NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) regulates how your dispensary is built, altered, and approved for lawful use. If work is not permitted, inspected, and signed off by DOB, you cannot legally open and may be shut down at any time.
These rules apply even if you have never dealt with construction, permits, architects, or Certificates of Occupancy before.
What This Covers
- Buildout and alteration rules
- Permit and professional requirements
- Egress and exit standards
- Bathroom and plumbing requirements
- Inspections and sign-offs
- Enforcement authority
Buildout Rules
Any change to your space must comply with NYC Building Code requirements.
- Any work beyond paint or décor requires DOB permits
- Walls, doors, storage rooms, cash rooms, security rooms, and sales areas must match approved plans
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural work must be filed and performed by licensed contractors
- You cannot open to the public until DOB issues required sign-offs or a Certificate of Occupancy (CO or TCO)
- All work must comply with ADA accessibility requirements
If DOB did not approve the work, it is considered illegal.
Permits and Professionals
Most retail buildouts require multiple filings.
- Common permits include:
- ALT-2 permits for interior layout changes
- Electrical permits for wiring, outlets, POS circuits, and lighting
- Plumbing permits for bathrooms, sinks, and drains
- Mechanical permits for HVAC and ventilation
- You must hire:
- A Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE) to file plans
- Licensed contractors to perform and sign off on work
DOB violations or stop-work orders delay openings and are costly to resolve.
Egress and Exits
DOB enforces strict life-safety requirements.
- Required number of exits must be provided for the approved occupancy
- Exits must remain unlocked and unobstructed during business hours
- Exit paths must stay clear of storage, displays, or clutter
- Exit signs must be illuminated and code-compliant
- Door swings, corridor widths, and travel distances must match approved plans
Blocked or non-code exits can result in immediate shutdown.
Bathrooms
Restroom requirements are enforced under plumbing and occupancy codes.
- At least one employee restroom is required
- Public restrooms are not required unless previously approved for the space
- Bathrooms must be ADA-accessible unless the building qualifies for an exemption
- Any bathroom renovation requires DOB permits and sign-offs
Bathroom accessibility failures are a common cause of DOB violations for cannabis retailers.
Inspections
DOB inspections confirm that the space is legal and safe.
- Inspectors verify:
- Construction matches filed drawings
- Proper installation of partitions, secure rooms, and sales areas
- Electrical and plumbing sign-offs are complete
- Exits, signage, emergency lighting, and accessibility comply
- Occupancy limits are accurate and posted
- Permits are active, visible, and valid
Any unapproved work can result in violations, even minor changes.
Enforcement and Oversight
Identifies the enforcing authority.
- Enforcement agency: New York City Department of Buildings (DOB)
- DOB may issue violations, fines, stop-work orders, or vacate orders
What Operators Usually Miss
- Minor interior changes often still require permits
- CO or TCO is required before opening
- ADA issues frequently delay approvals
- Unfiled work is treated as illegal construction
When This Comes Up
- Lease execution and site planning
- Buildout and renovation
- Pre-opening inspections
- License issuance delays
What Happens If You Ignore This
- Stop-work orders
- Fines and DOB violations
- Inability to open legally
- Forced corrective construction
- Significant delays and added costs
Related Pages
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