In August 2016, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) launched DOB NOW, a $29.6 million-dollar computer system meant to replace the agency’s paper filing system. The system launched to a small set of beta testers and only allowed the filing of sprinkler and plumbing paperwork, but has since been slowly expanding its capabilities and user base.

The DOB NOW system is comprised of four main components:

• DOB NOW: Inspections is the new name for Inspection Ready. All current functionality remains the same for online scheduling, tracking, and notifications, as well as enforcement and development inspections.

• DOB NOW: Build gives you online access to job filings, permits, and Letters of Completion.

• DOB NOW: Safety gives you online access to compliance filings, such as for façades, elevators, or boilers.

• DOB NOW: Licensing allows online exam filing, issuance, and renewal for Licensees. (Coming Soon)

Three new filing options were launched this month—1) Boiler Compliance Filings 2) Antenna and 3) Curb Cut Job Filings.

The DOB plans to release the following filing types this fall:

• Sidewalk Shed
• Supported Scaffold
• Fence
• Sign Job Filings

The Department hopes to launch additional filing options during the fourth quarter of 2017; the categories and schedule dates for these have not been announced yet.

Summer
Boiler Compliance Filings (DOB NOW: Safety)
As of July 29^th, 2017, Boiler Inspection Cycle compliance filings are no longer being accepted in-person. Upon the launch of the Boiler Compliance Filings on August 14^th all 2017 Boiler Inspection Cycle filings must be submitted through DOB NOW: Safety. 

Antenna and Curb Cut Job Filings (DOB NOW: Build)
Current filings with an existing BIS job number will continue to be processed in-person in the borough offices or online through eFiling, however, all new Antenna and Curb Cut job filings must be submitted through DOB NOW: Build as of August 28^th.

Fall
Sidewalk Shed, Supported Scaffold, Fence, and Sign Job Filings (DOB NOW: Build)
All current filings with a BIS job number will continue to be processed in-person in the borough offices or online through eFiling. As of October 16^th, the scheduled launch date, all new Sidewalk Shed, Supported Scaffold, Fence, and Sign job filings must be submitted through DOB NOW: Build.

Potential Additional Filings to Launch before the end of 2017

• Temporary Place of Assembly & Place of Assembly (Fall)
• Electrical (Winter)
• Elevator (Winter)
• Boiler, Fuel Burning & Fuel Storage (Winter)

To submit these filings one must register for DOB NOW with the DOB’s eFiling system. Anyone with an existing eFiling account may use the same email and password to access DOB NOW. You can visit the NYC DOB website for tips on registering for DOB NOW.

If you have any questions about how any of these changes could affect your current or future projects, please contact Milrose and we will be happy to assist you.