If you own a landmark or a building in a designated historic district in New York City, you need a permit from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) before doing any work. You also need a permit from LPC for any work that needs a permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB).

LPC issues three types of permits:

• Certificates of No Effect (CNE)
• Permits for Minor Work (PMW)
• Certificates of Appropriateness (CofA)

The type of permit issued depends on the work you want to do. You will know which permit you need after you submit a complete application.

Certificate of No Effect (CNE)

You need a CNE when your proposed work needs a DOB permit but does not change the protected architectural features of the building. Examples include:

• Interior renovations
• Installing plumbing and heating equipment

LPC checks to make sure your work does not harm the building's protected features or the character of the historic area.

Permit for Minor Work (PMW)

You need a PMW when your proposed work changes significant protected architectural features but does not need a DOB permit. Examples include:

• Replacing windows or doors
• Cleaning or repairing masonry
• Restoring architectural details

LPC reviews your changes to see if they are appropriate for the building and district.

Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA)

You need a CofA when your proposed work changes significant protected features and does not meet the guidelines for a staff-level approval. Examples include:

• Adding to the rooftop or rear yard
• Demolitions
• Building new architectural features or removing old ones like stoops and cornices

This permit needs a public hearing at the local community board and LPC offices.

• Get permission and a signature from the building owner or the tenant ownership organization.
• Prepare drawings, plans and photos as needed for your type of work.
• Include Warning Letter or Notice of Violation numbers if you have them.

List of permit fees:

• Certificate of Appropriateness and Certificate of No Effect: $50 for the first $25,000 of work and $3 for every $1,000 above $25,000. For example, a $50,000 project has a $125 fee from the Landmarks Commission.
• Permit for Minor Work: no fee.

List of accepted payment methods:

• Cash (The fees are collected at the Department of Buildings.)

• Overview: This page gives a summary.
• Laws for historic buildings: It does not list all the rules for working on historic buildings.
• General building laws: It also does not list all the rules for working on buildings in general.

• Determine landmark status: If you do not know if your building is a landmark or in a historic district, call 311 and ask for the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
• Review guidelines and materials: Check the Guidelines and Materials Checklist for Performing Work on Landmarked Buildings for more information. Simple repairs and maintenance, like fixing broken window glass or repainting a door the same color, do not need LPC's review or approval.
• Complete and submit the application form: Fill out and submit the Application Form for Work on Designated Properties. Provide drawings and renderings to show the work you want to do on your property.
• Include violation information: If you have a Warning Letter or Notice of Violation, include it in your application form.
• Submit the application: You can file applications by mail or in person.
• Application processing: Once the application is received, it gets a docket number and is assigned to a Preservation Department staff member. The staff will decide which type of permit (Certificate of No Effect, Permit for Minor Work or Certificate of Appropriateness) should be issued based on the proposed work.
• Incomplete applications: If the application is incomplete, the staff member will contact you and explain what more is needed.
• Meetings for complex proposals: If the proposal is complex, the staff may suggest that you and your architect or contractor meet at the Commission's office to discuss the project. A meeting at your property may also be arranged.
• Review of proposal: The staff member will review the proposal to evaluate how the proposed changes would affect the building and/or historic district.
• Permit issuance: If your application is approved, your permit will be sent to you. The permit must be posted clearly at the building while the work is being done.