Basic LPC Tutorial
I am trying to decide whether to bid on a house in a landmarked area of PPS, but am truly loathe to deal with LPC. I realize that they have considerable latitude over what I can do to the outside of the house, but how much control is exerted over inside changes? Thank you in…
I am trying to decide whether to bid on a house in a landmarked area of PPS, but am truly loathe to deal with LPC. I realize that they have considerable latitude over what I can do to the outside of the house, but how much control is exerted over inside changes?
Thank you in advance for your help.
If you are not planning to change something non-compliant — like vinyl siding — then LPC can’t compel you to do it. It’s only when you get a permit to CHANGE something that their requirements come into play. So you could live with the vinyl siding, aluminum windows, bathroom tiles adhered to your stoop, bright pink paint on the cornice, a modern fluorescent light fixture over the front door or anything else for as long as you like — assuming these were all in place when you bought the house. LPC can only enforce their rules as they apply to NEW work. LPC is actually pretty decent to deal with as a private homeowner. There is also masses of information available on their website. Additionally, groups like the Park Slope Civic Council can probably offer you guidance about working with LPC, and even contacts names.
@ThreeLadies, you would need approval to change the vinyl siding, but I imagine LPC would also prefer it not be vinyl. Albemarle just wrote about an LPC experience in the renovation blog.
“Sometimes historic buildings will also have interior landmarks”
Yes, but this ONLY possible in buildings that are open to the public (i.e. Grand Central Terminal, the Williamsburg Savings Bank, the interior of the former Gage & Tollner restaurant, etc). Interiors of private residences cannot be designated.
Thank you again for your input. The facade is (sadly) vinyl siding and something that we actually would want to eventually change, if it were possible. Under those circumstances, does it need to be exactly as it was before the vinly siding?
Unless it is a landmarked interior. Although I do not know of a house that might have that problem. You are going to need an architect to get though both DOB and Landmarks. Hire someone early on to walk you thought the process. It is not Rocket Science, but needs to be done properly.
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects
The landmark commission is to maintain landmarks which in general in landmark districts or even single buildings which are very old or have a certain sentimental value for the area , is only to ensure that a certain facade style or other exterior element is maintained. in such a case you don’t need to worry a bit about the inside. When you want to change windows or repair the facade that is a different story.
Sometimes historic buildings will also have interior landmarks but it is not the norm but you should verify first.
LPC only has control of the facade visible from the street–although sometimes they will have some control on other sides of a house.
They have no say whatsoever on interiors. You or your contractor will have to deal with the DOB for internal structural changes, though.