As of March 1, 2021, as required by Local Law 160 of 2017, the Department will deny New Building and Alteration-CO permits in DOB NOW if $25,000 or more in covered arrears is owed to New York City with respect to the property for which the permit is being sought, or the owners of the property together owe $25,000 or more in covered arrears to the City.
The Department will send a letter to the owner, permit holder, and applicant notifying them of the Department’s intent to revoke the permit, and give them an opportunity to respond. The letter will include instructions on how to respond and submit documentation.
Those who receive the covered arrears letter will have 15 days to submit one of the following to the Department:
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A clearance letter from the New York City Department of Finance (DOF)
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Proof that one of the exceptions listed in AC Section 28-105.1.2 applies.
What are Covered Arrears?
“Covered arrears” may include any of the following that are not currently in the appeals process:
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Unpaid fines, civil penalties, or judgments entered by a court or OATH; and
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Unpaid and past due fees or other charges assessed by DOB.
Owner’s Attestation Requirement
Owners will have to answer the following two questions in the Owner’s Attestation on Plan/Work (PW1) applications in DOB NOW: Build:
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Are $25,000 or more in covered arrears, that are not currently in the appeals process, owed to the City with respect to the property for which the permit is being sought?
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Do the owners of the property owe, in aggregate, $25,000 or more in covered arrears to the City?
Owners who answer ‘Yes‘ to one or both of the questions will not be allowed to request a permit in DOB NOW: Build for a New Building or Alteration-CO filing unless they certify that one of the exceptions listed in Local Law 160 of 2017 applies.
For DOB NOW inquiries or support, please use the DOB NOW Help Form at www.nyc.gov/dobnowhelp.
