Updated: August 10, 2026
The NYC Department of Buildings has issued a Service Notice establishing new Required Documents for certain DOB NOW: Build filings on properties located in designated wetland and coastal areas. Beginning August 17, 2026, qualifying filings will not receive approval until the applicable documents are on file.
How properties are identified
Buildings that the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has identified as being in an area that may be affected by Tidal Wetlands, Freshwater Wetlands, and/or Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas carry a corresponding flag on the DOB NOW Property Profile. The Property Profile displays each check (for example, Tidal Wetlands Map Check, Freshwater Wetlands Map Check, Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Map Check) as “Yes” or “No.”
Job Types and Work Types covered
The new requirements apply to the following:
- New Building (NB): Initial (I1), General Construction (GC) Work Type
- New Building with Existing Elements to Remain (NBEE), and Alteration-CO (Alt-CO) or Alteration (Alt) with Horizontal Enlargement
- Earthwork (EA) and Foundation (FO) Work Types
Required Documents
For each “Yes” flag on the Property Profile, DOB will add two Required Documents to the filing: a DEC Jurisdictional Determination and a DEC Permit.
All applicants must submit the applicable DEC Jurisdictional Determination for each flag on the Property Profile. From there, the Determination governs the next step:
- If the Determination indicates that a DEC Permit is required, the applicable DEC Permit must be submitted prior to approval.
- If the Determination indicates that a DEC Permit is not required, the applicant should submit a waiver request for the DEC Permit Required Document.
Properties with incorrect Property Profile flags
If a property carries a wetlands flag but DEC has issued a Jurisdictional Determination stating that the property is not located in an area that may be affected by Tidal Wetlands, Freshwater Wetlands, and/or Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas, the applicant should upload the DEC Jurisdictional Determination as the Required Document and request a waiver of the DEC Permit Required Document.
What this means for your filings
Applicants filing new buildings, horizontal enlargements, earthwork, and foundation work on waterfront and flood-adjacent properties should confirm their Property Profile flags early. Because these documents are required prior to approval, an incomplete DEC record will hold a filing at the approval stage. Building the DEC Jurisdictional Determination and permit path into your pre-filing planning avoids that delay.
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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.
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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.
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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.
