NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)
The LPC identifies and protects NYC's architecturally and historically significant buildings and districts. Learn LPC's jurisdiction, approvals process, and role in NYC construction.
What Is the Landmarks Preservation Commission?
The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) was established in 1965, largely in response to the demolition of Penn Station, and is the largest municipal preservation agency in the nation. LPC is responsible for identifying and protecting the city's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings, interiors, and landscapes.
Over 37,000 properties across more than 150 historic districts fall under LPC jurisdiction, along with approximately 1,450 individual landmarks. LPC-designated properties include everything from grand civic buildings and brownstone rows to industrial warehouses and modernist towers.
Any exterior alteration to a landmarked building — or any building within a historic district — requires LPC approval before work can begin. This includes changes to facades, windows, doors, rooftop additions, storefronts, signage, and even paint colors.
LPC's Jurisdiction & Authority
LPC has regulatory authority over all designated landmarks and properties within historic districts. Its powers include:
Designating individual landmarks, historic districts, interior landmarks, and scenic landmarks
Reviewing and approving all exterior alterations to designated properties
Issuing permits for work on landmarked buildings (separate from DOB permits)
Issuing violations for unauthorized work on designated properties
Requiring restoration of unauthorized alterations to original or approved conditions
Reviewing hardship applications from owners claiming designation causes economic hardship
Limitations of LPC
Understanding LPC's boundaries helps property owners route work correctly:
- LPC only regulates exterior appearance — interior renovations (except for designated interior landmarks) do not require LPC approval.
- LPC does not issue building permits — after receiving LPC approval, you still need DOB permits for the actual construction work.
- LPC cannot prevent demolition of a non-designated building, even if it's historically significant, unless it's within a designated historic district.
- LPC violations are adjudicated at ECB/OATH, not by LPC itself. LPC issues the violation but doesn't determine the penalty.
- LPC's review process can be lengthy — complex projects may require multiple hearings before the full Commission, adding months to project timelines.
- LPC cannot regulate buildings owned by the federal or state government — only city, private, and institutional properties.
How BVS Works with LPC
BVS shepherds LPC applications from the first pre-filing consultation through Commission hearings and final permit issuance. Whether your building is individually landmarked or sits inside a historic district, we know what LPC looks for and how to sequence LPC approvals with the underlying DOB filing.
LPC Violation Removal
Got cited for unauthorized work on a landmark? We legalize the work, file the Landmarks application, and close the violation.
Specialized Approvals
LPC approvals, historic district permits, staff-level Certificates of No Effect, and full Commission hearings.
DOB Work Applications
Once LPC approval is in hand, we handle the DOB permit filing that the actual construction requires.
Project & Filing Coordination
Complex landmark projects with multiple filings, hearings, and consultants managed end to end.
Zoning Analysis & Code Compliance
Landmark designation frequently interacts with zoning and code — we untangle them before you file.
Understand LPC Better
Preserving History: Renovating NYC Landmarks
The challenges and rewards of landmark renovation — case notes from working projects.
NYC Building Permits Guide
How LPC approvals sequence with ALT-1, ALT-2, and NB permits from DOB.
Certificate of Occupancy Guide
How CO amendments handle change of use in landmarked buildings.
Change of Use Guide
Change of use in landmarked buildings requires both LPC and DOB approval — the sequence matters.
LPC and Other NYC Agencies
LPC approval comes before DOB permitting on landmarked properties. After LPC issues a Certificate of Appropriateness, DOB reviews and permits the construction. LPC violations are adjudicated at ECB/OATH. Fire safety alterations to landmarks (Fire Safety Plans, sprinkler retrofits) also loop in FDNY. Sequencing these agencies is central to any landmark project timeline.
Working on a landmark or historic district property?
Whether you need LPC approval for exterior work, help resolving an LPC violation, or coordinated LPC + DOB filings, contact BVS for a free consultation.