If you're filing a permit in New York City today, you'll almost certainly do it through DOB NOW — the Department of Buildings' online portal. For owners and contractors used to paper filings, the switch can feel confusing. Here's the plain-English version.
What is DOB NOW?
DOB NOW is the city's web-based system for filing applications, pulling permits, scheduling inspections, paying fees and tracking status. Most construction flows through DOB NOW: Build, while DOB NOW: Safety handles recurring filings like facade and boiler.
What you can do in DOB NOW
- Submit job filings and applications
- Pull and renew permits
- Schedule inspections
- Respond to objections online
- Pay fees and track everything in one place
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent issues are mismatched property records, incomplete professional information, and scopes of work that don't align with the drawings. Any of these can trigger an objection and add weeks.
The bottom line
DOB NOW is powerful but unforgiving of small errors. A clean filing moves quickly; a sloppy one stalls. If you'd rather not learn the system the hard way, that's what we're here for.