Check a building-permit application against the plan-approval paths
Key facts
- Human involvement
- YellowClose supervision
- How AI is used
- From the application, record whether it is a new building, an alteration that changes use, egress, or occupancy, or an alteration that does not. Record whether the file shows plan examination or professional certification. Record whether the lawyer says the stated objections have been satisfied. Do not decide that a permit has been issued. Do not say work may start.
- What the lawyer must review
- The lawyer decides whether the application can be approved. The NYC Department of Buildings page on obtaining a permit says most construction requires a department permit. A New York State licensed professional engineer or registered architect files the plans. A plan examiner reviews the plans for legal and zoning objections. When the objections are satisfied, the department approves the application. Under the professional certification program, the design professional certifies that the plans comply with applicable laws. Those plans do not go through plan review, and they are subject to audit. The page does not say a permit is ineffective because work has already started. That question is left open. This is New York City. Other cities differ.
- Written for / version
- United States versionUS
Who does what
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Assistance | Do not begin AI assistance until the responsible lawyer has defined and confirmed its permitted scope. |
| Lawyer | Set the scope, supervise the work closely, verify every part relied on, resolve omissions and exceptions, and approve the exact output. |
Checklist
- Obtain and inspect the relevant current official register or search result. Confirm identities, interests and the date and scope of the search.
- Confirm the output against the client’s instructions and the complete relevant source material, including omissions or contradictions.
- Resolve exceptions and record the responsible lawyer’s approval of the exact output and intended use.