Updated: November 7, 2025
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has clarified that any amended plan whose changes require a “substantial re‑examination” of Code or zoning must be filed as a new application with all associated filing fees, regardless of the original filing status. In some cases, DOB may allow you to continue under the original application number for administrative purposes, but only if all fees tied to the new scope are paid.
What Triggers a “Substantial Re‑Examination”?
Substantial re‑examination may be required when amendments include (not limited to):
- Changes to zoning lot, use, or bulk
- Changes to occupancy or layout
- Changes requiring a new Energy Code review
- Any change that requires re‑examining Code or zoning provisions
- Changes resulting from a DOB engineering review
How to Comply (Step‑by‑Step)
- Expect an Objection: Plan examination offices will issue objections instructing you to either refile or submit an AI1 (requesting administrative continuation under the same application number) with a PER11 Form to the Borough Commissioner’s office.
- Request a PER11 Appointment by Email (see addresses below).
- DOB Enters Fees: The Borough Commissioner’s office will enter the fees due on the AI1 and email you the stamped AI1.
- Pay at the Borough Office: Bring the stamped AI1 to the appropriate borough office and pay the required fees.
- Close the Objection in DOB NOW: Upload proof of payment in DOB NOW as an additional supporting document to resolve the objection.
Where to Email PER11 Appointment Requests
- Bronx: bronxper11appointments@buildings.nyc.gov
- Brooklyn: brooklynper11appointments@buildings.nyc.gov
- Manhattan: manhper11appointments@buildings.nyc.gov
- Queens: queensper11appointments@buildings.nyc.gov
- Staten Island: statenislandper11appointments@buildings.nyc.gov
- HUB: nycdevelopmenthub@buildings.nyc.gov
- Central Development Programs (CDP): cdpfiling@buildings.nyc.gov
What This Means for Your Projects
- Budget for new filing fees when amendments change zoning, use, occupancy, layout, or trigger a fresh Energy Code review.
- If appropriate, keep your original application number for admin continuity by paying all fees for the new scope via the AI1/PER11 route.
- Build in schedule time for the plan examiner’s objection/clearance cycle and borough fee processing.
- Coordinate early with design teams to avoid mid‑stream scope changes that can trigger substantial re‑examination.
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;
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- Consultation and negotiating fines with the NYC or NYS Department of Finance, and other City and State regulatory agencies.
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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.
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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.
