Built Environment

Built Environment projects include the following types of projects. Applicants are encouraged to use their best judgement and ask their agency liaison for further clarification if required:

• Masterplans: Projects with a comprehensive, long-term vision for the development or redevelopment of a specific area and that serve as a guiding framework for future planning and designs.
• Architecture and Structures: Projects include buildings, major infrastructure, and bridges.
• Landscape Architecture: Projects include parks, open spaces and streetscapes.

The Public Design Commission design review process requires submission at various levels of review as the project is developed, including:

• Conceptual: Required for all buildings, major infrastructure, master plans, and large-scale or complex landscape architecture proposals, and projects that are subject to the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). Occurs when drawings are at the schematic level and, for projects that are subject to ULURP, submissions should be made at or around the same time as the Department of City Planning (DCP) interdivisional meeting.
• Preliminary: Occurs during the design development phase, typically after Community Board engagement.
 
• Preliminary & Final: On a case-by-case basis, for projects with limited scope or projects that have been reviewed favorably at the conceptual level. 
• Final:Occurs at approximately 90% completion of design. Once final approval is received, construction can begin.
• Final Sign-off: Occurs after final approval, at the substantial completion of a project, and requires the submission of digital and physical photographic documentation.
 

The Public Design Commission also requires submissions for post-approval actions for limited scope projects, including: 

• Amended Preliminary: Only required if there are any significant changes to the approved preliminary proposal, prior to proceeding to final review. 
• Amended Final: Only required if there are any changes to the approved final proposal, including changes that must be made during construction.  Note that per the Resolution adopted by the Commission on October 11, 2022, a subset of minor modifications to projects after final approval (Post Approval modifications) fall within the limited scope project category, and may be eligible for review by the Executive Director in lieu of the Commission. Before preparing an amended final submission, please review the Delegation Resolution to identify if the project qualifies for staff level review.
• Extension of Approval: Only required if the certificate of approval expires before construction begins.

In order to clarify submission requirements depending on the level of review, the Public Design Commission provides submission checklists and instructions. Before preparing a submission, please review the checklist and instruction documents. Checklists should be used to ensure that submissions are complete and included with the submission package.

→ Download the Submission Checklist and Instructions for Built Environment Projects

For additional resources, including a collection of previously reviewed and approved project presentations, refer to the Resources tab.

Per the Resolution adopted by the Commission on October 11, 2022, regarding the delegation of certain duties and responsibilities, some projects such as Building Systems, Tenant Signs, ADA access ramps, ballfield pole lighting, fenced-in area ways and alterations to storefront entrances, may be approved by the Commission's Executive Director in lieu of the Commission if it meets particular criteria outlined in the resolution.