Tax Photographs of Buildings from the NYC Municipal Archives

Another useful City resource for Owners and Architects are the Tax Photographs available from the NYC Municipal Archives. Between 1939 and 1941, and again in the mid-1980s, the city photographed every house and building in the five boroughs. These photos are now available for purchase from NYC.

To obtain a copy, you can go to the Archives in person (31 Chambers Street, NY, NY-check their web site for hours and details before going), or you can order a copy online.

Here's a link to the web page, which explains more about the history of the photos and has instructions for ordering online: NYC.GOV/RECORDS

The Tax Photo might be useful for permitting purposes:
This resource may be helpful to illustrate an existing non-compliance to remain to a DOB Plan Examiner, such as a projecting stoop that may require reconstruction.

Have a question? E-mail Permitadvisor