Landmarks Preservation Commission and Window Bars
I replaced my straight, plain window bars with these almost 2 years ago. The building just received a letter that they are not compliant because I didn’t have a Landmarks permit. I can apply for a permit, but when I called Landmarks, they said that window bars with curves – such as the ones I…
I replaced my straight, plain window bars with these almost 2 years ago. The building just received a letter that they are not compliant because I didn’t have a Landmarks permit. I can apply for a permit, but when I called Landmarks, they said that window bars with curves – such as the ones I now have – would probably not be approved. When I mentioned that I see window bars in the neighborhood that curve out to accommodate air conditioners, the said those window bars do not comply with Landmarks standards either, and that Landmarks hasn’t sited those buildings. Has anyone had experience with Landmarks and window bar styles? My options are to apply for the permit and hope they legalize these, or have them removed, photograph the window with no bars, submit that to Landmarks and have the Letter to cure the violation removed. Then I start a new application and install plain, straight bars. I am trying to decide which route to take, remove and replace or convince Landmarks to let me keep these. Located in Cobble Hill. Any advice appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Check it out Montrose. Unfortunately, if owners ignore the letter it can be unfortunate. Check your facts before giving people bad advice: http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/html/faqs/faq_enforce.shtml
“How is the amount of a civil fine determined?
The amount of a civil fine is dependent on the severity of the violation. The Landmarks Protection Law defines two types of violations: type A and type B.
Type A violations include serious alterations to important architectural elements, such as cornices, stoops, windows, and storefronts; additionally, construction of rooftop or backyard additions may fit into this category. First-time type A violations are punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, if a second NOV is issued, there will be a fine of up to $250 per day, with a minimum fine of $5,000.
Type B violations include all other, less serious infractions, such as painting a facade a new color, replacing a single window, or installing a light, sign, flagpole or banner. First-time Type B violations are punishable by a fine of up to $500; if a second NOV is issued, there will be a fine of up to $50 per day, with a minimum fine of $500.”
I’m not saying that I’m for, or against this. I just think you should know what you are talking about before being so free with bad advice that could end up costing an owner some bucks — especially if a change is small and might be legalized retroactively for no cost at all.
So called non-compliant bars on other buildings may have been grandfathered in, as they may have already been there when the neighborhood was landmarked. The LPC will not retroactively declare something as non-compliant, so even if your windows do not meet their requirements, if they were in place when your building was landmarked, they can stay. If the building gets new windows, then you would have to apply for a permit, and you would only be permitted to have certain kinds of period appropriate windows installed.
If you ignore their letter, they have no enforcement arm to come get you. They only have to wait until you need to do other work which would need a permit, and they will not sign off on it until you are compliant in everything. I don’t think they can force you to remove any security bars on a permanent basis. Even a city agency understands the need for bars, they aren’t that hide bound to the past. Most row houses in this city have had bars since they were built, so security issues are not news.
Personally, I don’t think they look bad at all. You might just want to give it a go, and see if they will approve them. I’d take lots of pictures of neighborhood security bars so they can see how yours fit into the entire neighborhood.
Montrose Morris
Thanks for the advice, grammar and typos forgiven, content counts. OP
These replies take the gold medal for most typos and craziest grammar. Whew!
3 things might help u and others
1- does landmarks publicize any of there decisions or do they hope forums like this fail to make data public
2- does anyone know what happens if u ignore thier letter
3- who blew the whistle on u and your very nice bars
ok 4 – can they actually prevent exterior security bars?
ps. i think full commission includes community board feedback for what its worth, including a public meeting of nimby most of whom don’t have a life, so they would like to pretend they have yours for an evening.
there should be maintain the stander of landmark.. i hope they will approve that curve design also …
as with them about that but it will be better if you take permission before you fit that window..
thanks
___________
roze
http://www.goinggreenbuzz.com
not neighborhoods, just some loud mouths, who make density a crime in this city.
in all political spectrum, the loudest that get heard. i’m sure not everyone wanted landmarks etc…
holy cr*p, thank goodness I live 1 ave. west of PSlope landmarks zone.
I will NEVER support landmarking the rest of Park Slope for this (and MANY other) reasons.
Landmarks = NIMBY heaven.
not neighborhoods, just some loud mouths, who make density a crime in this city.
in all political spetrum, the loudest that get heard. i’m sure not everyone wanted landmarks etc…