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NYC Agency Resources

NYC Department of Buildings

The NYC DOB issues building and electrical permits for the 5 boroughs.The NYC Development Hub is DOB’s online filing system. Electrical permit applications are separate from construction and must be submitted by a NYC Master Electrician who works for a registered Electrical Firm. They can also be filed online using the Development Hub. There are 2 ways to file DOB construction permit applications online:

Hub Full-Service Guide
Hub Self-Service Guide
- Hub Self-Service means the NYS Registered Architect or Professional Engineer will certify the application and not request a plan review.

The Buildings Information System (BIS) can be used to track permit applications and find site specific information on any address in the 5 boroughs.

Fire Department of New York

September 2020 Update

Sustainable CUNY's Solar Ombudsmen have worked with FDNY to develop Fire Code flexibility for small, flat-roof buildings less than 25 feet wide, such as brownstones. For those of you who attended our Solar Road Map stakeholder meetings in March, this is one of the forthcoming changes that was discussed.

The full rule clarification is detailed in the NYC Fire Code Guide .

In summary, the new rule clarification will allow certain permanent building features to encroach upon the clear path required by FC504.4 to a limited extent in specific circumstances. As a result, projects that meet these requirements in these circumstances will not have to file for a fire code variance in order to be approved by DOB. Note that DOB's requirements for PTA projects filing with professional certification remain the same, and so projects affected by this new FDNY rule clarification will continue to be required to file via Hub Full Service.

FDNY Code Resources

FDNY requires solar systems to be installed in a specific way to ensure proper rooftop access. The requirements are set forth in Chapter 5 of the Fire Code, Sections 504 & 512. Also see the FDNY slides and recording of the 2021 Solar and Storage Installer Workshop conducted by Sustainable CUNY.

Consolidated Edison

Con Edison is the main electric utility in NYC. They use an online system called Project Center to submit net metering applications. For large systems, utility grid upgrades may be required to handle energy flowing both ways. Contact the Distributed Generation department in advance of signing contacts to receive an initial feasibility assessment or information on potential upgrades that may be required for your project.

NYC Department of City Planning

The NYC DCP is responsible for zoning in NYC. It was ruled that solar does not add an additional story to a building. Panels on sloped roofs cannot be tilted more than 18” off the roof. The Zoning and Land Use Map (ZOLA) can be used to determine the zoning district and other site specific information.

Landmark Preservation Commission

If the building is a designated landmark or in a historical district, a permit must be obtained from the NYC Landmark Preservation Commission prior to submitting to the NYC Department of Buildings. The Buildings Information System (BIS) can be used to determine if the property is a landmark.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) maintains a statewide network of solar electric installers to ensure professional, quality work that meets today’s nationally-recognized standards and practices.

Participating Installers:

Inspect the location to determine the best system size and placement options,
Assist with paperwork for applying to the NY-Sun Incentive Program, including financing options,
Perform the installation and submit all paperwork to NYSERDA on behalf of the customer.