DOB NOW Build: A Complete Filing Guide for Expediters — Jobs, Plans, TR1, and Status Tracking
11 min read · Updated 2025-01-15
Complete guide to DOB NOW: Build for NYC expediters: creating job applications, submitting plans, filing TR1 forms, tracking plan examination status, and managing objections.
DOB NOW Filing Process for Expediters
What is DOB NOW: Build and how does it differ from the old BIS system?
DOB NOW: Build is the NYC DOB's current online platform for all permit applications, plan submissions, inspection scheduling, and violation certifications for construction jobs. It replaced the older Building Information System (BIS) for filing purposes. BIS is still used for public record lookups, but all new filings — job applications, plan uploads, TR1 forms, permit renewals, and certifications — are done through DOB NOW. Expediters must create and maintain DOB NOW accounts for themselves and their clients.
How do I start a new job application in DOB NOW?
Log into DOB NOW, select "Create a New Job," and choose the job type (New Building, Alteration Type 1, 2, or 3, Demolition, etc.). Enter the property's BBL (borough-block-lot). DOB NOW populates basic property information automatically. Complete the required fields: job description, estimated cost, proposed occupancy, required disciplines (architecture, structural, MEP), and upload the required documents (plans, ownership authorization, etc.). The application generates a unique Job Number that tracks all activity.
What is a TR1 form and when is it required?
The TR1 (Technical Report — Construction) is a document filed at the start of a project to establish the special inspection program. It lists: the types of special inspections required for the project, the Special Inspection Agency (SIA) that will perform them, the Statement of Responsibility of each party, and the design professional's special inspection requirements. TR1 is required before work begins on any project that requires special inspections. It's filed through DOB NOW as part of the job application.
What is professional certification and how does it speed up DOB approval?
Professional certification (Pro-Cert) allows a licensed PE or RA to certify that submitted plans comply with all applicable codes, allowing DOB to issue the permit without prior plan review. This dramatically speeds up the permit process — often from months to days. However, professionally certified projects are subject to post-approval audits by DOB. If DOB's audit finds code violations in the plans, the permit can be revoked and violations issued. Expediters who recommend Pro-Cert should ensure the design professional is confident in code compliance.
How does plan examination work in DOB NOW?
After submitting plans for standard (non-Pro-Cert) review, DOB NOW assigns the job to a plan examiner. The examiner reviews the plans for compliance with zoning and building code and either approves them or issues objections. Objections are posted in DOB NOW under the job's "Objections" tab. Each objection has a code and description. The applicant (or their expediter) must respond to each objection — either by revising the plans, providing additional information, or arguing why the objection is incorrect.
How do I track the status of a DOB NOW filing?
All status information is available in the DOB NOW job record. Key status indicators: "Application Accepted" (initial filing complete), "Pending Plan Exam" (waiting for examiner assignment), "Objections Issued" (examiner has reviewed and issued comments), "Approved" (plans approved and permit can be issued), "Permit Issued" (active permit), "Work Started" (contractor has triggered inspection mode), "Permit Closed" (sign-off obtained). Check DOB NOW regularly — status changes can happen quickly and missing a response deadline for objections can delay projects significantly.
What common mistakes cause DOB NOW filings to be rejected?
Common rejection causes: (1) Incomplete required fields — DOB NOW requires specific information before accepting a filing; (2) Incorrect job type selection — Alt-1 vs. Alt-2 mismatches cause rejections; (3) Missing or defective plans — plans not in PDF format, missing required data, too large to upload; (4) Missing required prior approvals (Landmarks, FDNY, etc.); (5) Owner authorization issues — DOB requires a signed authorization if the applicant is not the owner of record; (6) Conflicting information between application fields and submitted documents.
How do expediters manage large portfolios of DOB filings?
Effective portfolio management requires: (1) A systematic tracking spreadsheet or software logging every job number, status, next required action, and deadline; (2) Calendar alerts for objection response deadlines, permit expiration dates, and inspection scheduling windows; (3) Regular DOB NOW monitoring — status can change without direct notification; (4) Clear client communication — clients need to know status and what information or decisions are needed from them; (5) Understanding which DOB borough office handles which borough's jobs — some procedures and personnel differ between offices.