Open permits are one of the most common — and most overlooked — compliance issues on NYC properties. They surface during title searches, flag for lenders, and can stop a closing or refinancing cold. In many cases, the current owner had nothing to do with the original work. The previous owner hired a contractor, the contractor never scheduled a final inspection, and the permit sat open on the property record for years.
Whether you discovered an open permit during a sale, a refinance, or a routine property review — the path forward is the same: find every open permit, understand what each one requires, and close them out correctly.
At a Glance
- An open permit means DOB authorized work that was never inspected and signed off
- Open permits are searchable in DOB NOW and BIS by any lender, buyer, or title company
- A permit must show “Signed Off” status in DOB’s system — nothing less counts
- If the original contractor is gone, a new licensed professional can file a superseding application
- Open permits don’t expire — they stay on the record until properly closed
Common Types of Open Permits in NYC
| Permit Type | Why It’s Often Left Open | What’s Needed to Close |
|---|---|---|
| ALT2 / ALT3 | Contractor completed work, never scheduled final DOB inspection | Final inspection + sign-off by DOB |
| Plumbing permits | Work done but DOB final inspection never booked | Plumbing inspection + sign-off |
| Electrical permits | Rough-in done; owner/contractor moved on without final | Electrical inspection + sign-off |
| ALT1 (major alteration) | Complex project; Certificate of Occupancy never obtained | All trade sign-offs + new or amended C of O |
| Boiler permits | Boiler replaced without getting final certificate | DOB boiler inspection + Certificate of Operation |
| Structural/foundation work | Work completed during construction, inspector sign-off missed | Engineering certification + DOB inspection |
How Open Permits Affect Your Property
| Situation | Impact of Open Permits |
|---|---|
| Selling the property | Open permits surface in title searches; buyers’ attorneys and lenders routinely require them closed before closing |
| Refinancing | Many lenders will not fund a loan with open permits on the property record |
| Pulling new permits | DOB can flag the property and refuse to issue new permits until open ones are resolved |
| Certificate of Occupancy | Open permits from prior work can block a new C of O or C of C issuance |
| Holding cost | DOB charges additional fees for permits that remain open beyond their standard term |
How to Close an Open Permit in NYC
The process varies by permit type and how far the original work progressed, but the core steps are consistent:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Search all open permits in DOB NOW or BIS by property address or BIN number |
| 2 | Confirm what work was actually performed — field conditions may differ from what the permit described |
| 3 | Locate the original design professional or contractor — if gone, file a superseding application with a new licensed professional |
| 4 | File any required as-built drawings if the work deviated from original approved plans |
| 5 | Pay any outstanding DOB fees or penalties associated with the permit |
| 6 | Schedule and pass the final DOB inspection |
| 7 | Confirm “Signed Off” status in DOB NOW — the permit must show this status before it’s considered closed |
What if the work was done incorrectly? If the permitted work was never completed properly, or was done in a way that can’t pass a DOB inspection, you may need to bring the conditions up to code before sign-off is possible. This can involve additional construction, engineering review, and amended filings — which is why open permits on inherited properties often take longer than expected to close out.
For Title Companies · Property Managers · Real Estate Firms
Need an expediter you can call on every transaction?
All Boro Expediter works directly with title companies, real estate attorneys, property managers, and investors across all five NYC boroughs. Every violation type. Every borough. One contact for your whole book of business.
Superseding Applications — When the Original Contractor Is Gone
A superseding application allows a new licensed design professional or contractor to take over responsibility for an existing open permit. This is the standard path when the original party is no longer available, unresponsive, or no longer licensed. The new professional takes on responsibility for all outstanding work, inspections, and sign-offs under that permit.
Permit Withdrawal — When the Work Was Never Done
If a permit was pulled but the work was never performed, you can apply to withdraw the permit rather than closing it out with an inspection. Withdrawal removes the open permit from the record without requiring field inspections of completed work. DOB will verify the claim before approving the withdrawal.
Need Help Closing Open Permits?
At All Boro Expediter, Valerie Samuel handles open permit resolution for property owners, investors, and real estate professionals across all five boroughs — including superseding applications, as-built filings, inspection coordination, and permit withdrawals.
Contact All Boro Expediter to get your open permits reviewed and find out exactly what it will take to close them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find open permits on my NYC property?
Search by property address or BIN number in DOB NOW or the Buildings Information System (BIS). The “Permit” section shows all open and closed permits with their current status. Open permits will show statuses like “Issued,” “In Process,” or “Partially Approved” — not “Signed Off.”
Do open permits expire in NYC?
Permits don’t close automatically — they stay open indefinitely until properly signed off or withdrawn. DOB may charge renewal fees for permits that remain open beyond their standard term, and the open status stays on the public record until resolved.
Can open permits stop a property sale in NYC?
Open permits are not technically title defects under New York law, but lenders routinely require them to be resolved before funding a loan. Buyers’ attorneys will flag them during due diligence. In practice, they create significant friction at closing and often need to be resolved or escrowed before a deal can proceed.
What happens if the contractor who pulled the permit is out of business?
You can file a superseding application with a new licensed design professional or contractor who takes over responsibility for the permit and completes the sign-off process. This is the standard path when the original party is gone. All Boro Expediter handles superseding applications regularly.
What is a permit withdrawal?
A permit withdrawal removes an open permit from the record when the authorized work was never actually performed. You apply to DOB for withdrawal; they verify the claim and, if approved, close the permit without requiring a field inspection. It’s the right path when the permit was pulled in error or the project was cancelled before work started.
How long does it take to close an open permit in NYC?
Simple permits where the work is complete and just needs a final inspection can be resolved in 2 to 4 weeks. Complex situations — superseding applications, as-built filings, work that doesn’t meet current code — can take 8 to 16 weeks depending on DOB processing queues and whether additional construction is required before sign-off.
