Environmental Review is an interdisciplinary process that involves a number of LPC departments. After initial processing by the Environmental Review Coordinator, project review is conducted by the Research and Archaeology Departments in two stages.
First, the project is assessed by these two departments to determine whether or not there are resources designated as New York City landmarks or listed on the State/National Registers (S/NR) of Historic Places. If resources are identified, but not listed or designated, the resources are evaluated to determine whether or not they meet the criteria for LPC designation or inclusion in the S/NR. For projects that involve new construction or the significant expansion of existing buildings, the staff of the archaeology department will determine whether or not the project site falls within a known area of archaeological sensitivity. If so, they may request an archaeological documentary study. See the LPC Archaeology Department “Guidelines for Archaeology."
If resources are identified within the project or project study area (an area comprising a 400' radius around the project site) that are designated/listed, or determined eligible for designation/listing, then the second stage of the review is undertaken by the Environmental Review Coordinator and the Archaeology department, using the aforementioned laws and guidelines. This portion of the review determines whether or not the proposed action/project will have an impact on the qualities of the resource that make it listed or eligible. If a potential impact is determined, the Environmental Review Coordinator and the Archaeology Department, in consultation with LPC executive staff, work with the applicant to determine mitigation options.
Occasionally, a project will also be under review at the federal and/or state level. In these cases, a coordinated review is conducted with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Similarly, a project may involve alterations or additions to an LPC designated landmark or property within an LPC designated historic district, in which case the project will be referred to the LPC preservation department for issuance of an LPC permit. See the Performing Work on Landmarked Buildings page for more information on obtaining an LPC permit. The full CEQR process is detailed in the CEQR Technical Manual, which can be accessed online at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/moec/home.html.
All projects submitted for review should include the following materials(s):
• Project Description, including block/lot and borough
• Maps WITH 400' RADIUS locating project, preferably from the New York City Map Portal or Sanborn
• Photographs (may be digital or on CD)
• EAS form if available
Project documentation requirements may be downloaded by following the link below for "Environmental Review Submission Requirements".
Materials should be submitted to:
Gina Santucci
Environmental Review Coordinator
Landmarks Preservation Commission
1 Centre St., 9N
New York, NY 10007
Project review time is approximately two weeks or less.
Environmental Review Frequently Asked Questions
