New York City’s Small Business Services (SBS) Waterfront Permits Unit is responsible for regulating construction permits for properties under SBS jurisdiction along New York City’s 520-mile waterfront.
Through Milrose’s work on many of New York City’s exciting waterfront developments, we have been able to develop and foster a long-standing relationship with the SBS Waterfront Permits Unit and the Waterfront Plan Examiner. Below we outline the basics of how the agency functions and provide recommendations for streamlining the SBS permit filing process.
When is a SBS waterfront construction work permit required?
An NYC SBS Waterfront Construction Work permit is required when building or renovating any structure on city-owned waterfront property. It is also required when building or renovating piers, bulkheads, seawalls, or docks on privately-owned property.
What does SBS review and permit on CITY-OWNED waterfront properties?
- New Buildings and Alterations
- Maritime Structures: Piers, Docks, Marinas, Bulkheads, Seawalls, Rip Rap Revetments
- Place of Assembly Cert. of Occupancy (PACO)
- Temporary Place of Assembly (TPAs)
- Equipment Use Permits
- Gas Cards
What does the DOB review and permit on CITY-OWNED waterfront properties?
- Central Unit Reviews: Boilers, Elevators, Cranes and Construction Equipment
- Full Building Demolitions and Major Excavations, Scaffolds, Fences
- Electrical Work
- Builders Pavement Plans
What does SBS review and permit on PRIVATELY OWNED waterfront properties?
- Maritime Structures: Piers, Docks, Marinas, Bulkheads, Seawalls, Rip Rap Revetments
- Waterfront Commerce or Navigation Structures
What does the DOB review and permit on PRIVATELY OWNED waterfront properties?
- Non-Maritime Buildings and Structures
- Place of Assembly Cert. of Occupancy (PACO)
- Temporary Place of Assembly (TPAs)
- Central Unit Reviews: Elevators, Boilers, Cranes and Construction Equipment
- Demolitions and Excavations, Scaffolds, Fences
- Electrical Work
- Builders Pavement Plans
How do you file with SBS?
- Go to nyc.gov/waterfrontpermits
- Complete the Intake Checklist
- Prepare all documents, and fees payable by check to SBS per Fee Schedule
- Take an appointment via link online (all intakes by appointment only)
- Large projects require pre-filing meetings and may be requested via link online
Applications are accepted in person at 110 William Street, 7th Floor, by appointment only, between 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday
Important Notes about the SBS Filing Process
- SBS does not have their own set of filing forms - DOB forms are used for all filings
- SBS filing #s consist of 8 digits versus DOB filing #s which consist of 9 digits
- All applications at SBS are professional certified and require all pro-cert forms
- The Intake Checklist is required to be submitted for all filings
- SBS applications can’t be tracked in DOB BIS
- To check the status of an application, email wpu@sbs.nyc.gov
If you have additional questions about how to file a waterfront project through SBS, Milrose Consultants would be happy to assist you. Please contact Milrose’s New York City office for information on our services.
