Last Updated on April 5, 2024 by Jeffrey Calderon

Are you planning a construction project but don’t know which DOT approvals and permits you need in New York City?

With so many departments within DOT, numerous permits and approvals might be required for your construction project. It can be complex to understand which department has jurisdiction.

We understand the struggle which is why we have broken down 84 construction operations requiring DOT Permits & Approvals that will simplify your pre-construction planning.

Get approved quickly and easily with our comprehensive list of construction operations requiring DOT approvals & permits. Our checklist will give you an expediter’s point of view to ensure compliance and move forward with your project.

Construction Operations That Require DOT Permits

1. TRANSFORMER VAULT – IN SIDEWALK AREA

A transformer vault in a sidewalk area is a buried electrical equipment structure located under a sidewalk, designed to house transformers used for distributing power to a local area.

2. TRANSFORMER VAULT – IN ROADWAY AREA

A transformer vault in a roadway refers to underground structures designed to house electrical transformers, typically used to distribute power in a street or highway while allowing vehicles to pass overhead.

3. MAJOR INSTALLATIONS – CABLE

A transformer vault in a sidewalk area is a buried electrical equipment structure located under a sidewalk, designed to house transformers used for distributing power to a local area.

4. RAPID TRANSIT CONSTRUCT/ ALTERATION

The construction or modification of a high-speed public transportation system, such as a subway, light rail, or bus rapid transit, to improve its functionality and meet the demands of a growing population.

5. FUEL OIL LINE

A fuel oil line refers to a pipeline or hose used to transport heating oil, diesel, or other petroleum products from a storage tank to a furnace or engine.

6. VAULT CONSTRUCTION OR ALTERATION

Building or modifying a secure underground chamber or room, typically used for storage of valuable items or protection against theft, natural disasters, or other risks.

7. RESET, REPAIR OR REPLACE CURB

Fixing or replacing a curb, the concrete or stone edge along a street or sidewalk, which may have become damaged, settled, or otherwise altered due to wear and tear, weather, or other factors.

8. PAVE STREET-W/ ENGINEERING & INSP FEE

Paving a street with asphalt or concrete, with the added cost of hiring an engineer and inspector to oversee the project and ensure compliance with Highway Rules.

9. TREE PITS

Building or modifying a small area of soil, typically surrounded by paving or concrete, in which trees are planted to provide shade and beautification in urban areas.

10. CONSTRUCT OR ALTER MANHOLE &/OR CASTING

Building or modifying a manhole, an access point for underground utility lines, and its surrounding frame or cover, typically made of cast iron or concrete, to improve maintenance and access to the utilities.

11. REPAIR ELECTRIC/COMMUNICATION

Fixing or upgrading electrical and communication systems, including power and data transmission cables, to restore or improve their functionality and reliability.

12. LEADER DRAIN UNDER SIDEWALK

A pipe, usually made of PVC or metal, that directs rainwater or other runoff from a rooftop or surface into a larger drainage system, often running under the sidewalk to a storm sewer or other discharge point.

13. TEST PITS, CORES OR BORING

The process of digging or drilling small holes in soil, rock, or concrete to collect samples for testing and evaluation, often used to determine soil type and condition, locate underground utilities, or assess subsurface conditions for construction projects.

14. CONDUIT CONSTRUCTION AND FRANCHISE

Utility cables, which are often installed with a franchise agreement granting the utility company exclusive rights to operate in a specific area.

15. INSTALL/REMOVE STREET FURNITURE

The process of putting in place or removing various objects and fixtures, such as benches, trash cans, bike racks, or signs, on a sidewalk or public space to provide amenities and safety for pedestrians and community members

16. LAND FILL

Designated area of land where waste and construction materials, such as soil, concrete, and rubble, are deposited, compacted, and covered to create a level surface for future development or to reduce environmental impact

17. PRIVATE SEWER

A pipeline or system that carries waste and sewage from a building or group of buildings to a treatment facility or septic system, not connected to public sewer system pipelines, and typically owned and maintained by the property owner or a homeowners association

18. INSTALL FENCE

Putting up a barrier, typically made of wood, metal, or vinyl, around a property, building, or area to provide privacy, security, and/or decoration.

19. INSTALL TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Putting in place, setting up, and connecting traffic signals, such as stoplights, pedestrian crossings, and other traffic control devices, to regulate the flow of traffic and pedestrians and improve safety at intersections and busy roads.

20. REPAIR PETROLEUM LEAK

Fixing a leak in a petroleum pipeline, storage tank, or other equipment, to prevent the release of fuel, oil, or other toxic or hazardous substances into the environment, and to protect human health and safety

21. C.A.R. RESTORATION

Corrective Action Request for restoration refers to re-doing previously completed work to DOT standards. If not performed, DOT may revoke a contractor’s ability to submit for permits until resolved. Commonly issued C.A.R.s are given when contractors forget to seal the joints in a sidewalk.

22. INSTALLATION OF FIRE ALARM BOX

Installing a fire alarm box, which is a device that allows building occupants or bystanders to quickly report a fire by activating an alarm signal and connecting directly to the fire dept. or emergency services.

23. INSTALLATION OF BUS SHELTER

Putting in place a covered structure, typically made of metal or plastic, at a bus stop to protect from the elements and a waiting area for bus passengers.

24. INST./REMOVE PUBLIC PHONE/TECH-KIOSK

Putting in place or removing a public phone or information kiosk, a stand-alone device or structure offering various services such as telecommunication, internet access, mapping, and information, to serve the community’s needs.

25. ST.OPNG/INSTALL.TEST PIT/MONIT WELL/PIPE

Putting in place a pit, well, or pipe, typically to gather soil, water, or gas samples, monitor environmental conditions, or testing the performance of subsurface systems.

26. INSTALL TRAFFIC STREET LIGHTS

Putting in place lighting fixtures along roads or highways to improve visibility, enhance safety, and regulate the flow of cars and pedestrians, often in coordination with traffic signals and road signs

27. REGRADE/REPLACE STREET HARDWARE/CASTING

The process of modifying the slope or elevation of a street or adjusting the height or position of hardware or cast-iron components, such as manholes, inlets, grates, and covers, ensures proper drainage, stability, and functionality of the road system.

28. REPAIR TRAFFIC STREET LIGHT

Fixing a malfunctioning or broken lighting fixture along a road or highway, often to restore proper visibility, safety, and regulation of the flow of cars and pedestrians, as part of regular maintenance or emergency response.

29. REPAIR TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Fixing malfunctioning or broken signal equipment at intersections or crosswalks, such as lights, buttons, or timers, often to restore proper regulation of the flow of cars and pedestrians, improve safety, and ensure efficient traffic management.

30. INSTALL NEWSSTAND

Putting in place a structure, typically a kiosk or stand, for selling newspapers, magazines, snacks, or other items, often at busy public locations, such as transportation hubs, downtown areas, or tourist sites.

31. PAVEMENT CORES

Cylindrical samples of asphalt or concrete are removed from a street or road surface to assess the material’s condition and quality, evaluate the extent of damage or wear, and guide decisions about rehabilitation, repair, or replacement of the pavement.

32. RESTORATION RE-DIG

Revisiting a site that has been restored, repaired, or rehabilitated, and re-excavating the area, often to address a problem, a new construction requirement, or an additional purpose, such as locating a utility line or installing a new facility.

33. CORE RE-DIG

Revisiting a site where a cylindrical sample, or core, of a material, such as asphalt or concrete, has been removed previously and re-excavating the same location to obtain another sample, often to verify or supplement the results of an initial evaluation or to test a different aspect of the material.

34. MICRO TRENCHING

The trenching method used for installing fiber optic or other types of underground telecommunications and data cables involves making a narrow, shallow trench in the pavement or ground, typically with a specialized cutting or sawing machine, to minimize the disruption and inconvenience to surface traffic and activities.

35. REGRADE HARDWARE

Adjusting the elevation or slope of a street’s hardware, such as manhole covers, utility valves, or drainage inlets, to match the new surface level or alignment, after a street has been repaved or otherwise altered, to ensure proper functioning and appearance.

36. TRIBUTARY INSTALL – ELECTRIC

Constructing, extending, or connecting a branch or secondary electrical circuit or network that serves a specific area, building, or service point to the main or primary electrical distribution system.

37. TRIBUTARY INSTALL – STEAM

Constructing, extending, or connecting a branch or secondary steam distribution system, that serves a specific area, building, or service point, to the main or primary steam generation and distribution system

38. TRIBUTARY INSTALL – GAS

Constructing, extending, or connecting a branch or secondary gas distribution system that serves a specific area, building, or service point to the main or primary gas supply network.

39. TREE PIT/STORMWATER INLET

Excavation or depression in the sidewalk or street area, designed to collect and channel stormwater runoff, as well as provide space for a tree to be planted and maintained.

40. INSTALLATION OF POLES

Putting up poles, typically made of metal or wood, in a specific location.

41. REMOVAL OF POLES

Taking down of poles typically made of wood and are connected to electrical lines.

42. RELOCATION OF POLES

Relocating wood poles due to construction or changing of streetscape.

43. REPLACEMENT OF POLES

Repairing damaged wood poles due to weathering or accidents.

44. OPEN ELECTRICAL MAIN

Opening a main electrical line for construction purposes

45. INST./REPAIR CHARGING STATION FOR ELEC. VEHICLE

The construction or repair of a charging station for electric vehicles.

46. MATERIAL ON STREET

Place building materials such as bricks, blocks, studs, sheetrock or sand in the roadway.

47. CROSSING SIDEWALK

Refers to the delivery of material in or out of a job site. Can also refer to mechanized treads crossing a sidewalk where no curb cut is present.

48. PLACE CRANE OR SHOVEL ON STREET

Placing a crane or shovel on the street for construction purposes.

49. PLACE EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN CRANE OR SHOVEL

This permit type can be filled in so you may describe the equipment you’re utilizing that is not part of a specific type of DOT permit.

50. PLACE CONSTRUCTION OFFICE TRAILER ON STREET

Placement of office trailer in the roadway or on sidewalk. Office trailers are typically reserved for New Building Construction projects or Capital Improvement Projects, meaning don’t apply for one if you don’t fit the criteria.

51. TEMPORARY PEDESTRIAN WALK

Placement of a walkway by means of plastic or concrete barriers. This is used to separate construction sites from the public right of way.

52. INSTALL STREET LIGHT

Installation of a street light that is decorative or ornate in nature.

53. OCCUPANCY OF ROADWAY AS STIPULATED

Occupy the roadway for construction operations. This is typically necessary for contractors who have to secure a safe and available loading/unloading zone for their construction materials.

54. PLACE OPEN CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS CONTAINER ON STREET

Place a 10-30 yard debris container in the roadway for rubbish and construction debris.

55. OCCUPANCY OF SIDEWALK AS STIPULATED

Occupying a portion of the sidewalk for a set duration. This can be a fixed or static occupancy (fence, barriers) or it can be a temporary occupation due to materials being lifted overhead.

56. INSTALL BIKE RACK ON SIDEWALK

Installation of a bike hoop or bike rack on city right of way.

57. PLACE TEMPORARY SECURITY STRUCTURE

Placement of a security booth or structure in sensitive locations that require a controlled access point. Typically reserved for government buildings in business districts.

58. TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION SIGNS/MARKINGS

Parking signs that are for construction operations only. These signs restrict regular parking so as not to get in the way of construction vehicles requiring access to the jobsite.

59. REPAIR SIDEWALK

Repairing more than 25 square feet of concrete walk aka sidewalk. This can be typical concrete or tinted concrete depending on the zoning district where repair is being made.

60. CONSTRUCT NEW SIDEWALK

Construction of a new sidewalk where one did not exist previously.

61. REPLACE SIDEWALK

Demolishing and installing a sidewalk for the entire length of the property.

62. CONSTRUCT NEW SIDEWALK WITH HEATING PIPE

Construction of a new sidewalk with a heating pipe installed below grade. This pipe can heat up the concrete sidewalk above it to help with snow removal.

63. CONSTRUCT NEW SIDEWALK BLG. PAVEMENT

Construction of new sidewalk that is connected to New Building Construction site. A Builders Pavement Plan requires property owner to install new sidewalk, curb and roadway where a new building was constructed.

64. PED RAMP MODIFY/INSTALL GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Modification or repair of a pedestrian ramp located in the corner quadrant adjacent to a crosswalk. You may need to obtain an infeasibility consideration if the proper slopes can’t be maintained due to site conditions.

65. OPEN SIDEWALK TO INSTALL FOUNDATION

The process of digging up a section of a sidewalk to install the foundation for a new structure, such as a building or a support pillar

Construction Operations That Require DOT Approvals

Would you believe on top of all those different permit types that you’re still not out of the woods!

Below are multiple approvals you’ll require in addition to permitting in order to be in compliance with Department of Transportation regulations. Welcome to the construction industry in NYC.

66. Vault Work

Any sub-terranean work affecting the vault below a sidewalk will trigger a DOT vault approval requirement. In addition to a formal review of formatted drawings by your design professionals, you’ll also require a Department of Buildings approval.

67. Revocable Consent

Any permanent encroachments outside the property line will require a revocable consent agreement filed by your architecture firm and consultant. Be warned, this process is quite involved and requires a complete review from the public design commission from your architect. Examples of improvements allowed are benches, stoops and fences. Considerations are made for Landmark Buildings.

68. Hardware Installation Below Grade

This can only be performed by a franchisee holder like Con Edison or Verizon. These franchises have an arrangement with The City of New York. If not either of these, you’ll need a revocable consent agreement prior to installation.

69. Installation or Removal of Tree Pit and/or Tree

You’ll need your landscape architect to submit to the Parks Department prior to going to DOT for permits.

70. Repair/Replace Traffic Signals

DOT adheres to strict construction industry guidelines when it comes to traffic signals. Be prepared to have your electrical contractor provide a detailed scope of work and meet onssite with DOT inspectors prior to applying for permits.

71. Repair/Replace Street Lighting Fixtures

Any repair of a street light arm or base requires prior approval from DOT Street Lighting Division. Your electrical contractors are responsible to provide a detailed scope of work to street lighting division.

72. Install or Remove Bike Racks

The good news is if your building design incorporates bike racks within the property line, you don’t require DOT approval or permits to install. Make sure bike racks don’t extend into the fire path of an exit.

73. Revoke or Relocate a Bus Stop

Bus Stops often are relocated due to construction, but you’ll need to coordinate with NYCT prior to addressing DOT and submit for permits afterwards.

74. Work on or near Bus Shelters

Be prepared for a hefty bill if your project is near a bus shelter. This removal requires coordination with City Contractor JC Decaux and costs $30,000 for removal and installation prior to permits.

75. Removal or Installation of Bilco Doors

The metal doors that swing open on the sidewalk leading into the cellar require engineering review by DOT and permits.

76. DOT Bridges Coordination

If your construction site is within 100 feet of new bridge, existing structures or state highway system, you’ll require construction plans to be submitted to their division for review. The engineer is normally responsible for this coordination. This can hold up obtaining permits if not addressed prior to construction.

77. New Building Construction

If you’re constructing a New Building 4 stories or higher, you’ll require formatted drawings and a sit down meeting with DOT to discuss all phases of construction prior to receiving permits. This discussion also outlines all permits you’ll be applying for summarized in a New Building Meeting Sign-In sheet. In some cases, examiners won’t issue permits not listed on this meeting sheet.

78. SCARA Applications

Sidewalk, Curb and Roadway Applications are required when there is no Builders Pavement Plan in place. This can also apply when using unique construction materials on non-landmark sidewalks or changing grade. This will require surveys to be taken by a licensed surveyor.

79. Full Roadway Closures

When fully closing a roadway, you’re going to need to obtain a combination of approvals from DOT OCMC, FDNY, NYPD and the Community Board. This is achieved by providing a detailed scope of work to OCMC, meaning they’ll likely want to see plans and discuss all forms submitted with your consultant.

80. State Right of Way

If you’re working on or near a state highway system, you must obtain an approval letter from a separate Highways division to perform this work. Be prepared to receive the third degree from these examiners, they control who gets a permit on state right of way.

81. Permanent Change of Parking Regulations

If the building use or the surrounding area has undergone major changes, you may consider changing the parking regulations to something that makes more sense. Be prepared to wait; this process can take 90 days to complete.

82. Hotel Loading Zones

Opened up a new hotel? You’ll need to secure a hotel loading zone approval from DOT. Typically they’ll offer you a 40′ zone for cabs and cars to actively pick up and drop off hotel guests in front of your main entrance.

83. Neighborhood Loading Zones

With all these residential towers going up, the need for a spot in front of the building is crucial for day-to-day activities. Whether you’re moving in, having food delivered, or merely need to pick up a friend and wait downstairs, these areas can be helpful to reduce double parking.

84. School Parking Regulations

Back in the day you could secure spots for teachers and staff in front of the school. These days it’s all about the parents, school parking regulations can be adopted for pick up and drop off children by their parents and guardians.

About the Author

Jeffrey has worked with countless architecture and general contracting firms in NYC. His mission is to help homeowners and professionals navigate DOT.