New York City Dept. of Buildings / Queens

The NYC Department of Buildings ensures the safe and lawful use of over 950,000 buildings and properties by enforcing the City's Building Code, Electrical Code, Zoning Resolution, New York State Labor Law and New York State Multiple Dwelling Law. Our main activities include performing plan examinations, issuing construction permits, inspecting properties, and licensing trades. We also issue Certificates of Occupancy and Place of Assembly permits. Anyone who intends to demolish, alter, build an addition or erect a new structure must obtain a building permit from the Department to ensure that the resulting house, loft, apartment, office, garage, house of worship or any other residential, commercial or industrial structure complies with all applicable laws. Fees are based on the size of the structure for new buildings/enlargements or, for alteration or demolition work, the estimated cost of the project.