New York, NY Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- NYC Construction Codes Title 28
- Inspection types
- Preliminary, compliance, special/progress, final
- Final inspection window
- Within 1 year of last permit
- Sign-off requires
- Satisfactory final inspection report
- Enforcing agency
- NYC Department of Buildings
Summary
New York City's Construction Codes require four categories of Department of Buildings inspection on any permitted job, preliminary, compliance, special/progress, and final, with a satisfactory final inspection mandatory before DOB signs off with a letter of completion or certificate of occupancy.
The inspections set forth in sections 28-116.2.1 through 28-116.2.4 are required or authorized by this code... Preliminary inspection... Compliance inspections... Special inspections, progress inspections and other inspections required during the progress of work... Final inspection. There shall be a final inspection of all permitted work.
Full Breakdown
Under Administrative Code § 28-116.2, permitted construction is subject to preliminary inspections (verifying vacancy claims on 6+ unit buildings), compliance inspections at DOB's discretion, special and progress inspections performed at set stages by approved agencies or special inspectors, and a final inspection after all work is complete. Work must stay exposed and accessible for inspection, and the permit holder bears the cost of any removal or replacement needed to allow it. Per § 28-116.4, DOB issues a letter of completion or certificate of occupancy only after a satisfactory final inspection report and all submittal documents are on file, and can withhold sign-off under § 28-116.5 while fines or civil penalties on the building remain unpaid.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected defects or hazardous conditions found at inspection must be reported in writing to the commissioner and the owner; DOB can withhold the letter of completion or certificate of occupancy until corrected, and separately refuse sign-off while outstanding fines or civil penalties on the building are unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who requests a building inspection in NYC?
Can DOB refuse to sign off my project?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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