In New York City, construction, demolition and abatement operations are primarily regulated by the Department of Buildings, Department of Environmental Protection, and Fire Department. Depending on the nature of the work, building owners and contractors must receive permits from and be inspected by some combination of these three agencies

In order to enhance the regulation, oversight, and safety of construction, demolition, and abatement activities, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg issued a comprehensive  report (1,145 kb) on these activities, including   33 recommendations (1,145 kb) developed by the Construction, Demolition, and Abatement Working Group chaired by Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler and comprised of the Fire Department (FDNY), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the Law Department.

The following departments oversee and regulate construction, demolition and abatement activities:

Department of Buildings
Buildings issues permits for construction and demolition activities in the City of New York. The department inspects plans and sites to verify that appropriate protocols are followed.

Fire Department of New York
FDNY issues permits for hazardous materials, some of which may be in use on construction and demolition sites. In addition, uniformed and non-uniformed members of FDNY inspect construction and demolition sites to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.

Department of Environmental Protection
DEP oversees and inspects asbestos abatement activities throughout the City, whether conducted independently of or in association with construction or demolition activities.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Anyone involved in the construction, demolition and/or asbestos abatement operations in New York City should review all of the applicable codes, rules and regulations governing those activities in New York City, including, but not limited to, all relevant provisions of the New York City Fire Code and FDNY Rules; the New York City Construction Codes and DOB rules; and the New York City Air Code and the DEP Asbestos Rules and Regulations/Asbestos Control Program.

The information contained on this and other websites should not be considered complete or definitive information as to the legal requirements for construction, demolition and/or asbestos abatement activities in New York City.   Professional guidance should be sought to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.