In order to construct and install an awning in New York City , you have to obtain a permit. Code enforcement in any city is usually an involved process, because municipal codes are usually lengthy and complex. Therefore, the awning permitting process is not for the faint of heart.
Once you read this, you’ll understand why it’s recommended you seek the help of an experienced commercial NYC awning company. Working through a pro will ensure your application is complete and accurate, so the approval process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Step 1: Landmark or not?
The first thing you’ll need to do is determine whether your building carries official landmark status. Even your building is located in a designated historic district, the same rules apply even if the building itself isn’t considered a landmark.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission regulates and approves work proposed for officially designated buildings. If your NYC awning will be retractable, you may be eligible for a staff-level permit approval; otherwise your application will go before the Commission for review. Once you have their approval, you can apply for a permit from the Building Department.
Step 2: Obtaining your NYC awning permit.
There are two main components to the awning permit application:
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The application form. This has to carry notarized signatures of a licensed awning installer as well as your landlord.
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Drawings that depict in detail how you propose to construct and install your NYC awning. That includes elevations and attachment details.
Once you have these things in hand, you can take them to your borough’s Building Department and submit them. Note that every borough has its own Building Department, so you’ll need to go to the right one. Also be sure your NYC awning installer is properly licensed in that borough – they only need one license for New York City as a whole, but they have to provide a separate insurance bond for each borough.
Building inspectors are busy, which means it may take some time to get your application formally approved. So you may want to opt for Plan B, an alternative called “self certification.” This allows you to have an architect or engineer review your plans against NYC awning codes instead. They will stamp your plans, attesting that they conform to regulations.
Self-certification costs more — in the neighborhood of $2000 — but it typically takes just a couple of weeks to obtain your permit rather than waiting much longer.
Step 3: Final inspection.
Once your NYC awning is in place, the building inspector will make an in-person visit to ensure all is well, and he or she will give you that all-important final sign-off.
It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know.
Understanding the permitting process for an NYC awning is just the beginning. The truth is, like most municipal employees, those in the various borough building departments are overloaded with paperwork. They have lots of permits to review, not just yours and not just for awnings.
Getting to know your local building inspectors and making an effort to build an ongoing working relationship with them can do wonders to help smooth the permitting process for your NYC awning as well as other projects. Personal relationships build trust and confidence, so the next time you apply for an NYC awning permit, the inspector won’t have to wonder who you are or whether you know the regulations.
Permitting is not just for brand new awnings.
Think you can skip all this paperwork because you’re merely recovering your existing awning, for which you already have a permit? Not the case. You must obtain a permit for NYC awning upgrades, too.
