The initial non‑refundable deposit for plan-based building permits has increased to $600. This deposit is required at the time of application and applies regardless of whether the permit is ultimately issued.
The initial non‑refundable deposit for plan-based building permits has increased to $600. This deposit is required at the time of application and applies regardless of whether the permit is ultimately issued.
To encourage more complete and accurate submissions, the Department of Buildings (DOB) has implemented new penalties in addition to the standard $75 zoning application fee:
A $600 penalty (equal to the deposit fee) will be assessed if DOB determines that a permit application is substantially incomplete or otherwise deficient.
A separate $600 penalty will be assessed if DOB determines that the application is not eligible for the review program under which it was submitted.
These penalties are in addition to the non-refundable deposit, making it especially important to confirm eligibility and completeness before filing.
Construction factors for Group A occupancies have been simplified. While this does not necessarily change overall costs, it aims to make fee calculations more straightforward and predictable for assembly-type projects.
The minimum fee for decreasing dwelling units (deconversion) has increased to $1,800. This creates consistency between conversion and deconversion projects from a fee standpoint.
The Express Permit Program will also see some notable improvements later this year:
Expanded Porch Work Options: By Summer 2026, additional types of porch work will be eligible under the Express Permit Program. This expansion should allow more projects to take advantage of faster review times and simplified approvals.
With higher deposits and new penalties now in place, careful preparation and accurate permit classification are more important than ever. At the same time, upcoming changes to the Express Permit Program may provide faster and more affordable pathways for select project types later in 2026.
If you’re planning work this year, it’s a good idea to review these updates early, confirm program eligibility, and build the revised fees into your project budget and timeline.MAPS is here to help with permit fee estimates, code guidance, and navigating these updates with confidence so your projects stay compliant, on schedule, and on budget.