Guide
That open DOB job from years ago: sign it off, or withdraw it
Old open jobs don't close themselves. Your title company will find the one from 2016.
An open DOB job that never reached sign-off or a Letter of Completion follows the property into every title search. Here's how to finish it, withdraw it, or clear the objections.
When this applies
You have an open or stale DOB job filing with no sign-off or Letter of Completion.
How it's normally done — and how we make it easy
| Step | The usual way | With DailyDog |
|---|---|---|
| Know finish vs withdraw | Leave it open indefinitely | The right exit, based on the job's status |
| Sequence the steps | Miss an inspection or a lapsed permit | Renew → inspect → sign-off as linked tasks |
| Beat closing day | Discover it during due diligence | Flagged early, with a plan |
Step by step
- 1
Decide: finish or withdraw
If the work was done, finish the job. If it was never performed or was abandoned, withdraw it so the DOB closes it — your design professional uploads a PW1 in eFiling with Filing Type 'Withdrawal' (reason in section 24).
- 2
To finish: renew the permit, complete inspections
Renew the work permit if it lapsed, complete the required special/progress inspections, then request the final inspection through DOB NOW: Inspections.
- 3
File for sign-off or a Letter of Completion
In BIS the closer is a sign-off; in DOB NOW it's a Letter of Completion (LOC). Either one is what actually removes the job from open-items lists.
- 4
If it's disapproved: clear the objections
Open the job in BIS and pull the objections from its Plan Examination screen, have a licensed design professional (PE/RA) address each one and resubmit — or withdraw the job if the work won't happen. Note: jobs that already reached permit need borough technical review (PW1 + PER11 appointment) before a withdrawal is accepted.
Before you start — have this ready
- The job number and whether the underlying work was actually performed.
- The examiner's objection sheet, if the job is disapproved.
- A licensed design professional (PE/RA) if there are objections to clear.
Who to contact
What to ask
Ask DOB whether the job's current status needs a sign-off, a Letter of Completion, or a withdrawal (a PW1 filed in eFiling with Filing Type 'Withdrawal') — that answer determines the whole path. Have the job number ready.
See if this is on your building
Check any NYC address free — then let DailyDog track the deadlines so none of this sneaks up on you.
Frequently asked
- Why does an old open DOB job matter?
- It blocks Letters of Completion and new or amended Certificates of Occupancy, and it shows up in title searches until it's signed off or withdrawn.
- How do I close a job I never finished?
- Withdraw it: a PW1 uploaded in eFiling with Filing Type 'Withdrawal' (permitted jobs first need borough technical review via a PER11 appointment), or supersede it with a corrected filing. Leaving a disapproved job open keeps it on the record.
Verified 2026-07-07· Informational only, not legal advice · Confirm current requirements on the city's official portal