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PROPERTY RECORDS & MAPS
Architects/Design Firms are typically the first consultants engaged at the start of an alteration or new development project. There are many factors to consider before embarking on the journey of the regulatory filing process. PRIOR to jumping into schematic design, the Architect can use the following NYC public recourses to help streamline and prepare a filing strategy.

DCP – ZOLA NYC’s Zoning & Land Use Map
NYC’s Zoning and Land Use Map is a very resourceful tool when obtaining property information including zoning districts, boundaries, tax lot descriptions, historical data etc. Using and cross-referencing DOB-BIS and DCP-ZOLA will typically provide the most up-to-date information that corresponds directly with records on file with NYC Governing Agencies.

DOF – Tax Maps
Use DCP-ZOLA webpage for a direct link to access recorded Department of Finance Tax Maps. In the pre-design phase of the project and/or for properties that do not have an updated architectural or title survey, the Architect can make use of the dimensions specified on the recorded tax map needed for a preliminary Zoning Analysis.

DOB – PROPERTY PROFILE (BIS or DOBNOW)
Search property records to get the basic information needed for about a specific building/property. Building Information System (BIS) or DOBNOW are public portals of building and property records containing information needed to prepare a due-diligence and appropriate Filing Strategy. BIS is also the tool used to search documents specific to a previously filed DOB application.

BIN #: Building Identification:

Lots with more than 1 building will have multiple BIN #’s. You want to AVOID filing an application under the wrong BIN number. This can cause delays and/or may require that you REFILE such application under the correct BIN.

Tax Block/Tax Lot:

Find information about a specific tax lot via DOF-Tax Maps. A tax lot may also represent a Zoning Lot. Sometimes a property may have multiple tax lots on a single Zoning Lot. Yes, there is a difference. To confirm, refer to a site survey of the property or the Zoning Summary/Analysis, if available.

Community Board (C.B.):

The first number is the Borough (1-MN, 2-BX, 3-BK, 4-QN, 5-SI). The last number is the actual C.B. within the specific Borough. In this case, “104” this is Community Bd. 4 in the borough of Manhattan (Chelsea & Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen). It’s possible to cross paths with CB’s during a Landmarks Review Process for a Landmarked Building requiring Commission approval & hearings.

Certificates of Occupancy (CofO):

This is the first step to verifying whether an Existing Building has a valid CofO on record. Sometimes there are multiple records available and they are NOT in any particular order on DOB-BIS system. The fewer CofO’s listed, the easier it will be to select the correct and latest CofO or Temporary CofO (TCO) on file.

GOVERNING AGENCIES HAVING JURISDICTION
The information obtained from DOB-BIS Property Profile includes applicable restrictions for the property that may require approvals, in addition to DOB, from other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction.

DOB - Department of Buildings
DOB-HUB - NYC Development-HUB
LPC - Landmarks Preservation Conservation
DCP - Department of City Planning
DEP - Depart. of Environmental Protection
OER - Office of Environmental Remediation
FDNY - NYC Fire Department
DOF - Department of Finance
ECB - OATH & Environmental Control Board
DOT - Department of Transportation
HPD - NYC Housing Preservation & Development
MOPD - Mayors office for People w/ Disabilities
TA - Transit Authority/MTA

Approval from NYC Governing Agencies varies with each building, property and scope of work. Many times, when approval from multiple agencies is required, such agency (i.e. Landmarks, and/or OER) shall approve the proposed alteration PRIOR to DOB approval.

A simple way to verify which agency will require a review and approval of the proposed filing drawings is to refer to the property profile on DOB – Building Information System (BIS). Many properties within the 5 Boroughs of NYC typically require approval from more than one agency as shown in the following examples: