Prop 4 Moves Waterfront Permits to Department of Buildings

Ballot Proposal 4 seeks to reassign waterfront construction permits from the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to the Department of Buildings (DOB).

The measure would transfer these responsibilities to DOB by 2030, including the relocation of dedicated staff from SBS who currently manage waterfront permitting.

Waterfront permits are currently handled by an agency focused on supporting small businesses and commercial neighborhoods, rather than regulating construction and building safety.

The proposal is part of a broader effort to modernize NYC’s waterfront development process, which has historically been fragmented and inefficient.

The city’s permitting system was originally designed for the maritime needs of the 19th century, but now faces challenges from new waterfront uses such as housing, parks, and public swimming.

Supporters argue that shifting responsibilities to DOB would create a more coherent and effective regulatory framework for waterfront development.