Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway announced the launch of online permits for plumbers doing water and sewer repairs and replacements on private property.
The new plan made public on Thursday, March 10, will eliminate the cost of travelling to and from the borough offices and reduce the wait time for permits approvals.
“Now, plumbers can save the time and hassle of coming to a DEP office and more time helping the city to grow and thrive,” said Holloway.
“Online permitting will eliminate substantial transaction costs for plumbers, homeowners, and developers, and improve DEP’s ability to oversee the permitting process by increasing our ability to track work going on throughout the city.”
In 2010, DEP issued about 6,000 permits for repairs and replacements while issuing approximately 76,000 permits, certifications and registrations each year. More than 16,000 water and sewer system permits were issued; about 6,000 of those were strictly for repairs and improvements.
The new system simplifies customer interactions on behalf of homeowners, developers, and business owners. It also provides an easier way of tracking permitting history and active work.
“Improving business interactions with the city and simplifying the permitting process are top priorities for Mayor Bloomberg,” said Holloway. “Like the recently announced Leak Notification Program, [online permitting] is an example of using technology to improve customer service – a major component of our strategic plan.”
The process of applying for a permit requires licensed master plumbers to first register in person at a DEP office, which involves completing an authentication form that is sealed by the licensed master plumber and signed by a Notary Public, and requires having an email account.
Master plumbers have four applications to fill out for permits in the Water and Sewer Permitting System: In-kind Repair of Water Service Line Connections, In-kind Repair of Sewer Service Line Connections, In-kind Relay of Water Service Line Connections, and In-kind Relay of Sewer Service Line Connections.
“The Plumbing Foundation is pleased that the DEP is moving forward with the process . . . to obtain permits online,” said Terence O’Brien, deputy director of the Plumbing Foundation City of New York. “We applaud DEP for its forward thinking and look forward to our continued strong relationship with the agency.”
The new process is one of the goals outlined in Strategy 2011-2014, a far-reaching strategic plan that lays out 100 distinct initiatives to make DEP the safest, most efficient, cost-effective, and transparent water utility in the nation.
