Proactive LPC Readiness Checklist
Why LPC Readiness Matters
If your property falls under the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), replacing or repairing windows isn’t as simple as calling a contractor. Every project must respect the building’s historic fabric, including profiles, muntins, and glazing details.
WindowFix ensures projects are approved quickly and built to last by aligning design, compliance, and performance.
The LPC must approve any exterior change visible from a public thoroughfare, including window replacements, frame material changes, grille patterns, or finish colors.
Rear façades not visible from the street may qualify for staff-level approvals, allowing quicker turnaround.
And some project takes years, such as the storefront shown at left on 23rd St. We won the prestigious Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy for our work on that project.
Navigating LPC Approvals With Confidence
Every building in New York has a story. Some are woven into brownstone facades, others lined in copper trim, hand-carved casings, or the quiet craftsmanship of a century-old sash. When you work on a landmarked property, you’re not just replacing a window or a door; you’re preserving a legacy.
That is where WindowFix stands apart. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped property owners, architects, and boards move smoothly through the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) process. We understand the path, the paperwork, the expectations, and the details that matter most. Our team doesn’t just “get you approved”; we protect the character that makes your building special.
Choosing the Right Approval Path
LPC approvals can feel confusing until you know exactly which route fits your project. WindowFix helps you understand the requirements before you ever submit, avoiding delays and costly revisions.
- Certificate of No Effect (CNE)
- Perfect for in-kind replacements.
- Usually approved in 2–3 weeks.
- Certificate of Appropriateness (CofA)
- Needed when the change impacts the visible exterior or alters materials.
- Includes a public hearing.
- Takes 8–10 weeks.
- Permit for Minor Work
- Ideal for interior updates, glass-only swaps, or hardware upgrades not visible from the street.
With WindowFix guiding each step, you choose the right path from day one, keeping your project moving and your stress low.
What You Need: Drawings and Documentation
LPC approval is built on accuracy and clarity. WindowFix helps assemble everything required, so nothing slows your review.
| Document | Purpose | Prepared By |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Conditions Photos | Capture façade, details, and context | Owner / Contractor |
| Existing vs. Proposed Elevations | Show how the design will change | WindowFix CAD Team |
| Window Details & Sections | Present muntins, sash, frame geometry | WindowFix / Architect |
| Material & Color Samples | Confirm LPC-compatible finishes | WindowFix |
| Product Data Sheets | Demonstrate performance & compliance | Manufacturer |
We package these materials “LPC-ready,” removing the guesswork and ensuring your submission lands correctly the first time.
Crafting True Material Matching
Preserving authenticity is more than matching a color chip. It’s about honoring the geometry, proportions, and craftsmanship that define a historic structure.
WindowFix uses digital scanning technology to capture every curve and contour of your existing windows or doors. From there, we replicate the profile with exacting precision—down to the smallest detail.
The finished product delivers:
True architectural fidelity
Better insulation and weather performance
Modern energy efficiency
Long-term durability
Zero compromise on charm or historic integrity
Your building keeps its soul, and you gain today’s performance standards. That is the WindowFix difference.
A Typical Residential Timeline
A well-planned landmark project runs best with a clear schedule. Here’s what most homeowners can expect:
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Site Visit & Field Measure | 1 Week |
| Drafting Drawings | 1–2 Weeks |
| LPC Submission & Review | 2–3 Weeks (CNE) / 6–10 Weeks (CofA) |
| Fabrication & Installation | 6–10 Weeks post-approval |
We manage the process from start to finish, keeping everything predictable and transparent.
Common Mistakes We Help You Avoid
Many LPC delays come from simple oversights. WindowFix removes the risk by handling the details that often trip up a submission.
Missing drawings or incomplete photo sets
Mixing materials (for example, wood paired with vinyl)
Overlooking sill or molding geometry
Forgetting visibility studies
Omitting color or finish samples
Our experience ensures your approvals go through cleanly, without the avoidable back-and-forth.
Why WindowFix Is the Right Partner for LPC Projects
When you choose WindowFix, you get more than a contractor. You get a partner who understands how to protect the past while preparing your property for the future.
What sets us apart:
More than 30 years of LPC-approved work across New York
An in-house drafting team dedicated to accuracy and compliance
Trusted relationships with Marvin, Parrett, Optimum, and other premium manufacturers
Precise digital profile replication and advanced material matching
Full-service support from consultation to drawings to installation
We bring clarity, precision, and peace of mind to every step of the process.
Start Your Project with a Complimentary LPC Readiness Consultation
Your property deserves the right start. Let’s review your project, confirm your approval path, and map out your timeline.
Includes:
30-minute project review
Custom LPC checklist for your property type
Estimated approval timeline
Project quote
Call 1.800.337.1620 or visit windowfix.com to schedule.
The sooner your approval is filed, the sooner your project can begin. Let’s secure your LPC path now so you’re ready when it’s time to move forward.
