Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission
In 1966, two significant preservation events occurred: the 89th Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the City of Kingston established the Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission (HLPC) to preserve, protect, and promote the community’s architecturally, historically, and culturally significant neighborhoods, buildings, and sites.
In 1980, an amendment to the NHPA established the Certified Local Government (CLG) program - a nationwide initiative that directly links a community's preservation goals to state and federal preservation programs. In 1986, Kingston became a Certified Local Government.
The primary duties of HLPC include conferring landmark status on significant properties and districts in the city and reviewing alteration to landmarks after designation. The HLPC is a program administered by the Kingston Planning Office. For more a detailed description of the powers, duties, and procedures of the HLPC, please see Section 405.26 of the City’s Charter and Code, Subsection L. Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Kingston’s Historic Districts & Individual Historic Sites:
Kingston presently contains four historic districts and numerous individual landmarks – resources that demonstrate the community’s long and complex history. Preserving Kingston’s built & cultural heritage is a collective effort shared by generations of resident-activists. Our mutual admiration for this community’s rich and diverse history makes Kingston a special place to live, work, and visit.
See list of Kingston's Historic Properities to learn more.
Applying for work to Historic Properties
In Kingston, projects involving the exterior of historic properties (individually listed and within historic districts) visible from the public right-of-way, are subject to review by the HLPC prior to the issuance of a Building Permit and the commencement of work.
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Work that requires HLPC review:
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Work that can be reviewed at desk level:
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- Any changes in form, material, or color (unless drawn from an historic color palette) to the existing fabric or bulk of the building.
- New construction on a landmark-designated property or in a historic district
- Window replacements and storm window installation
- New exterior siding installation
- Installation of electrical & mechanical equipment that will be visible from a public right-of-way, that does not comply with the city code.
- Site work such as new sidewalks, fencing, and other immovable elements Signage and new lighting, if it does not conform with the city code.
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- Regular maintenance
- Repairs to, or in-kind reconstruction of, an element with the same material & color. The applicant must first demonstrate that restoration is not possible.
- Interior modifications that will not impact the exterior reading of the building.
- Exterior changes that are not visible from a public right-of-way
- Signage, lighting, and paint that complies with the city code.
- Remediation of dangerous conditions if ordered by a qualified public official such as the Building Inspector
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Review Process
(see application review flow chart for more)
- Beginning: Identify the type and scope of work you plan to undertake to the exterior of your property.
- Research: Connect with the Historic Preservation Administrator to learn the level of review required for your project/s – staff will guide you through the review process.
- Submit Application: Submit all necessary forms, supplemental materials, & pay fees to the Planning Department by the submission deadline. Incomplete applications will not be added to the agenda.
- HLPC Meeting: Presenting your project at the HLPC meeting & answering commissioner and staff questions.
- Post Meeting: If a project is approved, a Preservation Notice of Action (PNofA) will be sent via email to the applicant, owner, and the Building & Safety Division. After the applicant/owner recives their PNofA they must submit any Building Permits necessary prior to the commencement of work. After BSD approves the permit applicantion, work may proceed. If the type or scope of work changes, the applicant or owner are expected to reconnect with the Historic Preservation Administrator & the Planning Department for further review.
General Advice for Applicant
- Initiate communication with the staff of the HLPC before finalizing any plans.
- Do not purchase materials before work is approved by the HLPC.
- Study repair options before considering replacement.
- If your architect or contractor says something can’t be repaired, get a second opinion.
- Most vendors want to make a sale regardless of whether it is in the buyer’s best interest.
- New is not always better.
- “Anything is an improvement” is not a universal truth.
Appropriateness: How does the HLPC Review Applications?
The Commission’s decision making is based on the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (Preservation, Rehabilitation, Restoration, & Reconstruction), the National Park Service’s Technical Preservation Briefs, New York’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and contemporary preservation practices & principles. The HLPC is authorized under Section 405.26 of the City’s Administration and Enforcement, Subsection L. Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission.
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Name
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Term Expires
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Mark Grunblatt, Chairperson
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Jan. 10th, 2027 |
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Andrea B. Puetz, RA.
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Jan. 10th, 2027
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Kevin McEvoy
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Jan. 10th, 2027
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Robert Tonner
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Jan.10th, 2027
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Nettie Morano
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Sept. 6th, 2024 |
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Vacant
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N/A |
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Vacant
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N/A |
| Commissioner Application Form |
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Staff
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Suzanne Cahill, Planning Director
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Ethan Dickerman, Historic Preservation Administrator
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Application Materials:
Forms & Applications: Review Fee is $50.00 (as of 2024)
Listing files in 'Forms and Applications'
Meeting Schedule 2024
Agendas & Minutes
Listing files in 'Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission'
Current Projects Under Review & Communications Recieved
Listing files in 'HLPC Projects Under Review'