5 Essential Permits You Need Before Renovating Your NYC Home

Renovating in New York City can feel overwhelming. Between strict building codes and a maze of renovation permit requirements, it’s easy to make costly mistakes. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Brooklyn or restoring a brownstone in Harlem, understanding NYC building permit types is crucial for avoiding delays and fines.

Before you start crossing items off your home renovation checklist, make sure you have the proper permits in place. Below, we break down five of the most common permits NYC homeowners need before starting their remodel.

NYC Renovation Permits You Need to Know Before Starting Your Remodel

Every major home improvement in NYC comes with a specific set of regulations, and permits are at the heart of that process. Whether you’re updating a bathroom, modernizing your electrical system, or planning historic home renovations, chances are you’ll need approval from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) or another city agency.

Here are five essential NYC building permit types you should understand before starting any construction or remodeling project.

1. General Construction Permit

Most large-scale renovations, such as removing walls, reconfiguring layouts, or altering load-bearing structures, require a general construction permit issued by the DOB. Even relatively minor upgrades can fall under this requirement if they impact a building’s structure or change its use.

Tip: Your contractor should handle this permit on your behalf, but always confirm that the permit has been filed and approved before any work begins.

2. Plumbing Permit

If your renovation involves new plumbing lines, fixture upgrades, or relocating key components like sinks or toilets, you’ll need a plumbing permit. These are commonly required for kitchen overhauls, bathroom additions, or installing new laundry connections.

Example Projects:

• Adding a bathroom to a multi-unit dwelling
• Moving a kitchen sink to a different wall
• Installing a washer/dryer hookup

Plan Ahead: Plumbing permits can take extra time to process, especially in buildings with shared systems. Include this in your home renovation checklist to avoid delays.

3. Electrical Permit

Any updates to your home’s electrical system, including installing outlets, replacing panels, or updating lighting, require an electrical work permit. Only a licensed electrician registered with the DOB can file this permit.

Why It Matters: Unpermitted electrical work is not only a safety risk, but it can also void your homeowners’ insurance. When reviewing NYC building permit types, electrical permits are among the most critical.

4. Landmark Approval (If Applicable)

If your home is located in a Landmark District or is itself a designated Landmark (common in neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, Greenwich Village, or parts of Harlem), any exterior or structural changes require Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) approval.

This applies even to seemingly small changes, such as replacing windows or altering a front door.

Pro Tip: Historic home renovations in NYC often come with additional oversight. Use the NYC Landmark Map early in your planning phase to determine whether LPC approval will be necessary.

5. Tenant Protection Plan (TPP)

For buildings that remain occupied during construction, the DOB requires a Tenant Protection Plan (TPP). This plan outlines how construction teams will mitigate hazards such as dust, noise, or blocked exits, ensuring the safety of all residents.

Example: If you’re renovating one floor of a brownstone while continuing to live on another, a Tenant Protection Plan NYC filing is mandatory.

Including the TPP in your renovation permit requirements helps prevent costly shutdowns and protects tenants throughout the process.

Navigating NYC building permit types may feel complex, but with the right knowledge and the right contractor, you can avoid common pitfalls. Whether it’s obtaining a general permit, plumbing approval, an electrical work permit, or filing a tenant protection plan, every step matters in keeping your project legal, safe, and efficient.

At Reset Renovation, we guide homeowners through every phase, from permit filings to final inspections, so you don’t have to worry about the red tape. Let us help you bring your vision to life while staying compliant and stress-free. Ready to renovate your NYC home with confidence? Let’s connect.