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The City's Landmarks Law requires owners to obtain permits from the Landmarks Preservation Commission before doing work that affects the exterior and, in some cases, the interior of a landmark property. Visit our Applications page to see when LPC permits are required. Please note that LPC's expert staff can review and issue permits more quickly for certain types of work through our Expedited Review Service. Please note that there are fees to cover costs associated with issuing permits for certain kinds of work.
To obtain a permit, you must submit a complete application. Our LPC Permit Guidebook offers complete instructions on how to file a complete application that includes all of the correct materials.
A complete application consists of:
- The correct application form properly filled out
- Supporting materials that explain the proposed work such as photos, drawings, written specifications, and materials/color samples
PLEASE NOTE: LPC recently released new application forms, so please make sure to fill out the correct forms available through this page and our forms page. Only complete applications can be processed. If LPC staff finds that an application is incomplete, the staff will send a checklist of materials to the applicant indicating what additional materials are required. If your application remains incomplete for more than 90 days, your application may be withdrawn.
If an application is complete upon submission, a permit can be issued upon initial review, expediting the process.
Follow the below steps to file a complete application and obtain a permit:
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Step 1: Fill Out the Appropriate Application Form
Fill out the appropriate application form. There are four types available.
Standard Application Form (for interior or exterior work or to correct or legalize a violation)
FasTrack Application Form (for interior work and select exterior work)
Expedited Certificate of No Effect Application Form (for select interior work only)
Post-Approval Application Form (to amend or sign off on previously approved work or to submit filing drawings for Certificate of Appropriateness permits)
Step 2: Check to See What Application Materials Are Required
LPC cannot issue a work permit unless applicants correctly describe the existing condition of a building and the proposed work. Floor plans, elevation and section drawings, photo montages, models, material samples, and written specifications are among the kinds of materials that will adequately describe a building and the proposed work.
Use the LPC Permit Guidebook to determine the descriptive materials you'll need to complete your application, and ensure a permit can be issued as quickly as possible. For FasTrack and Expedited Certificate of No Effect applications, materials and other requirements are listed on the form itself.
As you gather the necessary materials to complete your application, you are welcome to contact LPC if you have questions.
Step 3: Check to See Whether Violations Exist on Your Property
Contact LPC to find out whether an LPC violation or summons is in effect against your property. A violations indicates that conditions at the property have changed without an LPC permit or are in non-compliance with an existing permit. See our Violations page for more information.
Step 4: Sign the Application Form
The application form must be signed by the owner of the property. An improperly signed form, such as a form signed by the tenant or managing agent, will delay your application.
In cooperative or condominium buildings, the "owner" is the cooperative corporation or condominium association.
A condominium unit owner can act as the "owner" and sign the form only if the work is limited to interior alterations or if the work is exterior and the unit owner states that he or she has the authority to perform that work under the condominium plan.
Step 5: Submit the Application to LPC
LPC is now accepting permit applications by e-filing. Application forms and associated drawings, photographs and other materials must be emailed to LPC at applications@lpc.nyc.gov.
Step 6: LPC Staff Preservationist Assigned to Project
When LPC receives your application, it is given a reference number (a docket number) and assigned to a staff preservationist. The assigned LPC staff preservationist will note whether your application is complete or whether additional materials are required. If the application is incomplete, staff will send you a Materials Checklist.
Step 7: LPC Staff Reviews Application
When your application is complete, staff can evaluate it to determine the effect of the proposed alterations on the architectural and historic character of the building and/or the historic district, determine the type of permit needed, and whether the project can be approved at staff-level or must be reviewed by the full Commission at a public hearing. Staff may arrange a meeting with you and your architect or contractor, depending on the complexity of the project.
If the proposed work meets the Commission's rules for a staff-level permit, the application can be approved by your staff preservationist and a permit can be issued. If your staff preservationist finds that the work does not meet the rules, he or she may suggest alternatives that can be approved under a staff-level permit. Otherwise, you may present your proposal to the Commission at a public hearing and make your case for appropriateness. Your staff preservationist will guide you through the public hearing process.
Your staff preservationist will also provide guidance regarding materials and restoration or construction techniques, if needed.
Step 8: LPC Issues Permit
Once the staff confirms that an application is complete, a decision is made as quickly as possible. The Commission must make its decision within the following time periods, but only after all of the correct materials are received and the application is complete:
- Certificate of No Effect - 30 working days
- Permit for Minor Work - 20 working days
- Certificate of Appropriateness - 90 working days
In most instances, a decision is made in much less time. The period of time needed to process a complete application with all of the correct materials depends on the complexity of the alteration and whether a site visit is needed.