COVID-19 UPDATE:

May 3, 2021 Update: We are excited to have staff back in the office. The health and well-being of our employees and the general public are our top priority, so we will continue to only accept applications and corresponding materials electronically via E-Filing and to hold public hearings/meetings virtually. 

Application forms and associated drawings, photographs and other materials must be emailed to LPC at applications@lpc.nyc.gov. Do not mail or messenger paper application forms, drawings or other materials to the office; you will be asked to resubmit them electronically. PLEASE NOTE! While submitting application materials via email saves time previously spent on preparation and mail or delivery, LPC staff typically cannot review these materials more quickly than before, due to the high volume of applications under review at all times, and additional internal steps required to handle these electronic files. Read more about it here.

Applications

The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) helps preserve the City's landmark properties by regulating changes made to these buildings and sites. We do not prevent owners from making changes, but rather work with them to ensure that planned changes are appropriate to the character and style of the building.

Owners or tenants must apply for a permit from LPC before doing certain kinds of work affecting the exterior and/or interior of landmark properties. In addition to filing the application form, applicants must provide certain documents and materials that explain the planned alterations. Learn more about how to get a permit.

LPC permits are required for the following exterior work:

• Any restoration, alteration, reconstruction, demolition, or new construction that affects the exterior of an individual landmark or a building in a historic district
• Any project that affects the exterior envelope of the building, even at parts of the building that are not visible from the street

LPC permits are required for the following interior work:

• Projects that require a permit from the Department of Buildings
• Projects that affect the exterior of a building, such as HVAC louvers and vents
• Projects that affect interior spaces that have been designated as interior landmarks

**PLEASE NOTE: Even if your exterior project does not require a Department of Buildings permit, a LPC permit is still required.

LPC permits are not required for emergency repairs such as:

• Temporarily boarding up windows and doors to prevent possible damage (i.e. due to hurricanes, vandalism, etc.) or to secure damaged windows and doors prior to making repairs
• Removing broken or dislodged façade elements that pose an immediate threat to occupants or the public (Note: historic architectural features should be salvaged and saved on site for repair or replication, and LPC staff should be immediately notified to assist you in applying for permanent repairs)
• Installing tarps or protective coverings at holes in walls or roofs (i.e. damage from fallen trees, fire, structural collapse, etc.)
• Replacing broken glass in kind
• Replacing broken window and door hardware
• Replacing broken or damaged gutters and leaders in kind
• Repainting or “touching-up” painted surfaces in kind
• Cleaning sidewalks, storefronts and façade elements with low-pressure water washing.

You can also download our Fact Sheet on Emergency Repairs here.

LPC permits are not required for ordinary repairs or maintenance such as:

• Replacing broken window glass
• Repainting a building's exterior or architectural feature a color that matches the existing color
• Replacing caulk around windows and doors

Questions?

Contact us for more information.