Alt-1 vs Alt-2 vs Alt-3 Permits in NYC
Most construction on an existing NYC building needs a Department of Buildings permit, and the filing type decides how the job is reviewed and how it closes out.
Contractors, architects and owners still say Alt-1, Alt-2 and Alt-3. In DOB NOW: Build, where most jobs are now filed, the names are different.
The short version
| Older name (BIS) | What it covers | DOB NOW: Build job type | How the job closes out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alt-1 (Alteration Type 1) | Major alteration that changes the use, egress or occupancy | Alteration-CO (ALT-CO) | New or amended certificate of occupancy |
| Alt-2 (Alteration Type 2) | Multiple types of work that don't change use, egress or occupancy | Alteration | Letter of completion |
| Alt-3 (Alteration Type 3) | One type of minor work that doesn't change use, egress or occupancy | Alteration | Letter of completion or sign-off |
How DOB NOW decides between Alteration-CO and Alteration
When a filing is created, DOB NOW asks a series of scope questions. If any answer is yes, the job is an Alteration-CO:
- Is the alteration inconsistent with the current certificate of occupancy?
- Is there a change in occupancy or use?
- Is there a major change to exits?
- Is there a change in the number of stories (for 3-family or other building types)?
- Does the alteration need to meet New Building requirements? A yes here makes it an Alteration-CO, New Building with Existing Elements to Remain.
If every answer is no, the job is an Alteration.
Get this right the first time. Once the job is saved, DOB says the job type can't be changed. If it needs to change after submission, the filing has to be withdrawn and a new one created.
Examples
- Converting a two-family house to a three-family house, or commercial space to residential: Alt-1 / Alteration-CO. The job ends with a new C of O. See certificates of occupancy.
- An interior renovation with new partitions, plumbing and other work that doesn't change use, egress or occupancy: Alt-2 / Alteration.
- A single minor item of work: Alt-3 / Alteration.
- Plumbers' smaller jobs may go on a Limited Alteration Application (LAA) instead. See NYC plumbing permits.
Which filing your job needs is decided by your Professional Engineer or Registered Architect, the applicant of record who files the plans.
Closing the job out
Alteration-CO jobs end with a final C of O (or a temporary C of O while items are still open). Alteration jobs end with a letter of completion. In both cases, open violations on the job hold up the close-out.
What we do
S & M Expediting is a Class 2 filing representative and NYC-certified M/WBE. We work with your PE or RA on Alt-1, Alt-2 and Alt-3 filings in DOB NOW: Build, track objections and sign-offs, and see the job through to the C of O or letter of completion. See our Alt-1, Alt-2 and Alt-3 permit filing service, or call 718-833-2333.