Staten Island Historic Alteration Review - City Law

Land Use and Zoning New York 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of New York

Staten Island, New York property owners planning work on designated historic buildings must follow a city review process that balances preservation with change. This guide explains when Landmarks approval is required, how to coordinate with the Department of Buildings, typical application steps, enforcement risks and appeals. Read carefully to identify required permits, who enforces the rules, and how to begin an application in Staten Island.

Overview of When Review Is Required

Any exterior alteration, demolition, or significant site work affecting a designated landmark or a structure in a historic district typically requires review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and may also require building permits from the Department of Buildings. Consult the Landmarks Preservation Commission for designation status before planning work: Landmarks Preservation Commission[1]. For structural or construction permits, contact the NYC Department of Buildings: NYC Department of Buildings[2].

Start by confirming designation status before design or contractor selection.

Typical Review Steps

  • Determine landmark or district status and review applicable design guidelines.
  • Pre-application consultation with the Landmarks Preservation Commission where available.
  • Prepare drawings and materials addressing historic fabric, materials, and methods.
  • Submit an LPC application for a Certificate of Appropriateness or Certificate of No Effect if work is minor.
  • Apply for DOB permits for structural, mechanical, or construction work once LPC approvals are secured.
  • Schedule inspections and comply with any conditions set by LPC or DOB.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorized alterations to designated landmarks or historic district properties is handled primarily through the Landmarks Preservation Commission in coordination with the Department of Buildings. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages; see the official contacts below for current enforcement policies and notices.[1][2]

Unauthorized work can result in stop-work orders and restoration requirements.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, orders to restore, filing in court and injunctive relief.
  • Enforcers: Landmarks Preservation Commission with coordination from NYC Department of Buildings; complaints may be submitted through their official contact pages.
  • Appeals and review: administrative review processes exist; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The Landmarks Preservation Commission publishes application types such as Certificates of Appropriateness and Certificates of No Effect and procedures on its site; the Department of Buildings issues building permit forms and filing instructions. Fees, specific form numbers, and submission methods are listed on those agency pages or are not specified on the cited page if absent.[1][2]

Action Steps

  • Confirm designation status with the Landmarks Preservation Commission before commissioning designs.
  • Request a pre-application meeting or guidance from LPC when available.
  • Prepare and submit LPC application; retain documentation of approvals.
  • File required DOB permits after securing LPC approval and schedule required inspections.

FAQ

Do I always need Landmarks approval to alter an old building?
No if the building is not designated and not in a historic district, but confirm designation status first with the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
What happens if work starts without approval?
Work may be subject to stop-work orders, restoration orders, fines and court action; exact penalties are posted on official agency pages.
Who issues the building permit after Landmarks approval?
The NYC Department of Buildings issues permits for structural and construction work; DOB filing is generally required after any LPC approvals.

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the property is a designated landmark or in a historic district by consulting the Landmarks map and records.
  2. Contact LPC for pre-application guidance and identify the application type needed.
  3. Prepare drawings and historical-material documentation addressing the proposed work.
  4. Submit the LPC application and await a Certificate of Appropriateness or Certificate of No Effect.
  5. After LPC approval, file required permit applications with NYC Department of Buildings and pay applicable fees.
  6. Schedule inspections and comply with any conditions imposed by LPC or DOB.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm designation status before design or bidding.
  • Most exterior changes to designated properties require Landmarks review and DOB permits.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Landmarks Preservation Commission - Official site
  2. [2] NYC Department of Buildings - Official site

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