DOB Launches Boiler Equipment Filings, LAAs in DOB NOW
By Rose Perez 
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) continues the migration to DOB NOW, the agency’s online platform. In September, boiler equipment filings and Limited Alteration Applications (LAA) will become the latest filings required in DOB NOW: Build.
Boiler Equipment Filings
Two big changes are happening in the area boiler applications. First, DOB is combining boiler (BO), fuel burner (FB), and fuel storage (FS) applications under a single work type: boiler equipment (BE). Second, all new boiler-related filings must be submitted in DOB NOW: Build, as of September 3, 2019.
Any BL, FB, and FS applications that have not received “D” status in the Buildings Information System (BIS) by 4:00 p.m. on August 30, 2019, must be re-submitted through DOB NOW: Build.
The new BE work type means that all three components—boiler, fuel burner, and fuel storage—can be filed on a single work permit, with one set of plans. In addition, the BE application will specify a scope of work category: new installation, modification, or replacement. One work permit will cover all selected components (BO, FB, and/or FS).
Limited Alteration Applications
Effective September 16, 2019, all LAA filings must be submitted electronically in DOB NOW: Build. Any LAA filings in BIS with a “disapproved” status on this date must be filed in DOB NOW to continue with the application.
If the permit status is either “pre-filed” or “disapproved” and the application is not continuing, applicants must request an administrative closure or withdrawal, as described below.
Amendments, Renewals and Supersede Requests
As of September 16, 2019, LAA applications in the BIS will no longer be accepted for post-approval amendments, renewals, or supersede requests. Applicants will need to file such requests as new jobs in DOB NOW, referencing the associated BIS job number in the Proposed Work Summary field.
Once the DOB NOW filing that captures the work of the previous BIS filing has been signed off, applicants need to request an administrative closure of the BIS LAA application.
Expired and Permitted BIS LAA Filings
If no work has been performed and the permit has not yet expired, applicants can:
- Request a withdrawal inspection in DOB NOW: Inspections. After receiving a “Pass/Final” inspection status, applicants need to submit a withdrawal request by email to LAA-PR@buildings.nyc.gov, accompanied by a copy of the OP113 Inspection Report.
- Request an administrative closure or withdrawal.
If work has been performed and the permit is expired, applicants should follow the renewal process described above, using DOB NOW: Build.
If the work has been completed and the permit is active, applicants should start the sign-off process by requesting an inspection in DOB NOW: Inspections.
Administrative Closure or Withdrawal of BIS LAA Filings
To close or withdraw an LAA filing in the BIS, applicants must submit a letter of justification to the LAA Unit. Such letters need to include the superseding DOB NOW or BIS job number and should be either signed and sealed by the applicant of record or signed and notarized by the property owner. Applicants should submit a PDF of the letter to LAA-PR@buildings.nyc.gov.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Metropolis Group at 212.633.6344