NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission Business Recovery Program

LPC has created a new, dedicated Recovery Team and hotline to
help owners of historic buildings and commercial tenants resume
business operations (like restaurants) as quickly and effectively
as possible.

LPC and the recovery team have launched an expedited review process and accompanying application form for certain work types related to reopening to help the city in the process of recovery.

The recovery team will serve as a one-stop shop for all applications.  The Recovery Team will answer LPC-related questions regarding rules and policies and will work closely with applicants to guide them towards submitting complete applications and will issue permits as quickly as possible.

For contact information click here or email recovery@lpc.nyc.gov.

Work Types

As part of LPC’s Business Recovery Program, many types of work related to recovery are now eligible for special expedited review. Some types of work are now eligible to apply for a permit through Expedited Recovery Review with an anticipated turnaround of under 10 days, and other types of work are eligible to apply through Expedited Recovery Review with a self-certified application, which has an even faster anticipated turnaround of 2 days.

Download LPC’s flyer for more information on work types HERE. Learn more at nyc.gov/landmarks by clicking on Applications.

• 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 type self-certification permit for certain types of work. Applications for temporary installations (lasting no longer than one year) submitted through the expedited recovery process can be self-certified. A self-certified application will have an anticipated 1-2-day permit turnaround from the time of a complete application. You’ll also get hands-on assistance from a Recovery Team member. See this link for more information on work types, which include awnings, signage, glass replacement and interior installations.
• Expedited Recovery Review: Permanent alterations will now be eligible to file through the Expedited Recovery Review process. An application filed under Expedited Recovery Review that meets the LPC’s rules will have an anticipated less than 10-day turnaround from the time of a complete application. You’ll also get hands-on assistance from a Recovery Team member. See this PDF for more information. Examples of work types 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.

Applications and Permits

LPC has created a new application form for recovery review, which can be downloaded here.