Oyster Bay, NY Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Chapter 143, Landmarks Preservation, adopted in 1974, defines a "landmark" at Section 143-2 as "any place, structure or building of historical value or aesthetic interest by reason of its antiquity or uniqueness of architectural design or as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the town, county, state or nation," and separately defines a "historic district" as an area whose special character or historical value causes it to constitute a distinct section of town. Designation runs through the procedure at Section 143-7: any person may apply to the seven-member Landmarks Preservation Commission, or the Commission may act on its own motion; owners of the subject parcel and of every property within 300 feet receive certified-mail notice and a right to confer with the Commission before a decision.

The Commission must approve or disapprove within 30 days of receiving the application, and a failure to decide within that window is deemed a disapproval. Once a property is designated, Section 143-8 bars the Division of Building from issuing any demolition, alteration or improvement permit for 120 days after the Commission begins considering the designation, and Section 143-11 requires Commission review of exterior construction, alteration, subdivision, landscaping or demolition plans before any building permit issues, looking at historic and architectural value, appropriateness of design, colors and materials, and visual impact on the surrounding historic area.

1 further imposes affirmative maintenance standards, covering sound foundations, weatherproofing and structural soundness, on every designated landmark, enforced by the Commission after a public hearing with 14 days' newspaper and certified-mail notice.