N.Y. MRE Law § 301

§ 301. Permits. 1. It shall be unlawful to commence the construction\nor alteration of a multiple dwelling or any part or section thereof, or\nof any building or structure on the same lot with such a dwelling, or\nthe alteration or conversion of a building for use as a multiple\ndwelling, or the moving of a dwelling from one lot to another, until an\napplication or plans have been filed in and a permit issued by the\ndepartment. The department shall have the power to charge and collect a\nreasonable fee for each application filed and for each permit issued.\n 2. No person shall be recognized as the agent of the owner unless he\nshall file with the department a written instrument, signed by the\nowner, designating him as such agent. Upon the filing of such\ninstrument, the person designated therein as such agent shall be deemed\nto be and shall be known as the certified agent of the owner.\n 3. The department shall have power to issue, refuse, revoke or cancel\nany permit or approval in case of any failure to comply with any of the\nprovisions of this chapter, or in case any false allegation or\nrepresentation is made in any plans or statements submitted or filed for\nsuch permit or approval. If such permit is refused, revoked or\ncancelled, the reason for such action shall be recorded by the\ndepartment.\n 4. All plans, statements and permits filed in any department shall be\npublic records and shall not be destroyed or removed from the\ndepartment.\n