Total demolition approval involves reviews from both local and state authorities. Some steps may be done concurrently, while others must follow a specific sequence. Below is a description of Landmark Preservation's role early in the demolition process.
Partial demolitions of less than 40% of the total wall area, done in preparation for additions or remodeling, are included in the scope of construction permits and do not require a demolition permit.
NOTE: Landmark demolition approvals issued prior to November 1, 2019, do not expire. Landmark demolition approvals issued on or after November 1, 2019, expire within three years from the date of approval.
If you are unsure about the landmark status of your property, see the historic landmarks & districts map and enter the property address.
Next Steps: Review and Determination
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received and one of the following determinations is made.
No Landmark Designation Potential
If Landmark Preservation staff review determines that the property does not have potential for landmark designation, staff will approve the demolition within 10 business days of application receipt.
View the demolition permitting process
Landmark Designation Potential
If the Landmark Preservation staff determines the property has potential for historic designation, a notice will be posted on the property for 21 calendar days.
- If Landmark Preservation staff receives a designation application and application fee by 4:30 p.m. on the 21st calendar day, the landmark designation process would begin.
- If Landmark Preservation staff does not receive notice of intent to file a designation application by 4:30 p.m. on the 21st calendar day, staff will approve the demolition the next business day.
- If Landmark Preservation receives a notice of intent to file a landmark designation application by the 21st day, the posting period is extended to 4:30 p.m. on the 60th calendar day.
- By day 40 of the posting period, a stakeholder meeting with a third-party facilitator must take place. The meeting must include the property owner(s) or owner(s)' representative, one of the persons who filed the notice of intent, and a Landmark Preservation staff member. Representative members of the community may also be invited to the meeting.
- If the posting period is extended and Landmark Preservation staff receives a designation application and application fee by 4:30 p.m. on the 60th calendar day, the landmark designation process would begin. Note: The designation applicant does not have to be one of the people who submitted the notice of intent.
- If the posting period is extended and Landmark Preservation staff does not receive a designation application and application fee by 4:30 p.m. on the 60th calendar day, staff will approve the demolition the next business day.
- In cases in which the landmark designation process is initiated, if the property is not designated within 90 days of the date the landmark designation application was received, staff will approve the demolition.