Instructions to Applicant. A building permit is required for the construction, renovation, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy.Most construction projects in New York City require a building permit. Learn how to apply for and obtain a building permit from the DOB. Our Building Plan Review is a multi-step design review process that we administer jointly with the Department of Buildings (DOB) to help the building community. This article is about the process and protocols for building a house in New York City including some of the bureaucracy. MyHome Renovation makes it easy to get NYC building permits for your home renovation projects. Learn all you need to know about the process here. Go to the jobs filings tab and see what type of applications have been filed for the building. If it's new, you'll see an NB filing (new building).