An ALT-2 permit is a NYC Department of Buildings permit for renovation work that involves multiple trades, such as plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or structural, but does not change the building’s use, occupancy, or egress and therefore does not require a new Certificate of Occupancy. ALT-2 is the most common permit type for NYC apartment renovations.
Typical ALT-2 projects include kitchen renovations with plumbing relocations, bathroom gut renovations, removing or moving non-load-bearing walls, adding electrical circuits, rerouting gas lines, and apartment combinations where at least one kitchen is removed. Filings must be submitted in DOB NOW by a registered architect (RA) or professional engineer (PE). ALT-2 filings can be processed two ways: Directive 14 (D14) allows the architect or engineer to self-certify plans for faster approval, while Directive 2 (D2) requires DOB plan examination and DOB-conducted final inspections. Approval typically takes four to eight weeks. DOB filing and permit fees usually run $1,500 to $6,500, plus architectural fees of $3,000 to $15,000 or more.
Got residents waiting on renovations or a unit you want to bring to market faster? MD Squared coordinates ALT-2 filings, contractor management, board approvals, and final sign-offs through our Capital Project Management service. We turn renovation chaos into a clean, managed process from permit to walkthrough. Reach out to our team and let us run the renovation for you.
