Approvals for a new multifamily building in New York

Due Diligence & Studies

• Boundary / ALTA Survey

  Required

  Fixes the property lines and title exceptions that lenders, boards and designers work from.

• Topographic Survey

  Likely

  Gives the grades and elevations the civil and site design are drawn on.

• Existing Conditions Survey

  Likely

  Records what is on the site today so the design starts from facts.

• Utility Survey

  Likely

  Finds the utility lines on and near the site from mark outs and records.

• Geotechnical Investigation / Report

  Required

  Soil borings and lab tests that tell the engineers how to design the foundations.

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

  Required

  Checks the site history for contamination. Lenders usually require it before closing.

• Phase II Environmental Investigation

  Check locally

  Only if the Phase I warrants it.

• Wetlands Delineation

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Flood / Floodplain Study

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Traffic Study

  Likely

  Shows the board the traffic the project adds. Counts can depend on the season.

• Parking Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it. Parking approach not provided.

• Stormwater / Drainage Study

  Likely

  Shows how the site handles rain under the state and town stormwater rules.

• Utility Capacity Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it.

• Environmental Impact Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it.

• Noise Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it.

• Other Project-Specific Study

  Check locally

  Only if the jurisdiction or program asks for it.

Land Use & Entitlements

• Zoning Verification / Zoning Determination

  Required

  A letter from the zoning officer confirming what the zoning allows on this site.

• Site Plan Approval

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

  Agency

  Town planning board or the board the town designates

  State rule

  The board holds a hearing within 62 days of the application and decides within 62 days after the hearing.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  nysenate.gov

• County Planning Referral

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

  Agency

  County planning board or agency, or regional planning council

  State rule

  The town refers projects near county or state roads or municipal boundaries to the county planning agency, which has 30 days.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  nysenate.gov

• Subdivision Approval

  Check locally

  The town decides whether this applies. Ask the zoning office.

  Agency

  Town planning board

  State rule

  The board holds a hearing within 62 days of a complete plat and decides within 62 days after the hearing.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  nysenate.gov

• Lot Consolidation

  Check locally

  Usual when a project sits on more than one lot.

• Variance (Zoning Board of Appeals)

  Check locally

  The zoning board of appeals sets a reasonable hearing date and decides within 62 days after the hearing.

  Agency

  Town zoning board of appeals

  Source

  nysenate.gov

• Special Use Permit

  Check locally

  The board holds a hearing within 62 days of the application and decides within 62 days after the hearing.

  Agency

  Town planning board or other board the town authorizes

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  nysenate.gov

• Public Hearing

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

• Resolution of Approval

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

• Article 78 Challenge Period

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

  Agency

  State Supreme Court

  State rule

  A court challenge to the board's decision must start within 30 days after the decision is filed with the town clerk.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  nysenate.gov

• Final Plat Filing with the County Clerk

  Likely

  Usual for a new building.

  Agency

  County clerk or register

  State rule

  The signed final plat must be filed with the county clerk within 62 days of final approval or the approval expires.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  nysenate.gov

• Redevelopment Approval

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally. Redevelopment designation not confirmed.

• Historic Preservation Approval

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Housing / Oversight Agency Approval

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Performance Bond or Other Security

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally. Redevelopment designation not confirmed.

  Agency

  Town planning board, with the town board and town attorney

  State rule

  Required improvements are installed before approval, or a performance bond or other security covers their full cost.

  Source

  nysenate.gov

• Off-Site / Off-Tract Improvement Agreement

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Easement Agreement

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Access Agreement

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• Other Land Use Approval

  Check locally

  Depends on how the project is approved. Check locally.

• SEQR Environmental Review

  Likely

  New York requires the reviewing board to decide whether the project may have a significant environmental impact before it approves the plan.

  Agency

  Lead agency under SEQR, usually the planning board

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  dec.ny.gov

Design & Permit Documents

• Civil Design Package

  Required

  The site plan drawings submitted to the board.

• Architectural Design Package

  Required

  The building drawings, from schematic design through the board submission.

• Structural Design Package

  Required

  The structural drawings the building permit is reviewed on.

• Mechanical Design Package

  Required

  The heating, cooling and ventilation drawings for the permit.

• Electrical Design Package

  Required

  The electrical drawings for the permit and the utility load request.

• Plumbing Design Package

  Required

  The plumbing drawings for the permit.

• Fire Protection Design Package

  Required

  The sprinkler and fire protection drawings. The sprinkler design depends on the flow test.

• Fire Alarm / Life Safety Design

  Required

  The fire alarm and life safety drawings for the fire code review.

• Foundation Design

  Required

  The foundation drawings, designed from the geotechnical report.

• Support of Excavation Design

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Landscape Design

  Likely

  The planting and landscape plan, often part of the site plan submission.

• Lighting / Photometric Design

  Check locally

  Only if the program includes it.

• Energy Code Package

  Required

  The energy code report, usually filed with the permit set.

• Elevator Design / Coordination

  Check locally

  Stories not provided. Whether elevators are needed depends on the building height.

• Low Voltage / Technology Design

  Check locally

  Only if the program includes it.

• Security / Access Control Design

  Check locally

  Only if the program includes it.

• Interior Design Package

  Check locally

  Only if the program includes it.

• Permit Drawing Set

  Required

  The signed and sealed drawing sets the building department reviews.

• Issued-for-Construction Drawing Set

  Likely

  The final drawings the trades build from, with the permit comments included.

• Coordination Drawings

  Likely

  Trade coordination drawings made after the contracts are awarded.

Environmental & Site Authorizations

• Soil / Erosion Control Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no New York record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• SPDES General Permit for Construction Activity

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

  Agency

  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

  State rule

  State construction stormwater permit coverage, filed online before you disturb an acre or more. New York City has lower thresholds.

  Source

  dec.ny.gov

• SWPPP Approval

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• State Freshwater or Tidal Wetlands Permit

  Check locally

  A state permit for work in a regulated wetland or adjacent area. DEC decides 45 or 90 days after a complete application.

  Agency

  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  dec.ny.gov

• Protection of Waters Permit

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

  Agency

  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

  State rule

  A state permit to disturb the bed or banks of a protected stream or to excavate or fill in navigable waters.

  Clock

  Set by law

  Source

  dec.ny.gov

• Flood Hazard / Floodplain Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Dewatering / Discharge Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the site or work triggers it.

• Soil Import / Export Approval

  Check locally

  Only if the site or work triggers it.

• Brownfield Cleanup Program Application and Agreement

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

  Agency

  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

  State rule

  Entry to the state Brownfield Cleanup Program for a contaminated site, ending in a signed Brownfield Cleanup Agreement.

  Source

  dec.ny.gov

• Brownfield / Remediation Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Environmental Agency Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

• Air / Dust Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the site or work triggers it.

• Tree Removal Approval

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Wastewater / Sewer Extension Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no New York record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Certificate of Completion (Brownfield Cleanup Program)

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this. Check for wetlands, floodplain or other environmental conditions.

  Agency

  NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

  State rule

  DEC issues a Certificate of Completion after it approves the Final Engineering Report for the cleanup.

  Source

  dec.ny.gov

• Other Environmental Authorization

  Check locally

  Only if the site or work triggers it.

• State Historic Preservation Office Project Review (CRIS)

  Check locally

  A state or federal permit or funding brings a historic and archaeological review by the State Historic Preservation Office.

  Agency

  NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

  Source

  parks.ny.gov

• Natural Heritage Project Screening (Rare Species)

  Check locally

  A screening for rare plants, animals and natural communities when the site is in or near a mapped area.

  Agency

  New York Natural Heritage Program and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

  Source

  dec.ny.gov

Utilities & Infrastructure

• Water Service Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.

• Water Main Extension Permit

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no New York record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Sewer Service Approval

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.

• Electric Service Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no New York record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Gas Service Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no New York record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Fire Flow / Water Capacity Confirmation

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.

• Utility Will-Serve Confirmation

  Check locally

  Likely needed for a project like this, since new buildings need new utility service.

• Utility Authority Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no New York record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Utility Load Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no New York record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Utility Design Approval

  Check locally

  ShovelCue has no New York record for this line yet, so check who handles it for this site.

• Utility Relocation Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Utility Easement Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• NYSDOT Highway Work Permit

  Check locally

  A state highway work permit for a driveway or other work on a state highway the site fronts.

  Agency

  NYS Department of Transportation

  Source

  dot.ny.gov

• County / Regional Road Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Road Opening Permit

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Off-Site Improvement Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Telecom / Fiber Service Approval

  Likely

  Phone, internet and fiber service to the building.

• Railroad / Transit Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

• Other Infrastructure Agency Approval

  Check locally

  Only with work in or access from public infrastructure.

Permits & Construction Authorizations

• Demolition Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when an existing structure is demolished.

• Early Work Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when an existing structure is demolished.

• Site Clearing Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Excavation Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Foundation Permit

  Check locally

  Usual when the work disturbs a large part of the site.

• Building Permit

  Required

  The local code enforcement program issues the building permit under the state Uniform Code and Energy Code.

  Agency

  City, town, village or county code enforcement official

  Source

  dos.ny.gov

• Plumbing Permit

  Required

  The plumbing permit, reviewed on the same clock as the building permit.

• Electrical Permit

  Required

  The electrical permit, reviewed with the building permit.

• Mechanical / HVAC Permit

  Required

  The heating and cooling permit, reviewed with the building permit.

• Fire Protection Permit

  Required

  The sprinkler permit, reviewed by the fire code official.

• Fire Alarm Permit

  Required

  The fire alarm permit, reviewed by the fire code official.

• Elevator Permit

  Check locally

  Stories not provided. Whether elevators are needed depends on the building height.

• Retaining Wall Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Sign Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Pool Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Temporary Structure Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Temporary Power Permit

  Likely

  Lets the utility connect temporary power for construction.

• Fire Department / Fire Marshal Approval

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Health Department Approval

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Other Specialty Permit

  Check locally

  Only if the scope includes it.

• Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance

  Required

  Every occupiable building needs it before use.

  Agency

  City, town, village or county code enforcement official

  State rule

  A certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance is required before using any work done under a building permit.

  Source

  dos.ny.gov

Construction Readiness

• Notice to Proceed / Authorization to Start

  Likely

  The owner and lender release to start, with the permit in hand.

• Preconstruction Meeting Complete

  Likely

  The meeting where the owner, architect and builder agree how the job will run.

• Site Logistics Plan Approved

  Likely

  Staging, haul routes and cranes, reviewed by the owner and the town.

• Site Access Established

  Likely

  The crews and deliveries can get onto the site.

• Parking / Curb Use Approval

  Likely

  Street closures or curb use, usually on urban sites.

• Temporary Power Available

  Likely

  Power on site for construction. Utility scheduling drives the date.

• Temporary Water Available

  Likely

  Water on site for construction from a hydrant meter or a temporary tap.

• Construction Entrance Installed

  Likely

  A stabilized entrance so trucks do not track soil onto the road.

• Erosion / Sediment Controls Installed

  Likely

  Silt fence and controls in place before digging, as the erosion control plan shows.

• 811 Excavation Notice

  Likely

  Notify the one call system at least 2 and no more than 10 working days before excavation or demolition.

  Agency

  New York one call notification system (811)

  Source

  documents.dps.ny.gov

• Site Safety Plan Approved

  Likely

  The safety plan for this site, in place before crews start.

• Emergency Action Plan Complete

  Likely

  What crews do in an emergency on this site.

• Adjacent Property Documentation Complete

  Likely

  Photos and a condition survey of neighboring buildings before work starts.

• Adjoining Property Access Agreement

  Likely

  Agreements to work from or protect a neighbor property. Tight lots make these slow.

• Construction Fencing / Security Ready

  Likely

  Fencing and security around the site before work starts.

• Third-Party Testing Agency Engaged

  Likely

  The special inspections agency named on the permit.

• Survey Control Established

  Likely

  The surveyor sets control points so the building goes in the right place.

• Required Site Signage / Postings Complete

  Likely

  The permit placard and the labor postings on site.

• Temporary Facilities Ready

  Likely

  Trailers, toilets and other temporary facilities on site.

• Crane / Hoist Logistics Approved

  Likely

  Street use and pick plans for cranes, plus an FAA filing if the height calls for it.

• Major Utility Relocations Complete

  Likely

  Utility lines in the way are moved before the main work starts.

• Site Ready to Mobilize

  Likely

  The milestone for your target construction start.

Sources

• nysenate.govSite Plan Approval
• nysenate.govCounty Planning Referral
• nysenate.govSubdivision Approval
• nysenate.govVariance (Zoning Board of Appeals)
• nysenate.govSpecial Use Permit
• nysenate.govPerformance Bond or Other Security
• dec.ny.govSEQR Environmental Review
• dec.ny.govSPDES General Permit for Construction Activity
• dec.ny.govState Freshwater or Tidal Wetlands Permit
• dec.ny.govProtection of Waters Permit
• dec.ny.govBrownfield Cleanup Program Application and Agreement
• dec.ny.govCertificate of Completion (Brownfield Cleanup Program)
• parks.ny.govState Historic Preservation Office Project Review (CRIS)
• dec.ny.govNatural Heritage Project Screening (Rare Species)
• dot.ny.govNYSDOT Highway Work Permit
• dos.ny.govBuilding Permit
• documents.dps.ny.gov811 Excavation Notice

Items with no source link come from the national list and are decided by the town or the site. Ask the local office.

Other project types in New York

• New single family home
• Retail tenant fit out
• Deck or porch