Question 4
Proposed Charter Amendment: Simplify Building Permitting and Move Waterfront Permitting to Department of Buildings
Reviewed Oct 23, 2026. Every line below is quoted from its source; only the headings are ours.
The question, as the ballot prints it
Create centralized construction permits hub to simplify permitting. Move waterfront permitting from Department of Small Business Services to Department of Buildings. Allow construction approval by additional Department of Buildings officials.
“Yes” simplifies permitting by authorizing a centralized permitting hub, moving waterfront permitting to Department of Buildings, and allowing additional Department of Buildings officials to issue approvals. “No” leaves laws unchanged.
Proposed Ballot Questions, NYC Board of ElectionsAbstract, NYC Board of Elections
The Board's official text in: Español简体中文繁體中文한국어বাংলাTagalogاردو
What it would change, in the official abstract
This proposal would authorize the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings (DOB) to appoint additional deputy commissioners and additional borough commissioners who could approve construction documents as part of the permitting process. This proposal would also direct DOB, in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Fire Department, and the Department of Transportation, to develop a centralized construction permit submission and approval system. Finally, this proposal would transfer responsibility for permitting along the waterfront from the Department of Small Business Services to DOB.
Proposed Changes
This proposal would authorize the DOB Commissioner to appoint more than two Deputy Commissioners where necessary. The Commissioner could delegate powers to these Deputy Commissioners, subject to certain restrictions. The proposal would also authorize the Commissioner to appoint a Borough Commissioner, rather than Borough Superintendent, in each borough and would allow the Commissioner to appoint additional Borough Commissioners who can approve construction documents citywide.
This proposal would direct DOB to develop a centralized system for the submission of construction permit applications and the issuance of permits and approvals, subject to budget appropriations. Other agencies that issue permits and approvals for new construction, including the Department of Environmental Protection, the Fire Department, and the Department of Transportation, would also be required to cooperate with DOB in developing the system and to accept applications through the system. This system would need to be established by 2030, or later as DOB determines is feasible.
Finally, this proposal would transfer responsibility for waterfront construction permitting from the Department of Small Business Services to DOB. DOB would enforce the Zoning Resolution and Construction Codes along the waterfront. Existing permits and approvals issued by the Department of Small Business Services or predecessor agencies would continue to be in effect.
Existing Processes, Implementation
Existing Processes
Currently, the Charter authorizes the DOB Commissioner to appoint only two Deputy Commissioners, including a First Deputy Commissioner. The Charter also directs the DOB Commissioner to appoint one Borough Superintendent in each borough. Construction documents must be approved by either the Commissioner, a Deputy Commissioner, or a Borough Superintendent.
Before starting a new construction project, an applicant must obtain permits from various agencies. DOB is responsible for most construction permitting; the Fire Department reviews plans and issues permits for fire alarm installations; the Department of Environmental Protection reviews and approves stormwater pollution prevention plans; and the Department of Transportation issues permits to use street space during construction. Each agency has its own system through which applicants must submit documents for review and approval.
DOB is responsible for enforcing the Zoning Resolution and Construction Codes in most of the City, but the Department of Small Business Services is responsible for enforcement and permitting for certain structures along the waterfront, including maritime structures and buildings and City-owned land.
Implementation
The proposed Charter amendments transferring responsibility for waterfront construction permitting to DOB would take effect on December 31, 2030, or upon the effective date of the adoption of a code that applies to the construction, alteration and demolition of waterfront structures, whichever is sooner. The other Charter amendments in this proposal would take effect immediately upon certification that the voters approved this proposal.
NYC Board of Elections · Abstracts of the proposed ballot questions
The Board's official text in: Español简体中文繁體中文한국어বাংলাTagalogاردو
Who put it on the ballot
Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE)
Convened by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani in May 2026, the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) was charged with reviewing the entire City Charter to identify ways to improve efficiency, modernize city government, and ensure government keeps pace with New Yorkers’ needs.
Abundance New York
Abundance New York is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a New York City and State with more than enough of everything residents need to reduce cost of living, improve quality of life, and guarantee safety and sustainability.
7 more
District Council 37
District Council 37, AFSCME, AFL-CIO is one of New York City’s largest, most diverse, and influential unions. Our members run New York’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors in more than 1,000 job titles.
Reinvent Albany
Reinvent Albany advocates for transparent and accountable New York government.
Waterfront Alliance
For nearly two decades, Waterfront Alliance has advocated for the New York–New Jersey region’s coastal resilience in the face of climate change, equitable waterfront access, and a connected and economically sound working waterfront, and has prepared the next generation through its climate and waterfront education program.
The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS)
The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) was founded in 1893 to work towards the creation of a livable city, to enhance the lives of all New Yorkers and to use the municipal arts of architecture, landscape architecture, planning, preservation, and public art to improve and protect the built environment of New York.
Citizens Union
We are a nonpartisan and independent good-government group made up of New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds and political beliefs, dedicated to making democracy work for all and united in putting the public interest ahead of special interests.
Open New York
Open New York engages New Yorkers across the state to advocate for abundant homes and lower rent. We believe in housing for all and housing of all types.
Citizens Budget Commission (CBC)
The Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization whose mission is to achieve constructive change in the finances and services of New York City and New York State government.
For and against, in their own words
ForAhmed Tigani
We are in support of a Charter amendment consolidating waterfront permitting within DOB subsequent to the implementation of a Waterfront Code, which is currently being developed.
ForAhmed Tigani
Because the Charter does not recognize current operations, certain processes, including issuing Certificates of Occupancy may require routing through geographically assigned borough offices even when a project’s substantive review has been completed by a centralized unit that has developed extensive familiarity with the application, project history, and technical issues.
21 more
ForWaterfront Alliance
For these reasons, Waterfront Alliance supports efforts to shift waterfront permits from SBS to DOB.
Waterfront Alliance · Public Testimony: Streamlining Permitting
ForPatrick Gaspard
From simplifying construction permitting so we can rapidly tackle the housing crisis to making it easier to offer outdoor dining, we believe these proposals would help make our city more affordable and livable for working New Yorkers.
ForGotham Organization
Gotham Organization applauds the Commission’s proposal to simplify and centralize the City’s building permitting process.
ForMonadnock Development
One of the greatest barriers to building affordable housing isn't financing or construction—it's bureaucracy. Every month lost navigating approvals across multiple agencies is another month that families wait for the housing they desperately need.
ForAmerican Institute of Architects New York
AIANY is particularly excited about the reforms to permitting to create a centralized hub for all permitting needs across multiple agencies and the commitment to streamline internal processes for capital project delivery and hiring.
ForAbundance New York
And a centralized permitting hub will get much-needed housing built faster and more efficiently. We’re pleased to see COGE take on these important issues and deliver well-considered, high-impact recommendations.
ForBronx Pro Group
A more coordinated approach to permitting would provide a predictable path from planning to construction, reduce unnecessary delays and costs, and allow developers to better focus on building the affordable homes New Yorkers need.
ForWaterfront Alliance
The final Charter Amendments include a critical opportunity to centralize and streamline the City's waterfront permitting process within the Department of Buildings, which Waterfront Alliance strongly supports.
ForKalel Companies
At a time when cumbersome permitting is inhibiting progress by holding up critical projects, and discouraging smaller, community-centric developers, this proposal offers a formal pathway to streamline the creation of the homes and infrastructure New Yorkers so desperately need.
ForThe Municipal Art Society of New York
We're especially heartened to see our recommendations for consolidating the city's waterfront permitting process within the Department of Buildings reflected in the proposed charter amendments, as well as meaningful reform of the city's concessions and revocable consent process.
ForHudson Meridian
This new waterfront permitting process will make the City stronger by enabling resiliency work along our shorelines. The Administration has been a supportive partner in making this happen and should be commended for the effort.
ForDattner Architects
Charter Amendment #4's proposed streamlining of the permitting process can be a game changer for our City, and we wholeheartedly support it.
ForNew York Building Congress
Cutting nonprofit and small business procurement time by more than half, adding a formal rainy-day fund, consolidating 40 permits across 18 offices into a single hub, streamlining the use of public space, and unlocking more than $200 million in value from underutilized City property are exactly the kinds of reforms our industry has been calling for.
ForOpen New York
The final proposals from the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) include good steps: consolidating the 40 approvals now scattered across 18 offices and agencies into a single hub, cutting the time to sell small surplus lots from seven months to 90 days, and putting more than $200 million worth of idle City property back to work for the public.
ForDistrict Council 37
DC 37 supports. The proposed amendment centralizes the building permitting process and allows Department of Buildings officials to issue construction approvals.
District Council 37 · 2026 NYC Charter Amendment Ballot Proposals
ForReinvent Albany
We support this proposal because it sensibly brings 40 approvals from 18 separate offices and agencies into one hub for permitting, saving builders time and frustration.
Reinvent Albany · Reinvent Albany Positions on 2026 NYC Ballot Questions (Four Yes, One No)
ForCitizens Union
This modernization would make it easier to navigate the construction permitting process and give the Buildings Commissioner room to organize the agency for modern workloads.
Citizens Union · Citizens Union Announces Support for All Five 2026 Ballot Questions
ForCitizens Budget Commission
Question 4 proposes directing DOB to create a centralized permitting portal for construction project documents reviewed by DOB, DEP, DOT, and FDNY.
Against
Those who submitted in opposition to Proposal 4 were concerned that it does not establish clear parameters for public oversight, transparency, and accountability.
ForAbundance New York
To meet that need, the city must modernize the internal permitting processes that create paperwork delays without serving the public interest.
Against
Respondents voiced questions about how the consolidated permitting authority would be overseen, when and how community input will occur, and how waterfront construction updates and decision-making will be communicated to the public.
The money
Nothing on the record found, as of Oct 20, 2026.
Related laws and measures
New York City Council
The New York City Department of Business Services (DBS) was established pursuant to Local Law 61 on July 1, 1991.
New York City Council
The enactment of Local Law 39 of 2008 now requires the appointment of two deputies.
Candidates on it
Nothing on the record found, as of Oct 20, 2026.
What people are saying
Nothing on the record found, as of Oct 20, 2026.
Reading it the other way
ForTyler Taba
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, shifting waterfront permitting from SBS to DOB is a strong start, but streamlining waterfront permitting requires more than just organizational change.
Waterfront Alliance · Waterfronts are on the New York City Ballot in 2026