If you’ve ever had drawings rejected by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB), you know how easily a small oversight can snowball into a major delay. Rejections don’t just push back filing approvals—they delay start dates, impact construction schedules, and increase project costs.

Most plan objections aren’t due to bad design—they’re the result of missing code citations, inconsistent annotations, or a lack of clarity that makes plan examiners pause. Understanding what causes objections—and how to avoid them—can mean the difference between a one-week review and a six-month back-and-forth.

The 5 Most Common DOB Objections

1. Missing or Outdated Code Citations

Every drawing must clearly demonstrate how it complies with the current NYC Building Code, including references to fire safety, zoning, accessibility, energy efficiency, and egress. When these citations are absent, incorrect, or outdated, reviewers are left guessing—and that almost always results in a rejection.

2. Unclear Egress Information

Egress plans are a priority for DOB and FDNY reviewers. If exit paths, travel distances, occupancy loads, or door swings aren’t clearly shown and labeled, reviewers will object.

3. Inconsistent Documentation Across Sheets

One of the most frequent—and frustrating—reasons for objections is internal inconsistency. A wall type shown on the floor plan may not match the partition schedule. The occupancy on the cover sheet might conflict with the egress diagram. These discrepancies flag the submission as unreliable.

4. Lack of Accessibility Details

Many commercial projects trigger accessibility upgrades, whether or not they’re full renovations. If a set of plans doesn’t clearly show clearances, turning radii, or fixture compliance in restrooms and entryways, objections are almost guaranteed.

5. Unaddressed or Poorly Addressed Previous Comments

DOB doesn’t just review the current submission—they compare it to earlier objections. If a comment was previously raised and isn’t clearly addressed with drawing revisions and written responses, the objection will be reissued—and your project remains stuck.

The Cost of Rejections

Even a small drawing objection can ripple through an entire project. Contractors may be unable to mobilize. Material orders may get delayed. Permit timelines can shift by weeks—or even months.

In NYC, where build timelines are already tight and agency coordination is complex, a rejected filing doesn’t just slow you down. It can jeopardize your Certificate of Occupancy schedule, delay lease commitments, or result in Stop Work Orders if temporary approvals expire.

How to Reduce the Risk of Rejection

Achieving first-round approval isn’t just about good design—it’s about understanding the DOB’s review process and filing expectations. Success starts with:

• Precise, labeled code citations that reflect the current version of the NYC Building Code
• Clear, dimensioned egress paths that include travel distances, occupancy loads, and exit signage
• Consistency across sheets and disciplines, including plan views, schedules, and code summaries
• Overlayed accessibility diagrams where applicable, especially in restrooms and entrances
• Formal written responses to any prior objections, submitted alongside updated drawings

A robust internal review before submission can catch most red flags—saving weeks in plan examination.

How We Fix It

As a compliance-focused architecture firm, we specialize in navigating the complexities of NYC’s filing process. We know what reviewers are looking for—and what trips up even the most experienced teams.

Our internal QA process includes multi-phase drawing reviews, peer code checks, and coordination with expediters and consultants before anything is submitted. We also develop detailed response letters and revised drawing sets that directly address reviewer comments—often resolving objections in a single round.

Tired of Drawing Rejections Slowing Down Your Project?

Whether you’re submitting for a retail renovation, a change of use, or a full Certificate of Occupancy upgrade, we’ll make sure your drawings don’t get stuck in DOB limbo. From code compliance to plan examiner coordination, AAPC delivers drawings that pass review.

Contact us today to streamline your approvals and keep your timeline on track.