Q:What is DOB NOW?

A: In an effort to make the inspection process simpler for all those involved, DOB launched an online platform in 2015. You can now schedule virtually all of your inspections online, resulting in a more precise inspection schedule and a much improved tracking and notification system.

To make it even easier, you can also certify qualified objections electronically, thus eliminating the cost of re-inspections entirely. Money that stays in your pocket is always a good thing!

Q: Do I need to schedule my inspections via DOB NOW?

 A: All licensed professionals and property owners are now required to use DOB NOW. Snail mail and even email requests are so last century!

Remember, though, that in order to request and schedule an inspection, you must first register for an account. To register, simply visit the DOB NOW Inspections website, click on the link to register for DOB Now: Inspections, then click on “New Users: Register for an Account” and follow instructions until you’re all set up!

Important: Use the email address that is listed in Section 26 of your PW1 filings when registering for DOB NOW: Inspections. We know you keep changing your email address to escape those super annoying spammers, but the city needs to know exactly who you are.

Q: Which areas require development inspections?

A: You are obligated to request inspections in the following areas:

• Electrical Signs
• Fire Suppression
• Boilers
• Construction Cranes & Derricks
• Elevators
• BPP
• Oil Burning Equipment
• Sustainability
• Plumbing
• High Rise Initiative

Q: Are there any other kinds of inspections I can schedule through DOB NOW: Inspections?

A: You can schedule almost any kind of inspection you can think of, even if it isn’t required, including Builders Pavement Plans, Electrical, House Connections and more.

Q: Can anyone request an inspection?

A: Any NY citizen is allowed to register for an inspection, but all licensees, registered architects, and professional engineers are required to request inspections. Note the word exchange in the above sentence; it makes all the difference!

Q: I’m having trouble registering for the DOB NOW: Inspections. What can I do now?

A: No worries; you’re not the only one who is technologically challenged.

To help ease the hassle of inspections for those finding the process too complicated to navigate on their own, the DOB has set up kiosks in each Borough Office in NY. At these locations, you’ll find assistance from the DOB staff. They’ll guide you through the registration process and even help you link our PIN in DOB NOW: Inspections. It’s the perfect solution for those who prefer humans over machines.

Here’s where you’ll find these kiosks:

• The Bronx:

Bronx Borough Office

1932 Arthur Avenue, 5th Floor

Kiosk location: Old Certificate of Occupancy Room

• Brooklyn

Brooklyn Borough Office

210 Joralemon St, 8th Floor

Kiosk location: Application Processing waiting area

• Manhattan

Manhattan Borough Office

280 Broadway, 4th Floor

Kiosk location #1: Construction/Electrical/Plumbing Inspection waiting area

Kiosk location #2: Elevators/Boilers public waiting area

• Queens

Queens Borough Office

120-55 Queens Blvd

Kiosk location: Inspections Counter, 1st Floor

• Staten Island

Staten Island Borough Office

10 Richmond Terrace, 2nd Floor

Kiosk location: 3rd Floor Inspections

Q: Are there any other resources to assist me with using DOB NOW: Inspections?

A: While you can find many resources online, including from the DOB website itself, we’ve recently compiled everything you need to know about all NYC codes and inspections in our Compliance deFINEd, a comprehensive, yet easily understandable overview to help you navigate the complexities of NYC compliance. Download your free copy today!  Or just give Jaffa a call to clarify any questions you may have about your compliance or inspections.

The post Q&As on DOB Inspections appeared first on Jack Jaffa & Associates.

Did you get all that? That means there are now exactly one hundred and five more inspectors making the rounds at NYC properties than there were just a few weeks ago. That’s a whole lot of newbie inspectors in town!

Does that thought give you the jitters? Worried that with all these new recruits the random inspections will start coming more often? After all, the DOB needs to keep all of these graduates busy! What does all this mean for your property?

No worries; it doesn’t quite work like that! The DOB’s random inspections are determined using a complicated algorithm and are in no way related to the amount of rookie inspectors waiting to get out into the field. It’s a bit more systematic than a supervisor sending a bored inspector to your building on a whim.

Aside from these surprise inspections, don’t forget that all licensees, registered architects, and professional engineers are required to request inspections in the following areas:

• Electrical Signs
• Fire Suppression
• Boilers
• Construction Cranes & Derricks
• Elevators
• BPP
• Oil Burning Equipment
• Sustainability
• Plumbing
• High Rise Initiative

When you requested the inspection yourself and you have more than enough time to prepare for it, it isn’t all that daunting. Random inspections, on the other hand, can be super scary.

Are you constantly looking over your shoulder anxiously awaiting that surprise inspection? Do you have nightmares about the inspector finding you neglectful in any of the hundreds of ways you need to abide by NYC’s compliance code?

Take a deep breath and relax; we’ve got you covered! Our next blog will cover the FAQs you need to know about DOB inspections, so you never have to feel unprepared again. And if you find complying with NYC’s safety regulations and all the accompanying laws overwhelming, just ask us how we can help. Jack Jaffa & Associates is committed to making compliance painless and simple.

With Jack Jaffa & Associates, you’ll never fear an inspection again!

The post DOB Inspector Graduates 105 New Inspectors appeared first on Jack Jaffa & Associates.