Question 4: Changes to Building Permitting Charter Amendment

In line with the commission’s overall “government efficiency” mandate, this amendment is about the efficiency of the Department of Buildings—and especially its role in permitting the creation of the homes New York needs. The city recently put out a report identifying that 700,000 new homes must be created over the next decade to address the affordability crisis and homelessness that result. To meet that need, the city must modernize the internal permitting processes that create paperwork delays without serving the public interest. Currently, builders must seek 40 unique approvals from across 18 agencies. This amendment would create one permitting hub to give applicants one interface with the city government, and more guidance about how to work through requirements. (Additionally, the Department of Small Business Services currently oversees waterfront permitting; this amendment would rationalize permitting by putting this function under the Department of Buildings.) As one piece of a sprawling puzzle to meet New Yorkers’ housing needs, this amendment must be adopted.