The question is often asked: “when it is not necessary to submit plans and obtain a permit. Although it's not a clear topic, the Building Code and RCNY 101-14 address this issue. In general, “minor work and ordinary repairs do not require a building permit. The following is the definition of minor alterations and ordinary repairs, although submitting architectural plans to the Department of Construction is time consuming and expensive.
It's expensive to get caught building without a permit. If an inspector discovers that work is being done without a permit, a violation and a “work suspension” order are issued. Sometimes building owners choose to install a new roofing system instead of an existing roofing system, or “reroofing”, which generally depends on the budget. We'll take care of your roof from A to Z, and you won't have to worry about anything other than enjoying your new roof.
If you are going to do any work on the terrace under the shingles or move around the vents, it's definitely worth getting a building permit and you'll need a building permit to replace the roof. The roof covering supports the roof membrane and insulation and is usually composed of wooden boards, wood or concrete cladding that is supported by wooden beams or steel beams. The first is when a roof membrane is replaced without repairing the “roof cover” or modifying existing insulation. In simple terms, this means that a sustainable roof area is only required if the entire roof covering is replaced, which is extremely rare, or when a new building is being constructed, or if a substantial portion of the roof cover is opened to accommodate an addition.
To be clear, there are very specific and limited occasions when a permit is not required to replace the roof. That said, you may still need a Limited Modification Request (LAA) to modify or replace gas or plumbing pipes (for example, when replacing a bathtub with a shower), but they can be obtained by a licensed contractor or plumber instead of having to hire an architect or engineer. In addition to the value you get from working with a permit, having a permit to replace the roof is critical if you ever sell the house. However, it's extremely rare to replace a roof in New York City and not have to do at least one limited “roof cover” repair.
In the worst case scenario, you could be ordered to remove any work that was done without the necessary permission to replace the roof. In older timber-framed buildings, wood roofs are notoriously susceptible to deterioration, generally requiring repair during a roof replacement project. So, if you don't have a licensed contractor, you won't get a building permit to replace the roof.
