Interior Renovations in an NYC Landmarked building will require a permit from the Department Of Buildings, DOB, and from the Landmarks Planning Commission, LPC. Most interior renovations can be filed as an expedited review which is the fastest and easiest application with Landmarks. If you do not qualify for an Expedited Review you will need to file a Fast Track Application with LPC this is a relatively simple process. In some cases you will file for an expedited review which is the fastest and easiest application with Landmarks.
If your building is landmarked any work you do on the interiors must be approved by the LPC Landmarks Planning Commission before the DOB can approve the work. If you are doing a interior apartment renovation this is a relatively simple process. There are multiple types of application you can file with Landmarks. The Expedited Review is the quickest and easiest, then the Fast track is the next easiest. See bellow if you qualify for these. If you do not you will have to file an “Application Form for Work on Designated Properties”.
Landmarks Expedited Review
The Landmarks Expedited Certificate Of No Effect is the easiest application to file for a Landmarks Permit. In most cases we get these approved within 1 week of filling. These applications are limited in what type of work can be filed. In order to apply you only need a 2 page application form “EXPEDITED CERTIFICATE OF NO EFFECT APPLICATION FORM ” and the architectural plans signed and sealed by a registered architect. Here are the requirements for an expedited review:
- Interior Renovations Only
- Must Be above the second story, 3rd story and higher.
- Can not be on an interior landmark space
- The work must not involve any exterior work no matter how small
- You can’t have any work on drop ceilings within 1 foot of the windows
If you qualify for all of these points you can file your interior renovation as an expedited review. This will be a quick and painless process. Landmarks is very good at reviewing these quickly and issuing approval in under a week (in my experience).
Landmarks Fast Track
The Landmarks Fast Track is the second quickest application to file for a Landmarks Permit. In most cases we get these approved within 2 weeks of filling. These applications are limited in what type of work can be filed. In order to apply you only need a 2 page application form “FASTRACK APPLICATION FORM FOR WORK ON DESIGNATED PROPERTIES” and the architectural plans. You will need some supporting documentation if there is exterior work. Here are the types of projects that qualify for the Fast track application:
- Interior Renovation
- Work On Sidewalks
- Rooftop decks
- Rear Yard Decks
- Minor Exterior Repairs
- Windows and Doors on non-visible facades
- Temporary Installations
- HVAC work solar panels or other utilities on the roof or not the primary facade
- Unenclosed Sidewalk Cafes
Landmark Building Interior Renovation NYC
Working With Landmarks
Landmarks is very easy to deal with when you are doing minor work or interior work. If you have an interior renovation make sure you file the right application otherwise that can cause project delays. Only file an expedited application if you are certain you fulfill all the requirements.
You will still need to file with DOB for a construction permit. Landmarks must issue their permit before DOB can issue an approval on the job.
Thank You for reading our post on Landmark Permits for Interior Renovations.
We wish you the best of luck with your Landmark Property. Please leave questions or comments below. You can contact us directly if you would like to discuss a specific project.
This post was written by Jorge Fontan AIA a Registered Architect and owner of New York City architecture firm Fontan Architecture. Jorge Fontan has earned 3 degrees in the study of architecture including two degrees from the City University of New York and a Masters Degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Jorge has a background in construction and has been practicing architecture for 20 years where he has designed renovations and new developments of various building types.
