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Project Categories: Renovations: Storefronts

A storefront is a retail store or the façade of a commercial building or entryway, typically on the ground floor or street level and including display windows which draw visual attention to a business and/or its merchandise. Storefronts are the outside face or front entrance(s) for the mercantile portions of a building, often installed or modified by the tenants to have distinct architectural features for entry, display of merchandise, tenant identity and/or signage, and including awnings, architectural elements and lighting. Most commercial buildings, due to tenant renovations, alter limited portions of the building’s storefront while facade elements remain untouched.

Storefront installations can be in a new shell building where the developer only provides for openings in the exterior wall, or in an existing building that may or may not have an exterior opening or storefront.

A Storefront Renovation Project involves changes to an existing building to install, renovate or remodel an outdated or damaged structure and may include partial demolition and reconfiguration or replacement of exterior door(s) and windows including the installation, repair or replacement of signs, lighting, marquees, sidewalk vaults, awnings, flagpoles, etc. Refer to specific project guidelines for Signs, and Public Right-of-way Encroachments.

Any construction work that requires the issuance of an amended or new Certificate of Occupancy shall not be considered a Renovation project and must be submitted as an Alteration project.

Project Notes:

  • Changes resulting in a major alteration to path(s) of egress require the issuance of a new Certificate of Occupancy per AC 28-118.3.3. Changes in the occupant load which are inconsistent with the existing Certificate of Occupancy would also mandate a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy per AC 28-118.3.2.
  • Buildings designated as landmarks must obtain prior approval for storefront installation or renovation by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission and/or by the State or Federal Historic Preservation Office (SHIPO). Similarly, city owned buildings must obtain approval from the Public Design Commission.
  • In order to ensure public safety, construction equipment such as sidewalk sheds, scaffolds, and temporary fences may be required where storefront work is facing a public way or sidewalk. Refer to specific guidelines for Sidewalk Shed, Scaffold, and Other Construction Equipment projects.

Project Categories

  1. Building Systems Installation & Modifications

  2. Renovations

  3. Construction Equipment

  4. Alterations

  5. Demolition COMING SOON!

  6. New Buildings COMING SOON!

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