LPC Launches Latest Slate Of New Resources To Help Homeowners Add Housing In Historic Districts

For Immediate Release: September 22, 2026

Contact: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, 212-669-7938

New resources include a virtual information session this evening hosted by LPC, DOB, and Restored Homes HDFC, and an informational video with guidance for property owners about the ADU permitting process

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) announced new resources to help homeowners in historic districts understand Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU) opportunities, navigate the permitting process, and access guidance as they explore creating additional housing on their properties. The latest in a suite of tools released as part of Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s Block by Block Housing Plan, the resources include a virtual information session with LPC, the Department of Buildings (DOB), and Restored Homes HDFC, as well as a new LPC video on navigating the ADU permitting process.

As part of this effort, LPC, DOB, and Restored Homes will host a virtual information session this evening, Tuesday September 22, 2026, to explain ADU opportunities and requirements in historic districts and answer homeowners’ questions about the process. Restored Homes is part of the City’s ADU For You Program, and works directly with homeowners to provide assistance and resources to help them explore and navigate the process of creating an ADU. Property owners in historic districts and professionals in related fields such as architecture or design who are interested in learning more can register for the virtual info session here.

LPC has also released a new video, Permits Please: ADUs in Historic Districts, that walks homeowners through key considerations for building an ADU and directs them to additional information and resources.

Together, these resources are designed to help homeowners better understand whether an ADU may be possible on their property, what approvals may be needed, and where to get help and guidance at every stage of the process. Today’s launch builds on the Mamdani administration’s broader plan to create more housing in neighborhoods across New York City while preserving the character of New York City’s historic districts and landmark properties.

“These latest resources, including the information session and LPC’s new educational video, put practical information and guidance directly into the hands of homeowners,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Lisa Kersavage. “Homeowners can connect directly with LPC and our partners to get answers to their questions and helpful tips on navigating the ADU permitting process. Together, these tools help landmark property owners explore opportunities to add housing while preserving the historic character of our neighborhoods.”

“Preserving our city’s historic neighborhoods is a critical responsibility, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways for these communities to grow and contribute to our housing needs,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “Ancillary dwelling units are a creative way to add safe, quality homes for New York families. But those homes won’t get built if property owners can’t navigate the permitting process. Working with our partners at LPC, we are simplifying that process so owners in the city’s treasured historic districts can more easily understand their options and determine whether an ADU is right for them.”

“We are excited to participate in this forum with NYC LPC and DOB.” said Salvatore D’Avola, CEO, Restored Homes HDFC. “Creating ADUs in our historic districts has a dual purpose of increasing the stock of quality affordable housing while providing supplemental income to homeowners seeking to remain in their homes and communities. We are happy to help guide homeowners through the unique requirements associated with adding an ADU in a historic district. We are proud of our participation in the City’s efforts to promote ADUs, and we welcome residents throughout the City to contact our Resource Center for more information.”

The new video, Permits Please: ADUs in Historic Districts, is the first installment of an original LPC video series designed to make the permitting process easier to understand. The video, which was supported by a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, builds on a suite of tools released by LPC earlier this year to help landmark property owners considering adding an ADU, including:

Searchable online map that shows where ADUs may be possible in historic districts
Dedicated LPC team available to help homeowners discuss plans to create ADUs on their properties
New fact sheet for historic district homeowners about adding an ADU

Looking to learn more? Get started by exploring the resources above or visit LPC’s ADU Resources page for more information available for landmark property owners.

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About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)
The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 38,500 buildings and sites, including 1,473 individual landmarks, 125 interior landmarks, 12 scenic landmarks, and 159 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit LPC's website and connect with us at Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

About the Department of Buildings (DOB)
The mission of the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) is to ensure the safe and lawful use of over 1.1 million buildings, properties, and construction sites across the five boroughs by enforcing the City’s Building Code and Zoning Resolution. The Department is tasked with facilitating compliant development, improving quality of life, and promoting public safety, all to make our City a better place to build, work, and live.

About Restored Homes HDFC
Restored Homes HDFC has been selected by the City of New York to work as the Program Administrator for the Plus One ADU and ADU For You programs. The Plus One ADU Program combines low- or no- interest capital loans and construction financing grants provided by New York State and City for eligible homeowners to build or convert ADUs on their property. Through the ADU for You Program, Restored Homes provides homeowners with resources and advice on creating ADUs on their properties. Restored Homes and its affiliate not-for-profit organizations collaborate with HPD on programs that seek to foster neighborhood stabilization by efficiently transitioning properties from physical and financial abandonment to responsible third-party ownership. Through its established partnerships with government, lenders, and community partners, Restored Homes has remained at the forefront of affordable homeownership programs focused on one- to four- family homes through successfully acquiring and rehabilitating distressed properties to low- and moderate- income households.

About the Video Producers
LPC collaborated with writer and urban planner Micaéla Birmingham and producer Alison Bucalo, members of the Emmy Award-winning creative team behind The NYC Field Guide, a production of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, to create an accessible and easy-to-follow video series about the landmarks permitting process.

Birmingham and Bucalo bring their expertise in storytelling, urban planning, and video production to the series, helping translate complex permitting information into clear, engaging resources for New Yorkers.