NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)

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

• NYC Zoning
• ADA Accessibility Requirements
• Certificates of Occupancy (CO/TCO)
• Licensing & Permits

Source Material

• DOB Work Permit Requirements
• Certificate of Occupancy (CO/TCO) Guidance
• NYC Plumbing Code
• NYC Egress and Exit Requirements
• NYC Building Code and Construction Codes