How long it takes to permit a NYC brewpub.
TTB Federal Brewer's Notice is THE critical path — 6-9 months processing, and NYSLA Restaurant Brewery License cannot issue until TTB approves. File TTB at concept-lock, before lease.
TTB Brewer's Notice
Federal Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau approval to operate a brewery. Required before NYSLA RB can issue.
⚠ 6-9 months typical processing time, longer with TTB backlog. THE critical path for any brewpub. File at concept-lock.
NYSLA RB
Required for brewpubs producing beer onsite. Allows up to 5,000 bbl/yr brewing + onsite consumption + limited off-premise sales.
⚠ Must hold TTB Federal Brewer's Notice FIRST. NYSLA RB cannot be issued without TTB approval (6-9 months separate process).
DOB PW1
Architect-sealed plans filed via DOB NOW. ALT-2 (no use/egress change) typical for 2nd-gen restaurant. ALT-1 needed for change-of-use or POA threshold trigger.
⚠ Plan-examiner objections add 2-6 weeks per round. Expediter relationships materially shorten cycle time.
DOH Article 81
Required for new food service permit. Plan review covers refrigeration, handwash sinks, food protection, dishwashing, restrooms.
⚠ 3-compartment sink + handwash sink placement is the most common objection. Pre-design with kitchen designer to avoid 2-4 week re-submittal cycles.
FDNY Hood/Ansul
NFPA 96 Type I commercial hood with UL 300 wet-chemical suppression. Plan review + post-install inspection.
⚠ Hood approval gates DOH operating permit. Wet-chemical suppression must be serviced every 6 months by FDNY-certified contractor.
FDNY F-59
Required when fire alarm system is installed. Cert holder must be on payroll. Often bundled with FDNY S-13 (sprinkler) certification.
DOB C of O / TCO
Final sign-off after all inspections (DOB + FDNY + DOH coordinated). TCO at 90% construction is the standard path to opening, full C of O follows within 60-180 days.
⚠ TCO is gated on every other agency clearing its inspection. Single-trade hold-ups can delay opening by 4-8 weeks.
DOH FSE Permit
Issued after pre-operational inspection passes. Permit valid 1-2 years, renewable. Includes Letter Grade inspection cycle.
⚠ Pre-op inspection scheduled only after all construction punch-list items closed. Schedule 2-3 weeks ahead.
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