Before doing certain kinds of work on landmark properties, building owners or tenants need to apply for a permit from the Landmarks Preservation Commission.  By law, the Commission must review any proposals for alterations to landmark buildings and determine whether they have any effect on the significant features of a building or a historic district.  Any effect must be harmonious or appropriate. 

A staff person will review plans and work with applicants to find appropriate solutions that meet contemporary needs before issuing a permit. 

Please read “Frequently Asked Questions” to learn more about the process, or call the Public Information Officer at (212) 669- 7817.

An applicant may request that an application for interior work above the second floor of any landmark or building within an historic district be reviewed on an expedited basis.  The interior work that is eligible for an expedited review is to be performed above the second floor and does not involve any change to, replacement of, or penetration of, an exterior wall, window, skylight or roof, including penetrations, replacements or changes for ducts, grilles, exhaust intakes, vents or pipes.  

Expedited review is predicated upon the statements and representations of the architect or engineer and the owner set forth and submitted in the appropriate architects and owners forms.

When possible, forms for an expedited review should be submitted on yellow paper, which flags them to the staff as a request for an expedited review.