The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission designates historic districts under Administrative Code section 25-303 and reviews any exterior alteration, new construction, or demolition through Certificates of Appropriateness or staff-level Permits for Minor Work.
Local Law 46 of 1965 created the Landmarks Preservation Commission, codified at Admin Code chapter 3 of Title 25. As of 2026 LPC oversees 156 historic districts and 22 historic district extensions covering more than 38,000 buildings, plus over 1,460 individual landmarks. Owners must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for major exterior changes under section 25-307, or staff-level Certificates of No Effect or Permit for Minor Work for paint colors, in-kind repairs, and rear-yard work. Public hearings happen monthly. The Department of Buildings cannot issue construction permits inside districts without LPC sign-off under section 25-305(b). Local Law 25 of 2020 added accessibility, sustainability, and resilience considerations.
Unauthorized work in a historic district violates Admin Code 25-317.1 with civil penalties up to $5,000 plus three times restoration cost. Repeat offenders face misdemeanor charges under 25-317 punishable by up to one year imprisonment. LPC can order full restoration.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
New York, NY
Individual landmark designation under Administrative Code section 25-302 requires Landmarks Preservation Commission research, calendaring, public hearing, co...
New York, NY
Demolition of any LPC-designated landmark or building in a historic district requires either a Certificate of Appropriateness or a hardship finding under Adm...
New York, NY
Most interior and exterior renovation work in NYC requires a building permit from DOB. Alteration Type 1 (ALT1) permits are for major changes affecting use, ...
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