NYC Work That May Not Need a DOB Permit (1 RCNY 101-14)

Quick Facts

From our city pages and each city's open permit data (refreshed October 30, 2026).

Commonly Exempt Work

• Replacing roof coverings, membrane and insulation above the roof deck, where the Energy Code does not require added insulation.
• Packaged air-conditioning units of 3 tons or less in an existing window or sleeve.

Every Project Type in New York

These summaries come from the same official sources as our city pages and were last checked October 30, 2026. Permit counts are the city's own open-data records for the last 12 months.

Roofing: Sometimes

Under 1 RCNY §101-14, replacing roof coverings, membrane and insulation above the roof deck can be an ordinary repair that is exempt from a DOB permit, as long as the Energy Conservation Code does not require added insulation. Replacing the roof deck or sheathing requires a permit.

• Roof covering replacement above the deck may be exempt (1 RCNY §101-14).
• Replacing roof deck or sheathing requires a permit.
• Landmarked buildings still need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval.
• New York issued 6,622 matching permits in the last 12 months, with a median of 268 days from application to issue.

Source: 1 RCNY §101-14: Work that may or may not require a permit

HVAC: Usually Yes

Most heating and central air work needs a DOB permit. 1 RCNY §101-14 exempts a packaged air-conditioning unit of 3 tons or less installed in an existing window or sleeve, and some voluntary systems serving one floor that do not penetrate a roof, floor or fire-rated wall.

• Exempt: packaged AC units up to 3 tons in existing windows or sleeves.
• Exempt: voluntary AC/ventilation serving one floor with no lot-line openings or penetrations.
• Gas and oil-burning equipment work requires licensed trades.
• New York issued 4,485 matching permits in the last 12 months, with a median of 51 days from application to issue.

Source: 1 RCNY §101-14: Work that may or may not require a permit (linked above) · Full details: New York HVAC Permits

Solar Panel: Yes

No solar work can be done in New York City without a DOB work permit, a licensed contractor and a Registered Design Professional. Only solar landscape lights are exempt.

• A DOB work permit is required for every solar energy system.
• A licensed contractor and a Registered Design Professional are required.
• Solar landscape lights are the only exemption.
• New York issued 5,493 matching permits in the last 12 months, with a median of 5 days from application to issue.

Source: NYC DOB: Project Requirements for Owner – Solar System

Step-by-Step: What to Do

1. Check whether your job is an ordinary repair or minor alteration on the DOB list.
2. Check landmark status and co-op or condo rules, which can apply even without a DOB permit.
3. For home improvement work, hire a contractor with a DCWP license.
4. Use a Licensed Master Plumber or Licensed Electrician for regulated trade work.
5. Keep records of what you did and why it was exempt.

Work That Still Needs a Permit

• Replacing roof deck or sheathing.
• Any solar installation (licensed contractor and Registered Design Professional required).
• Most central heating and cooling work.

Landmarked buildings may also need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval.

New York City Permit Pages

See New York Roofing Permits, New York Solar Panel Permits and New York Building Permits.

Ordinary Repairs Versus Alterations

New York City distinguishes between ordinary repairs, which can be done without a permit, and alterations, which need one. The rule in 1 RCNY §101-14 is the city's version of an exemption list, similar in purpose to IRC R105.2 (see Work That Does Not Need a Building Permit: IRC R105.2 Exemptions). Work that affects structure, fire safety, egress, or the building's gas, plumbing or electrical systems generally falls outside ordinary repairs. Electrical and plumbing work in NYC is typically done by licensed trades who file their own permits.

Common Homeowner Projects in NYC

The DOB's "Do I Need a Permit?" page is the best place to confirm a specific project.

Landmarks, Co-Ops and Condos

In New York, a DOB exemption is rarely the only approval. Buildings in historic districts or individual landmarks may need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval for exterior work, and co-op and condo boards commonly require alteration agreements, insurance and licensed contractors even for permit-exempt work. Ask your managing agent before scheduling contractors.

Solar in New York City

The DOB's solar requirements page says solar installations need a licensed contractor and a Registered Design Professional. Rooftop access, setbacks and fire department rules also apply. See Solar Panel Permit Rules for Homeowners for how other cities handle solar.

Checking NYC Permit History

NYC publishes DOB NOW approved permits as open data, searchable by address. Before buying, look up the building's permit history and any open permits; How to Look Up Building Permits for a House explains how.

Before You Start Exempt Work

Even when work does not need a DOB permit, keep a record of what you did and why you relied on the exemption: the section of 1 RCNY §101-14, photos and invoices. Building managers, buyers and lenders may ask. If you are unsure, the DOB's guidance pages and licensed professionals can confirm whether work is an ordinary repair. For a model-code comparison, see Building Permit Inspections: What Inspectors Check and When for how permitted work is checked.

Licenses, Plumbing and Emergency Work

The DOB's "Do I need a permit?" page lists painting, plastering, installing cabinets, replacing plumbing fixtures, resurfacing floors and non-structural roof repairs as work that needs no permit, but notes the contractor must still hold a Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) home improvement license. Exemptions are spelled out in Administrative Code §28-105.4.5; ordinary plumbing work under §28-105.4.4 must be done by a Licensed Master Plumber. When emergency work is done without a permit, DOB must be notified within 2 business days. Service equipment rules are in 1 RCNY 101-14, Table 2.

Who Issues Permits in New York

Residential permits in New York are issued by the NYC Department of Buildings. Its website has the current application portal, fee schedule and inspection scheduling. Issued permits are published as open data in DOB NOW: Build – Approved Permits, which is the source of the permit counts and recent permits shown on our New York pages. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the department before you start work.

Frequently Asked Questions