Established in 1965 to protect the City's architectural and historical resources, the Commission identifies, designates, and regulates buildings, districts, sites, and interiors considered significant for their architectural, historic, cultural, or aesthetic qualities.

The Commission consists of eleven members appointed by the Mayor, ten unsalaried. The membership must include at least three architects, a historian qualified in the field, a city planner or landscape architect, a realtor, and at least one resident of each of the five boroughs.

Vacancies are filled for unexpired terms. The Chair and Vice Chair are designated by the Mayor.