DOB is always looking into ways to enhance building safety through the use of innovation technology.

ENR New York recently published an article on the agency's new comprehensive drone report which discusses the potential use of drones for building inspections. The report provides a deep dive into the regulatory landscape affecting unmanned aircraft systems use in NYC, drone use in other jurisdictions, and how drones can potentially be used for inspections within the five boroughs.

"The report ultimately recommends further study of the issue before any action is taken, but does concede that drone use is continuously expanding, and 'the City will want to investigate additional rules or guidelines needed to ensure public safety in the future from a wide range of perspectives.'"

Read ENR New York’s Article

Read our Drone Report

It's our job to keep all New Yorkers informed about our services here at the Department of Buildings. On that note, please be advised that the Customer Service Atrium at 280 Broadway in Manhattan will be closed Friday, December 3, 2021, for all drop-off and in-person transactions due to office renovations.

The affected offices include:

• Manhattan Borough Director’s Office

• Manhattan Borough Office Cashier

• Central Cashier

• Licensing Unit

The Customer Service Atrium will reopen on Monday, December 6th. All other DOB offices will be open to the public from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm for in-person and drop-off transactions.

Read the Service Notice

Check Out DOB’s Service Updates Webpage

Service Notice! Beginning January 1, 2022, elevator work in New York City may only be performed by authorized individuals, that are under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Elevator Agency Director. The Department will be issuing two new Elevator Agency Technician licenses and the Elevator Agency Helper registration to qualified applicants.

Please note that DOB will begin accepting applications for these licenses and registration starting December 11, 2021.

Read the Service Notice

Check Out DOB's Service Updates Webpage

Service Notice! January 1, 2022, property owners will be responsible for the required periodic elevator inspections for any elevator device in their building. These annual inspections will no longer be performed by Private Elevator Agency Directors/Inspectors on behalf of the Department of Buildings, and instead they must be performed by an approved agency contracted by the owner.

These required periodic inspections must be performed between January 1 and December 31 of each year, at least 90 days from the date of any Category 1 testing or previous periodic inspection.

Read the Service Notice

Starting January 1, 2022, property owners who fail to file an acceptable report certifying sprinklers were installed in their building, as required by Local Law 26 of 2004, will be subject to the civil penalties starting at $5,000.

Filings must be submitted to NYCDOBLL26@buildings.nyc.gov.

Learn more about mandated Sprinkler Reports and associated Civil Penalties in DOB's Service Notice.

Check Out DOB's Service Updates Webpage

Part I and II of DOB's virtual guide on resolving Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) summons is now available on our YouTube Channel.

Tune in to learn how to complete forms, certify corrections, comply with penalties, navigate the eFiling system and much more.

And while you're there, be sure to subscribe to stay up to date on all the latest video content at DOB.

Watch Part I

Watch Part II