Landmarks Preservation Commission

Studio Delson is an architecture practice specializing in LPC-approved projects throughout New York City, with extensive experience across Brooklyn and Manhattan historic districts. Navigating the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) approval process requires experience, strategic planning, and a comprehensive understanding of how projects move through landmark review. Because a significant portion of our work is located within historic districts and landmark-designated properties, LPC approvals are deeply integrated into our architectural process from the earliest stages of design through final approvals and construction.

We excel at guiding homeowners, developers, and property owners through approvals for townhouse renovations, rear yard additions, rooftop additions, façade restorations, window replacements, stoop modifications, solar panel installations, and comprehensive residential renovations within New York City historic districts.

What is the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)?

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission regulates exterior work on designated landmarks and buildings located within historic districts across the five boroughs. Any proposed exterior alteration to a landmarked property in Brooklyn or Manhattan may require LPC review and approval before permits can be issued or construction can begin.

LPC approvals are a critical step for projects located within NYC historic districts, including Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Carroll Gardens, and landmarked neighborhoods throughout Manhattan.

The LPC evaluates whether proposed architectural work is appropriate in relation to:

• historic district character
• visibility from the public way
• massing and scale relationships
• material selection and detailing
• precedent within the district

Achieving LPC approval requires more than regulatory compliance. It requires a comprehensive architectural strategy that anticipates how a proposal will be evaluated during staff-level review and, when necessary, at public commission hearings.

Our practice is highly experienced in structuring submissions that align architectural intent with LPC expectations, helping reduce revisions, streamline approvals, and improve project outcomes.

Depending on the scope of work, projects may require:

• Certificate of No Effect (CNE) approval
• Permit for Minor Work (PMW) approval
• Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA) approval
• staff-level LPC review
• public hearing review before the Commission
• coordination with the Department of Buildings (DOB)

Successfully navigating NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission approvals requires both strong architectural design and a detailed understanding of regulatory pathways, submission requirements, review timelines, and historic district precedent.

Our LPC Approval Process

We provide comprehensive architectural and approvals management services throughout every phase of the landmarks review process.

1. Landmark Research & Existing Conditions Analysis

We begin by reviewing landmark designation reports, zoning conditions, historic district context, visibility conditions, and previous LPC approvals associated with the property. Existing conditions are carefully documented to establish a clear foundation for the approvals process.

2. Feasibility Analysis & Approvals Strategy

Before design begins, we evaluate which interventions are most likely to achieve LPC approval based on district context, visibility, scale, materiality, and prior commission precedent. This phase helps establish the most effective approvals pathway early in the process.

3. Schematic Design & Design Development

LPC considerations are integrated directly into the architectural design process from the outset. During schematic design and design development, we refine massing, façade treatments, rooftop visibility studies, material selections, and contextual relationships to align the project with NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission expectations.

4. LPC Submission Preparation

We prepare comprehensive LPC submission packages tailored to the specific scope and approval type required for the project. Submission materials may include architectural drawing sets, renderings, contextual elevations, historic photographs, material samples, visibility studies, and written scope narratives.

5. LPC Filing, Review & Approval

Applications are formally submitted for LPC review through the appropriate approval pathway, including Permit for Minor Work (PMW), Certificate of No Effect (CNE), or Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA). Depending on the scope of work, projects may proceed through staff-level review or public hearing before the Commission. We manage revisions, respond to LPC comments, coordinate presentations, and shepherd projects through the approval process efficiently and professionally.

6. DOB Coordination & Construction Documentation

Following LPC approval, we coordinate Department of Buildings filings, permit drawings, consultant coordination, and construction documentation to ensure the approved scope moves smoothly into permitting and construction.

7. Construction Administration & Project Closeout

During construction, we help ensure that work remains consistent with approved LPC drawings and assist with any required amendments, field revisions, or agency coordination through project completion.

LPC Expertise in Brooklyn & Manhattan Historic Districts

Our architecture practice works extensively within historic districts throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, including neighborhoods with highly sensitive contextual and preservation requirements.

We regularly manage LPC-approved projects involving:

• Brooklyn brownstones
• townhouse additions
• rooftop additions
• rear yard extensions
• façade restorations
• stoop and entry modifications
• window and door replacements
• contemporary additions within historic contexts

Because landmarked projects comprise such a significant portion of our projects, we understand how to proactively navigate the nuances of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission process and guide approvals efficiently from concept through completion, and are excellent at shepherding the process for our clients.

Start-to-Finish LPC Architectural Services

Historic district projects require more than architectural design alone. They require coordination, documentation, approvals expertise, and a clear understanding of how to move projects successfully through the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission review process.

Our team provides comprehensive, start-to-finish support for LPC-approved projects across Brooklyn and Manhattan, helping clients navigate approvals with clarity, efficiency, and confidence.