Landmarks Procedure for Front Doors
I just pulled two doors off a Brownstone on a landmark area. The customer wanted the doors stripped, repaired, and repainted the same color and rehung. When we stripped them, we found the two most beautiful mahogany doors in need of minimal repair. The customer, who lives out of state, is now contemplating having us…
I just pulled two doors off a Brownstone on a landmark area. The customer wanted the doors stripped, repaired, and repainted the same color and rehung. When we stripped them, we found the two most beautiful mahogany doors in need of minimal repair. The customer, who lives out of state, is now contemplating having us make the repairs and finish these in a clear coat, but we are not sure how to proceed with landmarks and what this will entail. Also, if we are taking the doors back to their original 1880’s appearance, will the process be any smoother?
Thanks all,
Steve
Thank you all. Yes, I did call the LPC person and they said there should be no problem and the approval should take a week.
Steve
Since the color will change as a result of your restoration work, you will need a permit from LPC. As Vinca suggests, go to their website. You will need a “Permit for Minor Work”. LPC uses the same simple form for everything. They are required to respond within 20 days. Frankly, although it’s not strictly kosher, this is a situation where you would probably be safe starting the work without the permit in place since the application should be pro forma.
technically you’re supposed to get approval for the change in finish, though I’m betting Landmarks should approve a change to the original finish. You’re supposed to fill out the same form as for other work. Don’t worry, you wouldn’t have needed approval for repairing the doors and repainting so you wouldn’t be exposing any issue by requesting approval now.
The short answer is that LPC should not be an issue for you. Even though you are removing paint, you should be covered by engaging in an “ordinary” repair by restoring (not replacing) the doors to original. However, if you want to confirm the procedure, contact LPC’s Public Information Officer directly: 212-669-7817. Inspiring fear of working with LPC seems to be a recreational sport for many Brownstoner posters (many of whom have never dealt with LPC).
Links you might find useful:
LPC contact: http://bit.ly/i7VppA
LPC Publications (look under “Rules and Guidelines” to find many publications that can be downloaded at no charge). Especially see the Door section in the publication called “Guidelines and Materials Checklist”: http://bit.ly/j3VYo7