Landmark/Windows Advice Needed
We’re looking to make minor alterations to the ground-floor rear-facing windows of our landmark brownstone co-op in Brooklyn Heights. All that we’d like to do is have three door-sized glass panel windows (two fixed windows, one functioning door to the yard). Currently, there is a solid door, an eye-level window, and brick in between the…
We’re looking to make minor alterations to the ground-floor rear-facing windows of our landmark brownstone co-op in Brooklyn Heights.
All that we’d like to do is have three door-sized glass panel windows (two fixed windows, one functioning door to the yard). Currently, there is a solid door, an eye-level window, and brick in between the two. The yard and exterior wall are not accessible nor can they be seen from the street, so the only exposure to this area is via the neighbors.
What sort of landmark approval, if any, would people recommend? If someone could please offer advice for this process, we’d appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks everyone for the great input. We will get on those additional approvals ASAP!!
You most definitely must submit your designs to Landmarks. The person above is right. If it is the same design it is not a big deal. Changing the size or configuration of the windows is more involved.
You DO need a LPC permit (regardless of what district you are in), even for rear-yard alterations that are not visible from the public way. Depending on the scope of changes, you will either need a Certificate of No Effect (staff review) or a Certificate of Appropriateness (commission review with public hearing). The LPC rules have guidelines for what constitutes what level of review for rear yard alterations, but basically if you are keeping the ends of the rear wall intact and blowing out masonry in between (which sounds like what you are doing), it should fall under staff review.
If its just replacing windows in existing openings, then it probably falls under a Permit for Minor Work (also staff level).
I’m going to assume you are in a Landmark district, rather than in a Landmarked Building.
To build on Spanishfish’s post:
Landmarks is primarily concerned about alterations that can be seen from a public way. If yours cannot, but they are substantial (that is, something that would require a building permit), you may be issued a Certificate of No Effect. If your proposing a straightforward window replacement, you would get instead a Permit for Minor Work. A member of the Landmark staff can advise you based on more specific informaiton.
Have a look at this .pdf as well:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/pubs/workguide.pdf
Of course, your co-op president or other officer will have to sign the Landmark paperwork as owner, so obviously you’ll need board approval for the work as well.
You don’t need Landmarks approval for rear windows, usually, unless you are in the new Sunnyside Gardens district. But you may need a Certificate of No Effect regardless. You’ll have to check with LPC.