Certificate of Appropriateness

All LPC permit applications are now filed and processed through Portico, the agency’s new web-based permit application portal.

A Certificate of Appropriateness ("C of A") is the type of approval needed when:

• The proposed work affects the significant protected architectural features of the landmark property
• The proposed work does not conform to the Rules of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Examples of work that may require a Certificate of Appropriateness include, but are not limited to:

• Additions
• Demolitions
• New construction
• Removal of stoops, cornices, and other significant architectural features

LPC receives and approves over 12,000 permit applications each year for changes to landmark buildings and sites. About 95% of LPC's permits are issued by the staff, and the remainder by the full Commission.

Many applicants modify their applications so that their work qualifies for a staff-level permit. These permits have a shorter turnaround time, and do not require a public hearing. Discuss this option with the LPC staff preservationist assigned to your application.

If you choose to present your project to the full Commission at a public hearing, you must contact the local community board where the property is located, and schedule an appointment to present your project to the community board before you present your project to the full Landmarks Preservation Commission at a public hearing.

Please note your assigned staff preservationist will assist you through the process and ensure your presentation successfully explains your proposal.

Process for Obtaining a C of A

Obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness begins with submitting an application for proposed work through Portico.

C of A applications require a presentation, typically including architectural drawings, photographs and/or material samples that explain the proposal, and must be presented both to the Commission at a public hearing, and to the community board where the property is located.

Learn more about community board presentations

At times, the Commission may approve an application at the public hearing – but in many cases, a determination is not made until a subsequent public meeting.

 

Timing

The entire process of applying for and obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness can take about three months. You can view the status of your application at every stage of the process by logging into your Portico dashboard

• Applications that require a review by the full Commission will require a consultation with the staff preservationist assigned to your application.
• Once you have submitted the required materials through Portico, your staff preservationist will schedule a public hearing date a month later.
• Once the full Commission approves your project at the public hearing, you must submit your Department of Buildings filing drawings to your staff preservationist by applying for a Post-Approval Action via Portico. Your permit will be issued shortly afterward, and available for download through Portico.

Once you have submitted all of the required materials, and your application is deemed complete, the Commission is required to issue a ruling about the project within 90 working days. If your application remains incomplete for more than 90 days, your application may be withdrawn.