26, 2026, filing fees for Alteration jobs filed in conjunction with an Alt-CO job in DOB NOW: Build will be calculated based on the Alt-CO.
Loft Board Requests in DOB NOW: Build
- Starting on January 26, 2026, Loft Board requests will be submitted in DOB NOW: Build. Job filings on buildings with a Loft Law flag in the Property Profile will not be approved until a Loft Board Request has been submitted for review and a Letter of No Objection (LNO) or a Loft Board Certification has been issued. The Loft Board will also review Certificate of Occupancy request.
Local Law 48 and Local Law 51 of 2025: Sidewalk Shed Filing and Permit Changes in DOB NOW
- All sidewalk shed permits issued or renewed on or after January 26, 2026, will expire every 90 days and will no longer auto‑renew in DOB NOW. New questions about the sidewalk shed and the progress of the work for which the sidewalk shed is required will also appear on the PW1 and PW2.
Condo/Co-Op Board Added as a Stakeholder in DOB NOW: Build
- Beginning January 26, 2026, Condo/Co-Op Board will be a Stakeholder on the job filing in DOB NOW when the Owner Type is Condo Unit Owner or Co-Op Tenant-Shareholder. The Board’s representative will be required to attest that the Board has authorized the applicant to file the application.
- To view the full update
Reporting Construction Cost in DOB NOW
- Beginning January 26, 2026, applicants will have the option to report the estimated job cost of the entire project on the Initial filing in DOB NOW, by including work types that will later be filed as subsequent filings.
With these updates taking effect on January 26, 2026, now is the time to review your upcoming filings and adjust internal workflows to avoid delays, rejected submissions, or unexpected fee impacts.
If you’re part of our New York City construction industry and would like to keep informed of new developments and how your project could be affected, we invite you to sign up for our mailing list. We’ll also send you our complimentary, comprehensive guide to New York City DOB’s new Chapter 33 Building Code revisions.
Cahill Strategies Construction Solutions Guide to NYC Building Code Chapter 33 Revisions
Cahill Strategies has developed a detailed and documented guide to the most important revisions that New York construction professionals are likely to encounter every day. We were able to do this because Cahill Strategies has been involved instrumentally in the development of these codes.
The 100-page book is meticulously organized and can be used as a handy reference when many common issues arise. In each section, the specific revisions are highlighted, and the new information is presented in a clear and practical manner with further explanation on why the change is so important. All of this, reviewed and vetted by one of New York’s longest serving, former DOB professionals – Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code & Safety, Bobby D’Alessio.
More on Our Construction Solutions Team
Cahill Strategies is a team comprised of skilled construction industry strategists dedicated to guiding clients through the intricate regulatory and political landscape, resulting in propelling projects within New York City to completion. Our expertise lies in representing large general contractors, sub-contractors, construction management firms, design professionals, and owners/developers.
- Liaising with City and State regulatory agencies such as NYC DOB, DOT, FDNY, DEP, Landmarks, HPD, DOF, DOH, DOE, and others;
- Liaising with elected officials and other stakeholders such as NYC Mayor, City Council, Community Boards, NYS Governor, Senate and Assembly;
- Liaising with public utilities, such as ConEd, National Grid, Water & Sewer;
- Liaising with private utilities and telecommunication companies;
- Facilitating submissions to City and State regulatory agencies, Community Boards and other decision makers for project support and approval;
- Consultation on Stop Work Orders, Violations, Commissioner’s Orders and other enforcement actions; and
- Consultation and negotiating fines with the NYC or NYS Department of Finance, and other City and State regulatory agencies.
New York Construction Solutions
Cahill Strategies has experience representing large general contractors, construction management firms, owners, and developers. A key to our success is our vast network of decision makers that we have the ability to reach on your behalf. Additionally, our team is involved in the legislative and regulatory processes at the Federal, State, and Local levels which affect the construction industry in New York State, New York City, and surrounding regions. We possess the knowledge of industry standards and trends, along with key relationships that will bring your projects to fruition. Read more…
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Get to know Bobby D’Alessio
Robert “Bobby” D’Alessio, is a former New York City Department of Buildings Senior Executive Director of Construction Safety. Mr. D’Alessio’s focus is predominately in the areas of construction code and safety analysis for our clients’ major new building and renovation projects in the New York City and surrounding regions.
As Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code and Safety, Bobby brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and practical experience to our growing construction solutions practice area.
Cahill Strategies Welcomes Former NYC DOB Director of Construction Safety Enforcement, Bernie Ross
Cahill Strategies Welcomes Former NYC DOB Director of Construction Safety Enforcement, Bernie RossIt is with great pleasure that Cahill Strategies welcomes veteran DOB safety leader Bernie Ross as Senior Construction Safety Associate.
Bernard “Bernie” Ross is former New York City Department of Buildings Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. With more than 20 years serving the DOB as a Construction Inspector, Supervising Inspector, Director Major Projects, and finally, Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. Read more about Bernie here…
Get to know Kevin Moran
Kevin, the Vice President of Construction Solutions at Cahill Strategies, brings a wealth of experience in the New York construction industry to his role. He has a strong track record of guiding clients through complex building processes, with a range of successful projects under his belt, including commercial and residential developments, infrastructure and transportation projects, and various utility matters.
