License Requirements

Updated 7/29/24

DOB Licensed Site Safety Manager/Site Safety Coordinator (SSM/SSC)

At the time of this writing, the DOB plans to change the definition of a Major Building on December 11th, 2024 to any building that is greater than or equal to 7 stories or 75’-0” in height (to the height of the highest occupied floor). An SSM/SSC will be required for buildings designed above that threshold. The cutoff will be the permit application—all jobs (even if filed prior to December 11th 2024), for which an initial GC, structural, foundation, SOE, or earthworks permit has not been issued will have to comply with the new requirements. Any individual SSM/SSC may only be designated to one active PW2.

DOB Licensed Superintendent

A DOB Licensed Superintendent is required for projects that include:

  • Construction of a Major Building

  • Full demolition of an existing building

  • Alteration to an existing building that includes any of the following:

    • Vertical or horizontal enlargement

    • Alternation or demolition of more than 50% of the gross floor area of the building during the course of work over any 12 month period

    • The removal of one or more floors during the course of work over any 12 month period

    • Work that requires a special inspection for underpinning

    • Work that requires a special inspection for the protection of sides of excavations

  • Enhanced risk to the public and property as determined by the DOB Commissioner. 

Exception: A Licensed Superintendent is not required for work that solely involves a 1-, 2-, or 3- family building or an accessory use to such a building, provided the permit holder is registered as a General Contractor.

FDNY Licensed Construction Site Fire Safety Manager (CSFSM)

A CSFSM is required wherever a SSM/SSC is required. The SSM/ SSC may also serve as the CSFSM but a separate CSFSM is required once a building reaches a height of 20 stories, reaches a height of 250’-0”, or has a lot coverage greater than or equal to 200,000 sf. The CSFSM must be present on site at all times when construction, alterations, and demolition work is being conducted.

Exception: a CSFSM is not required for alterations where the alteration work is limited to the façade, and no hot work is being performed.

 DOB Licensed Concrete Safety Manager (CSM)

A CSM is required during all concrete operations on a Major Building where those operations involve the placement of two thousand (2,000) cubic yards or more of concrete.