LPC Business Express Service

LPC has created a new Business Express Service that will serve as a one-stop shop for business owners in landmark buildings making it easier for them to get their permits.

The LPC Business Express Service includes a dedicated hotline and team who will offer pre-application consultation and focused application review to support businesses located in storefronts and other street-level commercial spaces in the City’s designated buildings and historic districts, including restaurants, retail stores and offices. There is also an accompanying application form, available for download here, to make the process as seamless as possible.

Contact the LPC Business Express Team at 646-202-3938 or [email protected]. Click here to download the fact sheet (available in PDF).

The LPC Business Express Team will be holding virtual Open Office Hours every third Thursday of the month starting October 20, 2022.  Sign-up information and upcoming sessions will be posted on this page (scroll down to Open Office Hours). Click here to download the flyer (available in PDF).

Work Types

The work types listed below related to commercial stores, restaurants, and offices at first or second floors and basements are eligible for LPC Business Express Service review.

•  Interior Work     

• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Equipment (louvers, ductwork, condensing units, etc.)

• Sidewalks, Vault Lights or Hatches

• Temporary Installations or Work (temporary signs, artwork, banners, kiosks, storefront probes, etc.)

• Minor Restoration Work (repainting, cleaning, repointing, etc.)   

• Signs and Related Lighting       

• Health, Safety and Utility Equipment (security cameras, light fixtures, etc.)

• Unenclosed Sidewalk Cafes 

• Storefronts, Windows and Doors   

• Barrier-Free Access (ramps, lifts, changes to  doors, entrances and stairs) 

• Awnings   

• Authorization to Proceed (ATP) Permits for work subject to an approved master plan

If your work type is not covered here, reach out to the Business Express Team at 646-202-3938 or [email protected] (write Business Express in the subject line), and they will help you figure out the best way to get your permit.

Applications and Permits

Before submitting your application, please ensure that the proposed work meets LPC Rules by looking up the type of work you are proposing in the Permit Guidebook. You can also reference the Guidelines for Storefront Design.

To apply, fill out the LPC Business Express application form, which can be downloaded here, attach all materials that describe the existing conditions and the proposed work, and send it by email to: [email protected]. 

When submitting your application, you must include supplementary materials along with your application form to show that your work meets the rules. Supplementary materials vary by work type, as found on the links to checklists included under each work type in the application form, but all applications should include the following:

• Current photos of the area(s) where the proposed exterior work will take place.
• Dimensioned drawings of the proposed work. For work that also requires review by the Department of Buildings, submit signed and sealed DOB drawings.

Contact the LPC Business Express Team at 646-202-3938 or [email protected] if you have any questions about what supplementary materials are needed to complete your application and ensure the quickest turnaround time. If emailing, please put “Business Express” in the subject line.

Open Office Hours

LPC will be holding virtual Open Office Hours for business owners and their representatives throughout every third Thursday of the month. This will provide the opportunity to virtually meet one-on-one with the Business Express Service team to discuss their potential projects and ask questions. Click here to download the flyer (available in PDF).

Upcoming Open Office Hours

Thursday, December 15, 2022 between 9 am and 5 pm

Please sign up here https://forms.office.com/g/AcrrvBcYnV to reserve your time slot.

Space is limited and appointments will be confirmed in the order that they are received so sign up early. Registration closes at noon the day before the session.