Filing representatives, Class 1 and Class 2

A filing representative is registered with the Department of Buildings to handle applications on behalf of an owner or applicant. There are two classes, and the difference shows up when a filing runs into trouble.

Class 1

A Class 1 filing representative may present, submit, furnish or seek approval of applications and construction documents. Registration involves a course and periodic renewal. This is the working credential for handling submissions.

Class 2

Class 2 requires a four-year degree in architecture or engineering, or a qualifying experience path. In addition to the Class 1 functions, a Class 2 representative may attend appointments with plan examiners.

That last point is the practical difference. When a filing draws an objection that is a matter of interpretation rather than a missing document, sitting down with the examiner resolves in one meeting what can otherwise take several rounds of uploads.

What a filing representative is not

A filing representative is not a licensed design professional and does not seal construction documents. The applicant of record on an engineered filing is a registered architect or professional engineer. A filing representative handles the application, the process and the correspondence.

Key facts

Class 1

Submit applications and documents

Class 2

Also attend examiner appointments

Class 2 requirement

Degree or experience path

Not permitted

Sealing construction documents