Press Release

For Immediate Release: June 24, 2020
Contact: lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, 917-386-8544

LPC Launches Recovery Initiative

LPC launches new processes to support business recovery and make it easier to apply for permits necessary to reopen businesses.

New York – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) launched a Recovery Initiative, intended to help owners of historic buildings and commercial tenants resume business operations as quickly and effectively as possible. As part of the initiative, LPC has created a new, dedicated recovery team, hotline and expedited permit process to serve the needs of restaurants and retail establishments. The initiative supports New York City’s reopening and recovery.

"The Landmarks Preservation Commission recognizes that commercial business owners play a critical role in returning vibrancy and economic stability to the city" said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. "Recovery will call for adapting commercial spaces and buildings to meet social distancing requirements and other safety measures, and with our new Recovery Team and streamlined permit processes, we hope to help businesses meet these demands, open quickly and thrive."

LPC’s new Recovery Team will serve as a one-stop shop for applicants, with dedicated recovery staff providing guidance regarding rules and policies and working closely with applicants to ensure permits can be processed as quickly as possible.

As part of the Recovery Initiative, many work types related to recovery are now eligible for special expedited review.

• No permit needed: Some types of work related to resuming business operations will now not require a permit from LPC; such as movable sidewalk cafe furniture, freestanding sandwich boards or sidewalk signs, pop-up tents and umbrellas, reversible sidewalk markings and unattached payment stations.
• Self-Certified Recovery Review: LPC has created a new self-certification permit for certain types of work. Applications for temporary installations (lasting no longer than one year) submitted through this process can be self-certified. Work types include awnings, signage, glass replacement and interior installations.
• Expedited Recovery Review: Certain work types important to adapt to the requirements of social distancing will be available for expedited review. Examples of work eligible for this review include replacing an entire existing storefront or installing permanent operable doors, windows, or a pass-through in a historic or non-historic storefront, permanent barrier-free access ramps and HVAC equipment and louvers within historic or non-historic storefronts and commercial openings. Applicants will also have access to the Recovery Team to help with the application and approval process.

Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership said, "This new initiative is exactly the kind of creative thinking our community needs to help our small businesses get back on their feet. After months of shutdown, many of restaurants and retailers are struggling and need our support now more than ever to recover from this period. We look forward to working with LPC on making sure all our eligible local businesses have access to these vital resources."

For more information and access to the new application form, click here. Download our flyer for more information on work types. Learn more at nyc.gov/landmarks by clicking on Applications.

About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 36,000 buildings and sites, including 1,439 individual landmarks, 120 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 149 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us via www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.