N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 24-405: § 24-405 Permit required.

a. It shall be unlawful for any gas, telephone or electric light company, or any person to lay or install any pipes, mains or conduits for the use and transmission of gas, electricity, pneumatic power or steam, or to perform any work that is under the jurisdiction, cognizance and control of the commissioner of transportation, in any street, or public place, without a written permit from the commissioner of transportation.

b. It shall be unlawful to violate any provision of this section or any notice or special direction thereunder, under a penalty of not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for each offense.