New York County, NY Permit Requirements: Renovation Permits (2026)

The NYC Department of Buildings requires permits for most renovation work. Alteration permits are categorized into three types: Alteration-CO (Alt-1) for projects that change a building's use, egress, or occupancy, which require a new Certificate of Occupancy; Alteration-2 (Alt-2) for projects involving multiple types of work that do not change use, egress, or occupancy; and Alteration-3 (Alt-3) for single-type minor alterations. Common permit-exempt work includes painting, cosmetic repairs, replacing kitchen cabinets (without moving plumbing), and replacing fixtures in kind. Work that changes plumbing, electrical, structural elements, or layout requires a permit. Manhattan-specific considerations include Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) review for the approximately 50% of buildings in or adjacent to historic districts, co-op and condo alteration agreements requiring board approval, and high-rise-specific structural and fire safety regulations. Permit applications require plans prepared by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer for most work beyond minor alterations.