Certificate of Appropriateness

A Certificate of Appropriateness ("C of A") is needed if:

• The proposed work affects the significant protected architectural features of the landmark property
• The proposed work does not conform to the Rules of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The types of work include, but are not limited to:

• Additions
• Demolitions
• New construction
• Removal of stoops, cornices, and other significant architectural features

LPC receives and approves over 13,000 permit applications each year for changes to landmark buildings and sites. More than 90 percent of LPC's permits are issued by the staff, and the remainder by the full Commission.

Many applicants modify their applications so that their work qualifies for a staff-level permit. These permits have a shorter turnaround time, and do not require a public hearing. Discuss this option with the LPC staff preservationist assigned to your application.

If you choose to present your project to the full Commission at a public hearing, you must contact the local community board where the property is located, and schedule an appointment to present your project to the community board before you present your project to the full Landmarks Preservation Commission at a public hearing.

Please note your assigned staff preservationist will assist you through the process and ensure your presentation successfully explains your proposal.

Process for Obtaining a C of A

Each C of A application along with architectural drawings and/or material samples must be presented to the community board where the affected property is located.

Learn more about community board presentations.

The Commission at times may approve an application at the public hearing. But in many cases, a determination is not made until a subsequent public meeting.

If the Commission approves an application, the applicant must submit construction drawings to the staff to finalize the Commission's decision.

The permit is issued only after the staff has reviewed the final construction drawings to make sure that the final plans are consistent with the proposal approved by the Commissioners.

Timing

Applications that require a review by the full Commission and include the correct materials require a consultation with the staff preservationist assigned to your application.

After you have submitted the required materials, your staff preservationist will schedule a public hearing date a month later. Once the full Commission approves your project, you must submit two copies of your Department of Buildings filing drawings to your staff preservationist. Your permit will be issued shortly afterward. The entire process can take at least three months.

If you have submitted all of the required materials, and your application is deemed complete, the Commission must issue a ruling about the project within 90 working days.

If your application remains incomplete for more than 90 days, your application may be withdrawn.