The Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) is the largest municipal preservation agency in the USA. It provides protection by regulating construction alterations to historically, culturally or architecturally significant buildings and interiors in New York City. Not only does it regulate construction, but it designates which properties and neighborhoods are subject to these regulations.
In order to protect designated properties, the LPC must approve of alterations done to them. Work on Landmarks buildings should be directed by a Registered Architect or Professional Engineer with an experienced contractor. Typically, any work that requires a DOB permit also requires a Landmarks permit, but this isn’t always the case. Landmarks issues various types of permits depending on the scope of work involved. These guidelines help to understand what type of permits are required for each project.
Certificate of No Effect
Certificates of No Effects (CNE) are the most commonly issued permit by the LPC. These permits are issued for work on LPC-protected exteriors, such as approved the restoration of a facade. These permits may take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months to acquire depending on the complexity of the project. In some cases, approvals can be issued at the staff level, but may also require commission review and/or a public hearing.
Expedited Certificate of No Effect
Expedited CNEs are issued for specific interior alterations only. The project must meet strict LPC guidelines, or not be considered for expedited review. Buildings with landmarked interiors are not allowed to be filed with an expedited CNE. In certain cases, they may be issued under the FasTrac program, but largely depends on the scope of work.
Permit for Minor Work
Permits for minor work are required when a Landmarked exterior is being restored, but does not require Department of Buildings (DOB) approval. This is typically utilized for repointing, cornice restoration, or other minor work on a facade. This does not include removing architectural features, as that must be filed under a certificate of no effect, or other Landmarks permit.
Landmarks Master Plan Permit
Landmarks issues master plan permits for work of a repetitive nature. A common example would be the installation of permanent air conditioners on the facade, or the alteration of Landmarked elements in a repetitive nature. This makes doing the work over time easier since approvals are reduced, as the individual installations/alterations are approved under the master plan, holistically.
Issues with Landmarks Permits?
Direct Access Expediting offers years of knowledge required for getting Landmarks permits. We provide consulting on project scope and feasibility, to drafting, code compliance, filing and approval. Direct Access makes it easy from inception through to completion to work on Landmark buildings. Please contact us now to learn how we can expedite your Landmarks permits and project.