Guidelines and Materials Checklists for Performing

Work on Landmarked Buildings

New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission

August 2005
New York City’s built environment reflects nearly four centuries of architectural style and
building types. While the city is world famous for its twentieth century skyscrapers, it is in
large part a nineteenth century city. A great deal of its architectural character derives from
the numerous blocks of rowhouses which make up the predominant building type within a
majority of New York’s historic districts. New York also has many important nineteenth
and early 20th century commercial districts, featuring store and loft buildings, and ware-
houses and office buildings, as well as residential districts featuring wood frame buildings
of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The variety of these building types and
styles make up the city’s rich architectural and historic character.

In order to protect the character of the city’s landmarks and historic districts, the Land-
marks Law requires that owners of landmark buildings apply to the Landmarks Preservation
Commission to obtain permits for certain types of work. The Commission reviews pro-
posed changes to ensure that they are architecturally and historically appropriate to the
building and the surrounding streetscape within the historic district. This publication is in-
tended to serve as a practical guide for owners of landmark buildings contemplating
changes to their buildings.
 AIR CONDITIONERS
Introduction
The most common type of air-conditioning installation is the window unit. Such an installa-
tion is reversible and does not require alteration or damage to architectural features of a
building. Other types of air-conditioning systems, including through-the-wall and central
systems, must be judged by their effect on architectural features and their visibility.

The number and size of air-conditioning units (as well as energy costs) can be minimized by
reducing heat gain from sun shining through unprotected windows. If windows are kept
shaded, heat gain can be cut dramatically. In the past, windows were shaded by closing inte-
rior or exterior shutters or by lowering seasonally-installed canvas window awnings. These
methods work just as well today.

Ordinary Maintenance (No permit required)

The following is an example of the type of work that is considered a temporary installation
and does not generally require a permit from the Commission:

• installing window air-conditioning units or fans in windows, when the window sash and
frame are not to be altered and no bracket supports are to be permanently affixed to the
building.

When Approvals are Required

The following are examples of the types of work that require a permit from the Commis-
sion:

• installing window air-conditioning units in window openings which require the use of
brackets affixed to the building or the alteration of window sash or frames;

• installing central air-conditioning systems which require exterior condenser units, chillers,
or fresh air intakes; and

• installing through-the-wall air-conditioning units on primary, rear or secondary facades.

 MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION
Through-the-wall Air Conditioners
If the air conditioner is visible from the street, the applicant must submit:

1. Photo(s) of building with proposed A/C locations indicated.

2. Elevation drawing showing A/C centered under window(s) and
dimensions of the exterior grille.
3. Section drawing showing grille flush with masonry and dimension
beneath sill.
4. Catalogue cut sheet showing grille type and unit (architectural grille).
5. Paint card showing finish to match surrounding masonry.

If the air conditioner is not visible from the street, the applicant must submit:

1. Building footprint plan, block plan, or Sanborn map showing location of

work.
2. Photo(s) of proposed location (if work may affect protected features).
3. Elevation drawing showing A/C centered under window(s) and
dimensions of the exterior grille.
4. Section drawing showing grille flush with masonry and dimension
beneath sill.

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 AWNINGS
Introduction
The Commission bases its approval for the installation of awnings on the following princi-
ples:

1. Awnings were historically employed for weather protection above residential windows
and doors and for advertising as well as weather protection above storefronts.
2. The location of awnings historically corresponded to the size and shape of the openings
they covered, and awnings were installed directly above the wall openings they covered.
3. Removal or damage of any significant feature is to be avoided in connection with the in-
stallation of awnings.

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications for master plans, for commerical portions
of buildings with multiple storefronts or for residential buildings, which will permit the in-
stallation of awnings over a period of time in a single building or building complex.

Ordinary Maintenance (No permit required)

The following are examples of the type of work that are considered ordinary maintenance
and does not generally require a permit from the Commission:

• seasonal removal and installation of LPC approved window awnings.

• fabric patching in a matching material.
• minor repairs or adjustments to the rolling or folding arm mechanism or an awning's
frame.
• cleaning of awning.

When Approvals are Required

The following are examples of the types of work that require a permit from the Commis-
sion:

• recladding of existing awnings;

• installation of new awnings on residential windows, doors and porches; and
• installation of new awnings on storefronts.
 MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION
Awnings
1. Photo(s) of building with proposed location of awning indicated.
2. Closeup photo of proposed location of awning.
3. Drawing of awning with dimensions.
4. Detail drawing showing point of installation, and how it will be installed.
5. Color samples.
6. Material sample(s) or description of material(s).

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 CORNICES
Introduction
Roof cornices are significant architectural
elements, both functionally and aestheti-
cally. They are an important part of the de-
sign of most buildings in New York City's
historic districts. Most cornices are con-
structed of sheet metal or wood, but they A transitional Italianate/Neo-Grec style cornice.
are sometimes made of masonry, cast iron, or copper. A cornice prevents rain and melted
snow from washing down the face of the building, capping the facade and establishing con-
tinuity with adjacent buildings. Removal of a cornice will expose the facade of the building
to excessive weathering and will significantly reduce its historic and architectural character.

Original cornices should be retained, kept watertight and painted, and repaired when neces-
sary. If a cornice is missing, it should be re-
placed with a new cornice of an appropriate
style.

Ordinary Maintenance (No permit re-

quired)
A Neo-Grec style cornice
The following are examples of the types of
work that are considered ordinary maintenance and do not generally require a permit from
the Commission:

• removing scaling paint or superficial rust from wood or metal cornices;

• painting cornices the same color;
• repairing or replacing cap flashing; and
• patching holes and dents in cornices to re-
store their original appearance.

When Approvals are Required

The following are examples of the types of
work that require a permit from the Commis-
sion:

• painting wood or metal cornices a different

color;
• replacing surfaces or decorative compo-
nents of cornices;
• repairing, repainting, or otherwise treating
masonry cornices (other than ordinary A detail of a Renaissance Revival style cornice
 MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION
Cornices

1. Photo of entire building

2. Closeup photos of existing cornice to show its condition
3. Written specifications for repair or replacement
4. Color samples
5. Detail drawing of the proposed cornice, if a cornice, or a portion of a cornice, is
being replaced

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 DOORS
Introduction
Doors and doorways have always had great symbolic importance, and in historic
buildings the doorway is often the most richly ornamented part of the building.
Therefore, it is important to retain any original, historic or significant doorway com-
ponents, including the door, sidelights or transom, door frame, and wood or masonry
hood and decorative moldings. If it is necessary to replace or alter any of these ele-
ments, changes should be compatible with the architectural character of the building.
An inappropriate alteration will change the character of a doorway from an architec-
turally important and harmonious part of the house to an awkward and obtrusive
modernization.

Ordinary Maintenance (No permit required)

The following are examples of the types of work that are considered ordinary main-
tenance and do not generally require a permit from the Commission:

• re-painting doors or door frames the same color;

• sanding or refinishing doors or door frames that are already stained or varnished;
• repairing wood door and frame components by filling with wood putty or similar
materials;
• replacing or installing new locks or hardware on doors;
• replacing broken glass; and
• weather stripping.

When Approvals are Required

The following are examples of the types of work that require a permit from the
Commission:

• painting doors or door frames a different color;

• installing intercom boxes on exterior of building;
• installing light fixtures on exterior of building;
• installing door awnings;
• installing protective grilles or bars on exterior of building;
• replacing solid panels with transparent materials;
• replacing transparent materials with solid panels;
• repairing (other than ordinary maintenance) or altering door entry enframement;
and
• changing door configuration- material, shape, size, number of doors, transoms, or
glazing within existing opening.
An Italianate style double-leaf door and enframement
A Neo-Grec style door and enframement
 MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION
Doors

1. Photo of entire building

2. Closeup photos of the existing door to be replaced
3. If the building was originally built as part of a row of houses, photos of the doors
on the other buildings in the row.
4. Large scale elevation and section drawings of the proposed door
5. If the existing door is the historic door, large scale elevation and section drawings
of the existing door
6. Color sample

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 Lighting
The Commission bases its approval for light fixtures on the following principles:

1. Removal or damage of any significant feature is to be avoided in connection with the in-
stallation of light fixtures. Light fixtures should be installed into window door framing, or
on flat masonry with attachments at the masonry joints. Fixtures should not be installed di-
rectly into cast iron, decorative sheet metal, or ornamental stone.
2. Light fixtures should be installed in a location that corresponds to building or storefront
entrances. Smaller light fixtures may be attached at other discreet locations if they do not
call undue attention to themselves and away from the significant features of a building.
3. Light fixtures should be of a simple design, small size and neutral finish so that these
fixtures do not detract from the significant architectural features of a building.

MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION

Lighting

1. Photo(s) of building with proposed location of light fixtures indicated.

2. Drawings showing method of installation, including location of any exposed conduit.
3. Catalogue cut sheet showing type, dimensions and finishes of fixtures.

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 MASONRY and WALL SURFACES
Introduction
A great deal of variety in types of masonry mate-
rials can be found in historic districts. Bricks, for
example, vary greatly in size, shape, texture,
color, and hardness, depending on their method
of manufacture. Through the mid-nineteenth cen-
tury, most bricks were handmade, relatively soft
and porous, and often irregular in color and
shape. After that time, as brick-making machines
were developed, bricks became more uniform,
less porous, and had harder, smoother-looking
surfaces. Better quality bricks, called face bricks,
were used on the outer face of the wall, while
softer common bricks were used for unexposed
parts of the wall. Stone used on residential row-
house buildings ranges in color from light to dark
brownstone to nearly white limestone and mar-
ble. Stone is finished in various textures: from
highly polished granite or marble to the natural
matte finish of limestone or sandstone to heavily
cut rock-faced or rusticated stone of any type.

Wood siding includes shingles in many shapes

and patterns as well as clapboard of various
widths. This variety of materials helps give his-
toric districts their visual interest and character.
In addition, the natural aging of wall surfaces
helps create a district's ambiance. Exterior wall
surfaces require proper maintenance. Only those
sections that have actually become unsound
An Italianate style brownstone rowhouse
should be repaired or replaced.
Ordinary Maintenance (No permit required)
The following are examples of the types of work that are considered ordinary maintenance
and do not generally require a permit from the Commission:

• repainting previously-painted masonry or wood the same color; and

• removing a small amount of graffiti with a non-abrasive proprietary chemical formulated
for graffiti removal and a low pressure water wash.

When Approvals are Required

The following are examples of the types of work that require a permit from the Commis-
sion:

• repairing, repointing, or resurfacing masonry;

• replacing brick;
• cleaning exterior wall surfaces;
• stripping paint from the facade;
• painting facade surfaces that were previously painted in a different color;
• painting previously unpainted masonry;
 MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION
Masonry and Wall Surfaces

Cleaning Masonry

1. Photo(s) of entire building

2. Specifications of method of cleaning.
• Include the type of chemical and amount of water pressure to be use.

Please note the water pressure must be below 500 psi.

Masonry Repair

1. Photo(s) of entire building showing existing condition

2. Conditions statement describing the type and extent of deterioration
3. Specification for method of repair
4. Mortar and/or resurfacing/patching mix

Approval of test patches is required after the permit is issued.

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 Painting
MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION
Painting

NOTE: Application is not required if there is to be no color change.

1. Color photo(s) of building showing existing condition.

2. Color sample(s) indicating which colors are to be used on different parts of the building.

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 Roof Repair and Rooftop Additions
Introduction

Roofs can be nearly flat and invisible from the street, or they can be one of the most impor-
tant design elements of an historic building, featuring gables, cupolas, fanciful finials, iron
crestings, and patterned, textured, and colored shingles. The main function of a roof, how-
ever, whether utilitarian or ornate, is to keep water from entering the building and to direct
this water away from the building's exterior walls. Roofs should, therefore, be maintained
and repaired in order to keep them watertight. If a roof is architecturally significant, it is
also important to preserve its appearance.

Ordinary Maintenance (No permit required)

The following are examples of the types of work that are considered ordinary maintenance
and do not generally require a permit from the Commission:
• caulking joints of dormers, skylights, and other roof elements;
• replacing or repairing flashing at roof edges and around dormers and other roof elements
with the same kind of flashing material;
• replacing or repairing skylights, chimneys, roof hatches, and other features which are not
visible from the street;
• re-setting coping stones on parapet walls; and
• replacing or repairing flat roofs.

Approvals Required for Work

The following are examples of the types of work that require a permit from the Commis-
sion:
• replacing flashing at roof edges and around dormers and other roof elements with a differ-
ent kind of flashing material;
• replacing and repointing chimneys, parapet walls, or other masonry parts of the roof;
• replacing roofing material on all roofs other than flat roofs;
• installing roof hatches or skylights; and
• altering or removing dormers, dormer windows, chimneys, or other roof elements.
 ROOFTOP ADDITIONS
SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS
These are supplementary instructions to the Commission’s “Rules Relative to Proposed Construction of Rooftop Additions”,
Title 63, 2-19, Subchapter B.

In order to judge the appropriateness of proposed rooftop additions to individual landmarks and buildings in historic districts, the
Landmarks Preservation Commission must understand the relationship of the addition to the design of the landmark and/or to the
surrounding buildings in the historic district. To illustrate this relationship the applicant must complete these three steps:

Step 1—Prepare a Blockfront Elevation

Provide a block plan and an elevation of the blockfront showing the addition, and adjacent buildings on the block, in the proper
scale. For short blocks, draw the entire blockfront; for long blocks include enough of the blockfront to illustrate the buildings
context.

Blockfront Elevation
Step 2—Prepare Sight-Line Drawings of the Building
Provide sight-line drawings of the building to illustrate the maximum visibility of the proposed addition at pedestrian eye-level.
The Most Common Viewpoints are:
1. A-B From the far side of the sidewalk directly across from the building;
2. A-C and A-D From the far side of the opposite sidewalk and down the street in
both directions where the additions would be most visible;
3. From the other public areas such as parks, squares, or bridges, or from the side-
walks around the corner from the building.
Draw the sight-lines selected on the block plan from Step 1 (which may need to be expanded to include all the viewpoints). Draw
to scale cross-sections of the building with the proposed addition, following these sight-lines. The viewpoints for these drawings
should be from an eye level of 6 feet off the ground. Note that except for a viewpoint directly in front of the building, the sight-
lines are not a right angles to the building. Take care to draw the sight-lines from the top of the building to the façade of the addi-
tion at the same angle as the line from the sidewalk to the top of the building.

Sight-line Cross Section

Step 3—Prepare a Perspective Drawing with the Proposed Addition

Skip this step if the sight-line analysis shows that the proposed addition would not be visible from public spaces
Illustrate the blockfront building and addition as they would actually appear to a person on the sidewalk. Perspective drawings or
photo-montages, which are photographs with the addition draw in or over-laid on a clear plastic sheet, can be used. The view-
points selected will depend on the site conditions for each project, but should be the same as those selected for the sight-line
drawings. Indicate these viewpoints on a block map. Viewpoints should always be taken from an eye level 6 feet off the ground.

Perspective Drawing with

Proposed Addition
 Sidewalks
PROPOSED SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESET AND NEW BLUESTONE SIDE-
WALKS
GENERAL NOTES AND PROCEDURES
1. The project intent is to preserve as much of the existing bluestone pavement as possible,
consistent with the need to replace broken and badly spalled stone.
2. All new sidewalk materials are to match existing bluestone in color and original size of
flags.
3. The project intent is to preserve and reestablish the original hand-tight joint pattern of
bluestone flags. The flags to be replaced or reset are those presenting potential hazards to
users or which do not maintain the historic pattern. In these locations, new flagging is to
replicate the dimensions of the existing, except where the flags being replaced are inappro-
priate (too small or too narrow, running in the wrong direction, etc.).
4. Finish of the surface of the flags shall be natural cleft, with a variation in smoothness not
exceeding 1/8 inch.
5. The project will address and correct all conditions noted in any Department of Transpor-
tation violation notice, so that upon reinspection the D.O.T. violation will be removed.

BLUESTONE
Minimum 2" thick, new or dressed and reset bluestone flags. New flags to be New York
State bluestone. All bluestone to be solid, reed-free stone, free from any defects which im-
pair strength, durability, or appearance. All exposed surfaces to be naturally cleft (see note 4
above). Edges can be sawn, rubbed, or thermal. Before proceeding with any work under this
contract, the contractor must submit for approval two or more sets of samples of the stone
specified, which are typical of the extremes of color, texture, and quality of stock and finish.
Samples are to be at least 4" by 6" by 2" thick. Each sample must be labeled with the type of
stone; finish, source, and supplier. Bluestone delivered must be equal in all respects to the
approved samples. The color range is to approximate as closely as possible the existing
bluestone sidewalk. Bluestone must be carefully shipped, handled, stored, and set to prevent
breakage, staining, or other damage. Existing flags to be dressed and reset are to be removed
and handled with the utmost care.

BASE
Existing base of bluestone flags, and new base in area presently paved with concrete that is
to be replaced with bluestone, to be leveled to appropriate grade, excavating where neces-
sary to provide a minimum of 4" base, including underneath any pedestrian ramps. New
base material to be limestone or traprock screenings, consisting of hard, durable, sharp-
edged fragments, free from any deleterious matter. No recycled screenings will be accepted.
100% passing 1/2" square-opening screen, 20% to 40% passing 20-mesh sieve, 5% to 15%
passing 200 mesh sieve. After spreading, screenings must be saturated and compacted.
JOINTS AND PATCHING
Joints are to be hand tight. After setting flags, the setting bed mixture (1 part portland ce-
ment and 7 parts clean sand) is to be brushed into the joints. Irregularities in flag size of old
flags or adjacent curbs or walls may result in sore larger joints. These joints are to be
pointed with mortar to match the bluestone color. In order to salvage larger, historic flags
which have spalled, small amounts of cementitious patching may be undertaken, as directed
by the site supervisor only, using a mixture incorporating bluestone dust to match the exist-
ing stone. Where historic flags that are reset have an irregular surface that would create a
trip hazard at the joint, the joint may be ground down to produce a level surface, only as di-
rected by the site supervisor. Every effort shall be made to reset the flag so that grinding is
not necessary.

CONCRETE TINT SPECIFICATIONS

TO SIMULATE THE COLOR OF DARK GREY BLUESTONE:

DAVIS Color No. 884
3 lbs. per 100 lbs. Light Grey Portland Cement and sand
(Phone Frank D. Davis Company at 800-346-9433.)
or
LANSCO Color No. 437 "Strong Black"
5 lbs. per 94 lbs. Light Grey Portland Cement and 3 parts sand
(Phone Landers-Segal Color Company at 201-779-5001.)
or
SCOFIELD Chromic Admixture, "Cool Black" No. 4
1 five-sack-mix bag per 5 ninety-four-lb. bags Medium Grey Portland Cement and sand or
SCOFIELD "Landmarks Grey" K-157-4
(Phone Michael De Candia at L.M. Scofield Company at 201-342-1380) or
Other equal sample must be provided for approval.

TO SIMULATE THE COLOR OF LIGHT TO MEDIUM GREY GRANITE:

DAVIS Color No. 884
1 lb. per 100 lbs. Light Grey Portland Cement and sand
or
LANSCO Color No. 437 "Strong Black"
2.5 lbs. per 94 lbs. Light Grey Portland Cement and 3 parts sand
or
SCOFIELD Chromic: Admixture "Cool Black" No. I
1 five-sack-mix bag per 5 ninety-four-lb. bags Medium Grey Portland Cement and sand
or
Other equal sample must be provided for approval.
GENERAL:
Curing agents should be colored to match concrete.
Colors may vary due to slump, water content and aggregates.
Concrete should be uniform in slump and lowest slump possible.

NOTE: These are approximations. For exact color matches, other tints and/or mixed tints
can be tested and used pending approval of sample.

Sidewalk Section
 Instructions For Photographing Sidewalks
If your application to the Landmarks Commission includes proposed sidewalk replacement,
please provide black and white or color photographs of the existing sidewalk. The purpose
of the photo is to show the condition, materials and pattern of your sidewalk and curb and
those of the properties bordering yours on both sides. The diagrams below illustrate how
to compose the photographs.
 Signage
The Commission bases its approval for signage for storefronts and commercial buildings on
the following principles:

1. Signs were historically found at storefronts and generally consisted of flat, non-
illuminated painted signs which were generally installed horizontally in flat areas of a fa-
cade above a storefront opening and below the second story window sills, or small project-
ing bracket signs.
2. The location and size of the signs corresponded to the size of the storefront.
3. Removal or damage of any significant feature is to be avoided in connection with the in-
stallation of signs. Flat horizontal signs should be installed into plain masonry above store-
front openings and projecting signs should be installed into window frames or storefront
framing, or between masonry joints. Signs should not be installed directly into cast iron,
decorative sheet metal, or ornamental stone.

MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION

Signage

1. Color photo(s) of the entire building with proposed location of signage indicated
2. Closeup photo of proposed location of signage
3. Photomontage showing proposed sign location in relation to building and neighboring
buildings and other storefronts in the building if the building has multiple storefronts
4. Detail drawings showing dimensions of the sign and how it will be attached to the build-
ing
5. Drawing of the sign with dimensions and sign lettering indicated
6. Material and color sample(s)

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 Stoops, Fences, and Handrails
Stoops, fences, handrails, and related details were de-
signed to harmonize with the buildings to which they are
attached. They help unify the elements of a facade and call
attention to the importance of the entranceway or other
features.

Most stoops in New York are constructed of brick or stone,

Italianate Newel Balusters
although a few wood stoops remain, usually attached to
wood houses. Masonry stoops are usually constructed of the same type of brick or stone as
the facade of the building, although occasionally a different material was used for contrast.

Historic fences and handrails typically are constructed of wrought iron,

cast iron, masonry, or wood. Occasionally these materials are used to-
gether, the most usual combination being wrought iron and cast iron. The
material used for fences and handrails is usually related to the building,
although occasionally a different material was used for contrast.

Historic fences and handrails typically are constructed of wrought iron,

cast iron, masonry, or wood. Occasionally these materials are used to-
gether, the most usual combination being wrought iron and cast iron. The
Italianate Stoop Balusters
material used for fences and handrails is usually related to the building,
although occasionally a different material was used for contrast.

In historic districts, stoops, fences, handrails, and other such details play
an important role in the streetscape. A row of houses set off with identi-
cal or subtly varying fences or stoops and railings can be very pictur-
esque. It is important to retain original stoops, fences, handrails, and
ironwork. If these elements are deteriorated beyond repair or missing al-
together, they should be replaced with components of the appropriate
style, scale, and appearance.

Italianate Style Rail

Neo-Grec Style Italianate Style

Ordinary Maintenance (No permit required)

The following are examples of the types of work that are considered ordinary maintenance
and do not generally require a permit from the Commission:

• patching and minor repairs to damaged metal work which do not change the original ap-
pearance and do not include removal of any parts;
• removing paint or rust from metal or wood by scraping;
• painting wood or metal surfaces the same color;
• painting previously painted stone or brick the same color;
• caulking metal or wood joints;
• replacing corroded bolts, hinges, and latches; and
• removing a small amount of graffiti with a non-abrasive proprietary chemical and a low
pressure water wash.

Approvals Required for Work

The following are examples of the types of work that require a permit from the Commission:

• painting wood, masonry, or iron fences, handrails, balusters, or stoops a different color;
• painting previously unpainted masonry surfaces;
• repairing or resurfacing masonry stoops, handrails, or walls;
• cleaning masonry surfaces;
• repointing masonry stoops, wall areas, or handrails;
• removing paint or rust with chemicals or blasting;
• replacing parts of a fence or railing with new parts;
• installing or constructing a fence, railing, or wall where none exists;
• removing a fence, handrail, wall, stoop, or similar building component; and
• replacing, recreating or removing any stoop, fence, or handrail.
 Storefronts
Special regulations apply to storefronts in the following Historic Districts:

• Jackson Heights—Further information is available in Chapter 8 of The New York City

Landmarks Preservation Commission Rules available on our publications page.

Master Plans for Madison Avenue storefronts are available on our publications page for
storefronts in the following Historic Districts:

• Carnegie Hill
• Metropolitan Museum
• Upper East Side

A Master Plan for the Stone Street Historic District is also available on our publications
page.

MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION

Storefronts

1. Application material should clearly describe any signage, lighting, awnings, security
2. systems and accessibility provisions such as lifts or ramps.
3. 8 by 10 color photo(s) of the entire building: photo(s) of the full facade(s) of the build-
ing, showing proposed storefront in relation to upper floors; and photo(s) of the street
showing the building in context with the neighboring buildings.
4. 8 by 10 inch color photo(s) detailing the location of the proposed installation of awnings,
signs, security gates/bars, and/or lighting fixtures.
5. Drawings:
A. an elevation of the proposed storefront indicating all features including those re-
lated to signage, awnings, security, light fixtures and hardware.
B. plan, section and construction details.
6. Samples of all materials, finishes, and/or fabrics.

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 Temporary Installations
A temporary installation is defined as an installation for sixty(60) days or less for signs and
banners and one (1) calendar year or less for other temporary installations.

The duration of any temporary installation will be specified in the permit letter.

MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION

Temporary Installations

Temporary is defined as one (1) calendar year or less from the date specified in the permit
letter.

1. A plan and time schedule for the dismantling of the installation.

2. Installation details indicating that there will be no damage to protected architectural fea-
tures.
3. If the applicant is not a public or quasi-public agency, an escrow agreement or other ade-
quate assurances must be provided to establish that a mechanism is available for the re-
moval of the installation upon expiration of the permit should the applicant fail to re-
move the installation.

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 Windows
In most historic buildings, the window sash, window framing, and the
architectural detail surrounding them were all carefully designed to
harmonize with the style, scale, and character of the building. It is im-
portant, therefore, to retain the original window configuration, includ-
ing the size of openings, sills, lintels, decorative wood or masonry
moldings, and the sash themselves. Replacing sash and frames is often
unnecessary, because in many cases existing historic windows can be
repaired. If it is necessary to replace or alter any window
elements, such changes must be made according to the Italianate Style Basement Window

Commission's Window Rules. The historic and architectural

character of a building can be seriously damaged by inappro-
priate window treatments.

Illustration of an Italianate Style Window Neo-Grec Basement Window

The deterioration of historic windows is caused by age, weathering, and

inadequate maintenance. Such deterioration makes window operation im-
possible or inefficient and diminishes energy performance. Because it is
desirable to maintain the original materials in historic buildings, the instal-
lation of new window sash and frames is appropriate only when the win-
dows are in such poor condition that replacement is re-
quired. Deteriorated wood windows can often be re-
stored in a cost-effective manner by treatment with pre-
Segmental Headed Window servatives, wood fillers and epoxies, and by replace-
ment of only severely damaged sections. Broken, sticky,
or loose sash can be removed from the frames for repair, excess paint can
be stripped from the sash and tracks, and weather stripping installed. Re-
pairing and preserving historic windows rather than replacing them is
strongly encouraged and will save
original material while saving
money.
Six-Over-Six Window

Two-Over-Two Window Multi-Paned Window

Ordinary Maintenance (No permit required)

The following are examples of the types of work that are considered ordinary maintenance
and do not generally require a permit from the Commission:
• weather stripping;
• caulking;
• puttying;
• replacing broken glass;
• repairing suspension systems (cords, pulleys, etc.);
• repairing or replacing window hardware; repairing window components by partial re-
placement, scraping, filling, or sanding;
• painting window sash or frames the same color;
• installing interior storm windows or panels;
• installing interior security gates or grilles; and
• installing regulation child guards.

Approval Required for Work

The following are examples of the types of work that require a permit from the Commission:
• painting window sash or frames a different color;
• installing new window sash or frames;
• installing exterior storm windows and exterior storm window frames;
• installing or removing exterior shutters;
• installing window awnings;
• repairing or altering window enframements;
• installing or removing exterior security window grilles or bars;
• changing the shape or design of window openings;
• blocking in existing windows or creating new ones;
• restoring original or architecturally appropriate window openings; and
• replacing extensive amounts of original window materials or consolidating windows with
epoxies or other plastics.
 MATERIALS TO BE FILED WITH APPLICATION
Windows

1. Photos of building and typical existing window(s).

2. Two sets of drawings - proposed and historic windows:
A. Window elevation drawing(s) of each window type.
B. Window section drawing(s): vertical (head/sill), horizontal jamb, mullion & mun-
tin. Large scale - include all dimensions.
C. Floor plan indicating the number & location of proposed windows.
3. Color sample.
4. Conditions statement describing the type and extent of deterioration for windows to be
removed.
5. Documentation of the original window (if the existing windows are not the original win-
dows).

A staff member will contact you if additional materials are required.

 Yards and Areaways
Yards and areaways are incorporated into the private open space in front and on the side of
rowhouses and semi-detached rowhouses. In addition to front and side yards, the open space
may include driveways and walkways of rowhouses and semi-detached rowhouses. Besides
providing private outdoor space, access to basement doorways, and lightwells for basement
level rooms, yards and areaways have two other important functions. One is to act as a sur-
face for draining rainwater away from the building, thus preventing water damage to the
building's facade or interior. The second function, an aesthetic one, is to act as a base for the
building and to separate it from the street or other public space.

Yard or areaway elements such as original paving materials, yard walls, fences, ornamental
iron or stonework, and historic lighting fixtures should be retained wherever possible.
Changes to any of these elements should be made according to the following recommenda-
tions to ensure that the character of the yard or areaway is maintained.

Ordinary Maintenance (No permit required)

The following are examples of the types of work that are considered ordinary maintenance
and do not generally require a permit from the Commission:
• maintaining lawns or shrubs;
• planting new lawns or shrubs in existing unpaved areas;
• repairing or repainting (the same color) cellar access hatch covers; and
• placing and planting pots, planter boxes, or window boxes.

Approvals Required for Work

The following are examples of the types of work that require a permit from the Commis-
sion:
• replacing pavement in yards, areaways, or sidewalks;
• repairing or patching pavement in a yard, areaway, or sidewalk with a different material
(for example, concrete patching in a stone areaway);
• installing pavement in yard areas previously unpaved;
• removing paving material;
• altering areaway steps;
• installing or removing permanently installed planters;
• painting yard, areaway, or sidewalk pavement;
• constructing garbage-can enclosures or any other structures in yards or areaways;
• installing new sidewalk tree pits;
• installing yard or areaway lighting;
• changing the level of yards or areaways; and
• creating a curb cut or parking lot in the yard or areaway.