Request Building Permit Records - Brooklyn City Records

Housing and Building Standards New York 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of New York

This guide explains how to request public records about building permits and related filings for properties in Brooklyn, New York. It covers where records are held, how to search permit history, how to make an official request, what forms or portals are used, likely fees and turnaround expectations, and the enforcement offices that handle violations and appeals. Use the official Department of Buildings resources and the city records/FOIL process described below to obtain copies, certified records, or digital permit files for construction, alterations, certificates of occupancy, or complaints.

Start by identifying the exact borough, block and lot (BBL) or street address for the property.

Penalties & Enforcement

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) enforces building, electrical, plumbing and fire-safety requirements and issues violations tied to permits and construction work. Specific penalty amounts and escalation schedules depend on the violation class, code section, and whether the case proceeds to administrative adjudication. Exact fine schedules and escalation details are not specified on the DOB pages cited below; consult the enforcement pages and hearing notices for amounts and deadlines.[1]

  • Enforcer: New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and associated adjudicative bodies for penalties and hearings.
  • Inspection and complaints: file complaints or request inspections through DOB complaint portals and 311; contact links are on DOB pages.[1]
  • Fines: specific dollar amounts "not specified on the cited page"; amounts appear on violation notices and administrative tribunal decisions.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences are treated by notice and by adjudication; precise ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, vacate orders, permit revocations, repair or remediation orders, and court enforcement are used.
  • Appeals and review: administrative hearing processes apply; time limits for appeals appear on hearing notices or adjudicative instructions and are not specified on the cited DOB records pages.
If you receive a violation, follow the date and instructions on the violation notice immediately.

Applications & Forms

  • Permit records and electronic filings are available through DOB NOW and BIS search portals; submission and copies are provided via those systems or by request. DOB NOW: Build[2]
  • Search by address or BBL in the DOB BIS Permit Search to locate permit numbers and filings; copying or certified copies may require an official request. DOB BIS Permit Search[1]
  • For formal public-records requests use the city FOIL/records request procedures; online FOIL submission methods are available on the NYC records page. NYC FOIL and records[3]

Where a specific form number or fixed fee is required for copies or certifications, that information is provided on the DOB or records pages linked above; if a fee or a form number is not shown on those pages, it is "not specified on the cited page" and will be listed on the agency response.

How to

  1. Identify the property: confirm street address and BBL (borough-block-lot).
  2. Search DOB records: use the DOB BIS Permit Search or DOB NOW to find permit numbers, filings, and application histories. DOB BIS Permit Search[1]
  3. Request copies: follow DOB instructions for certified copies or download digital files; when records are not public online, submit a FOIL request via the city records FOIL page. NYC FOIL and records[3]
  4. Pay fees if applicable: the agency will state copy or certification fees in its response; if no fee is listed, the fee is "not specified on the cited page".
  5. Appeal or review: if a request is denied, use the agency appeals process or FOIL administrative appeal instructions provided by the records office.

FAQ

How do I find a building permit for a Brooklyn address?
Search the DOB BIS Permit Search or DOB NOW with the property address or BBL; if records are not available online, submit a records request via the city FOIL page. DOB BIS Permit Search[1]
Can I get certified copies of DOB permits?
Yes; certified copies or official reproductions are provided by DOB or through the records request process — see DOB instructions and FOIL guidance on the city records page. DOB NOW: Build[2]
How long does a public-records request take?
Response times vary by agency and request complexity; specific turnaround times are not specified on the cited pages and will be stated in the agency acknowledgment.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the exact address and BBL to speed searches and requests.
  • Use DOB BIS and DOB NOW for electronic permit history before filing FOIL.
  • Contact DOB or the city records office for certified copies and appeal instructions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] DOB BIS Permit Search
  2. [2] DOB NOW: Build
  3. [3] NYC FOIL and records

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