Citywide rule change would streamline review process for changes to building storefronts under Landmarks’ jurisdiction. On February 23, 2012, Landmarks published in the City Record a proposed amendment to the City rules that would streamline the review process for proposed alterations to the storefronts of land-marked buildings. Currently the majority of applications for changes to storefronts need to be reviewed by Landmarks’ commissioners. The Citywide rule change would permit Landmarks’ staff to approve applications for alterations to a building’s storefront if the changes are based on historic prototypes within the specific historic district for buildings of similar age, type, and style. The new rules would also permit staff-level approval for security gates, and HVAC equipment.

The proposal follows the City Council’s review of Landmarks’ designation of the Borough Hall Historic District. Landmarks agreed during the hearing to expedite the creation of the proposed rule change. 9 City- Land 1 (Feb. 15, 2012). Landmarks calendared the rule change on February 7, 2012, and will hold a hearing on the change on March 27, 2012.

City Record, Feb. 23, 2012 at 395.