The new DOB smartphone app makes looking up a property easy

City Department of Buildings (DOB) Commissioner Robert LiMandri announced the launch of the new smartphone app that allows New Yorkers to search databases for the history of nearly one million properties throughout the city. The free app, which is available on iPhone and Android phones, provides an easy-to-use format so New Yorkers can quickly research the history of a property -- including construction projects, violations, and complaints -- and determine if the rooftop has been coated with a reflective material to reduce energy costs.

The app is the latest effort by the city to increase the transparency and efficiency of the construction process with the use of technology. Using the new app, New Yorkers can easily navigate the DOB Information System on their smartphones, and retrieve data about active construction projects and contact information for agency officials. Users also can receive push notifications from the DOB on the latest service updates, regulations, and weather alerts.

The Department's Buildings Information System (BIS), which was made available on the Internet in 2003, provides historical information on more than 975,000 buildings and construction sites across the five boroughs, including permits, inspections and certificates of occupancy. Since 2008, the DOB has implemented several initiatives to improve the transparency and efficiency of the construction process and expand the agencys electronic plan review and permitting efforts.

To find out more information about the NYC Development Hub and the DOB electronic-filing programs, visit www.nyc.gov/buildings.

To download the new app, visit the Apple App Store or Google play.