Ready to rebuild or take on a new project? The Buildings Department aims to make that process easier with a user-friendly renovation.
The department is revamping its Manhattan office on the third floor of 280 Broadway to focus on efficiency. Changes will include dedicated meeting spaces where building professionals can meet with city plan examiners, as well as easier access to code and zoning specialists. The Buildings Department hopes the renewed emphasis on collaboration will lead to more timely approval of project plans.
The 5,000-square-foot space will also allow room for new computers where examiners can review plans in an electronic format, an improvement over the previous paper-only policy. Designers will be able to submit plans from their own offices, a step intended to build on the progress established by the NYC Development Hub, the project review center that opened in October 2011. The Hub allows over 90% of construction documents to be filed online and is currently the only location accepting digital applications.
All plan examination tasks for the department’s Manhattan office will move to the sixth floor of the building during the renovations. However, pre-filing operations have permanently moved to the third floor, where two new customer service areas will assist you with pre-filing requirements.
