Department of Buildings Permit Challenges

In 2009, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) proposed a new system for considering challenges to their granting of permits for new buildings based upon zoning compliance.

The proposed system formalized the procedure for challenging DOB decisions and required that building diagrams be posted on-line. However, the system would also create a very brief 30-day window after which DOB would not have to consider challenges to building permits, even if the planned development clearly violates the zoning, and would require members of the public to monitor the DOB website to know when such permits have been approved. Village Preservation advocated for changes to the proposal.