LPC Launches Interactive Web Map for Permit Applications

Landmarks Preservation Commission


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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 23, 2018

CONTACT:
lpcpressoffice@lpc.nyc.gov, (212) 669-7938

LPC launches interactive web map for permit applications

This new map will for the first time allow the public to see geographically where LPC permits for work have been filed and issued.

LPC also enhanced its Permit Application Search tool, which now gives users the ability to search by community district and work type.

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) launched Permit Application Finder, a new interactive web map that will for the first time allow the public to see geographically where LPC permits have been filed and issued and what that work entails. The Commission has also enhanced its online Permit Application Search, which now gives the public the ability to search by community district and work type. These new search tools are part of the agency’s strategic plan to provide greater transparency and public access to the Commission’s work.

“This web map is a great resource for all New Yorkers—from our applicants to our own staff, and anyone who wishes to learn about our regulatory work,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan. “LPC reviews and approves thousands of permit applications for work on designated properties each year, and with this map, information on all of these projects is just a click away. It is an excellent example of how we are leveraging technology to make our regulatory process more efficient and transparent.”

The Permit Application Finder displays applications and permits issued since January 2016 for work on individual, interior and scenic landmarks, as well as historic district buildings in all five boroughs. The web map includes detailed up-to-date information on applications filed with the LPC as they go from filing to the issuance of the permit. This feature makes it easier for the public to find out what work is being done on designated buildings in their neighborhood and throughout the city. It also benefits applicants who can check on the status of their application.

Users can search by address or docket number, or they can simply click on a building or site to see if there are any applications or permits issued. When they click on the permit application, which is represented by a dot on the map (light blue for pending permits and green for issued permits), a pop-up is displayed with information that includes the application date, landmark type, community board district, work type, permit type and a link to the permit if it has already been issued. The web map also features a permit filter that lets users sort permit applications by community district, and for issued permits they can sort by Commission or staff-level approval, or by work type (e.g. window replacement). See list of most common work types.

LPC’s Permit Application Search, launched in 2016, previously only allowed the public to search for applications by address, docket number, historic district and borough. Now, they can search by community district and work type, as well as Commission and staff-level approvals for issued permits. Additionally, the public will be able to access applications and permits issued since January 1, 2016, extending the two-year window of the earlier version of the search tool.

“I want to thank the Landmarks Preservation Commission for building this new database and providing the public with access to work that is being proposed for all landmarks and buildings within historic districts,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “I strongly believe this information will help communities across the City work in concert with LPC to safeguard some of our most important buildings and historic resources.”

“Transparency isn't about living up to some abstract standard, it's about providing as much information as possible, as accessibly as possible, so people know what their government is doing, what the rules are, and how things work," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "I'm pleased the Landmarks Preservation Commission is rolling out new tools so the public knows what it is doing and what it has done. The LPC performs a vital public service, safeguarding our history and heritage for future generations – and the more the public can follow its work, the better off we'll be."

“The new Landmark Preservation Commission permit application map is a great step toward transparency,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams, Chair of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Siting, and Maritime Uses. “This technology will benefit applicants and the community as a whole by providing greater public access to detailed information on planned work to landmarks and buildings in historic districts.”

“Our city’s landmarks are emblematic of the culture, history, and tradition of our communities, and New Yorkers deserve to be in the know about the status of these iconic symbols,” said Council Member Mark Treyger. “I applaud LPC for implementing more of today’s technology to create transparency about our city’s storied past.”

“The launch of the permit application map and enhanced search tool by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission is a momentous step in the direction of transparency and accessibility,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller. “The live data search feature will allow local and prospective residents the ability to easily browse through pending and approved applications in local historic districts will make it much easier for residents to find information in an easy to use database. I commend Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan and the entire commission for continuing to embrace the digital age, taking the LPC to next level of government online portals.”

During the past four years, the Commission has made great strides to provide greater transparency and public access to the agency’s work. LPC’s Discover NYC Landmarks web map, launched in 2016 and enhanced in 2017, lets the public see if a building is designated with links to the Commission’s designation reports and includes building-by-building information on all designated properties as well as new search and filter features. A dedicated website for the City’s archaeological collections was also launched in 2016. In 2015, LPC launched a searchable database of Commission decisions on applications presented at public hearings and meetings and began posting application presentations on the website prior to public hearings and meetings to give the public a chance to review them and submit informed testimony. In 2014, the Commission launched an online library of more than 1,600 designation reports.

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About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, historically and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than 36,000 buildings and sites, including 1,410 individual landmarks, 120 interior landmarks, 11 scenic landmarks, and 141 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us via www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.