Manhattan condos and co-ops require alteration agreements plus DOB permits, and buildings in historic districts also need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval.
Owners in Manhattan condominiums and shareholders in cooperatives must obtain board approval before performing almost any alteration to their unit interiors. Most buildings require a signed alteration agreement detailing the scope of work, licensed and insured contractors, required permits, work hours, and indemnification. This is contractual rather than an HOA architectural review committee process. External alterations to facades, windows, terraces, and rooftops require DOB permits under NYC Administrative Code Title 28 plus board approval. Buildings within designated historic districts or individually landmarked buildings must also obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness or permit for minor work from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission under NYC Admin Code Title 25 Chapter 3. Unauthorized alterations can result in board fines, lease termination (co-ops), and DOB violations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how New York County's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
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