Guidelines for Testimony

Public Hearings

Oral Testimony

Public Hearings provide an opportunity for the public to testify in person before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) on proposed permit applications for work on landmark properties, or proposed landmark designations. During the hearing, those who would like to speak may complete a Speaker Sign-in Sheet, which is used by the Chair to call speakers to testify at the podium. Testimony is limited to three minutes per speaker. Speakers are encouraged, but not required, to provide a copy of their testimony on the day of the public hearing. See LPC's Tips for Testifying for guidance on testifying at Public Hearings.

Written Testimony

LPC also accepts written testimony, which is accepted from the time the application is filed until the Public Hearing for the application is closed. Written testimony may be submitted on the day of the hearing. If you are not able to attend the Public Hearing and would like to submit written testimony in advance, you can do so by mail or digitally. Digital testimony submitted in advance of the hearing must be submitted through LPC’s online form or by email to testimony@lpc.nyc.gov. Written testimony is accepted until 12 noon on the Monday before the Tuesday hearing/meeting, but we strongly recommend submitting by 5 pm on the Friday before the public hearing.

Public Meetings

Written Comments

Public Meetings provide an opportunity for the public to hear subsequent discussion amongst the Commission on permit applications or proposed landmark designations after the hearing is closed. The Commission may allow applicants to present modifications to their proposals. However, as the hearing is closed, members of the public are not allowed to testify at Public Meetings. The Commission does accept written comments into the record regarding Public Meeting items. Written comments for Public Meetings must be submitted through LPC’s online form  or by e-mail to testimony@lpc.nyc.gov. Written testimony is accepted until 12 noon on the Monday before the Tuesday meeting, but we strongly recommend submitting by 5 PM on the Friday before the meeting.

Presentation materials for each agenda item are available online at 5 PM on the Thursday prior to the Public Hearing or Meeting.