Question 4: Simplify Building Permitting and Move Waterfront Permitting to Department of Buildings
My vote power
Above average
Election date
November 3, 2026
Question 4: Simplify Building Permitting and Move Waterfront Permitting to Department of Buildings is a ballot measure in New York city, New York on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Creates one central hub for construction permits, moves waterfront permits from the Department of Small Business Services to the Department of Buildings, and lets more Buildings officials approve construction. Builders would deal with one system; no new tax for residents.
How do we calculate my vote power?
What determines the vote power rating for ballot measures: Representation: how much weight one vote carries here compared with a statewide vote — the smaller the district, the more each vote counts. You have more power in ballot measures because you vote directly on the policy.
Representation: Average · 53 out of 100
This district covers a large share of its state, so each vote carries about average weight — like a vote in a statewide race. About 8,483,844 people live here.
Show the representation math
score = 50 + 50 × ln(state population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(50,000) = 50 + 50 × ln(19,852,366 ÷ 8,483,844) ÷ ln(50,000) = 53.93, measured against a statewide vote in NY (grades: 66+ high, 55+ above average, 33+ average, otherwise low; a statewide race is the 50 baseline)
Average representation + a direct vote on the policy → My vote power: Above average.
What does this measure do?
Creates one central hub for construction permits, moves waterfront permits from the Department of Small Business Services to the Department of Buildings, and lets more Buildings officials approve construction. Builders would deal with one system; no new tax for residents.
Read the official ballot measure (PDF)
A YES vote means
The city would build a central permit hub, move waterfront permitting to the Department of Buildings, and let more of its officials issue approvals.
A NO vote means
Permitting stays split across agencies as it is today.
Sources: nyc.gov23 · nycvotes.org
Last updated September 24, 2026.