
Local Law 126: Complete Guide to Parapet Requirements and Inspections in NYC
Property owners in New York must also adhere to stringent safety standards under Local Law 126, which requires extensive parapet inspections and maintenance in all five boroughs. As NYC Contractors with extensive experience of more than 20 years, NYC Parapet Inspection provides expert guidance on these essential requirements to keep your building compliant and pedestrians safe.
What Is Local Law 126?
Local Law 126 requires building owners to inspect and maintain parapets (the protective walls extending above roof level) to prevent dangerous deterioration and potential collapse. This law applies to buildings with over six stories throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.
Why is This Law 126 Significant?
Building safety is crucial in New York City due to its dense population and skyline. Debris flying off poorly maintained parapets can cause serious harm and damage. Local Law 126 helps to prevent these hazards.
Additionally, compliance helps preserve the value of your property. Bad facades cost a fortune to repair, but proper, regular maintenance saves money over time.
Failure to comply will ruin your property’s reputation and deter tenants, especially in highly competitive areas such as Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
Steps to Comply with Local Law 126 NYC
Property owners must follow these steps to meet Local Law 126 requirements:
1. Schedule Inspections
Hire a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) to inspect your building’s parapets and façades. The NYC law under the Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) of NYC mandates these inspections every five years. The inspector will classify your structure as:
- Safe (no action needed)
- Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) (Repairs are required within a year)
- Unsafe (immediate action required)
2. Complete Repairs
If it’s a SWARMP or Unsafe, fix it immediately with licensed engineers or contractors to remain compliant.
3. File Reports with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
Complete inspection reports promptly and file them with NYC DOB or face penalties.
4. Keep Records
Maintain records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance for smoother future inspections and DOB inquiries.
Penalties for Non-Compliance With Local Law 126 Parapet
Violation of Local Law 126 inspections and requirements can result in hefty fines:
- No inspection report filed: $1,000/month
- Failure to address Unsafe façade issues: $1,000 per month until corrected.
DOB may also place liens on properties or refuse permits for future work if you don’t uphold compliance. Worse still, ignoring parapet maintenance can result in city emergency repair orders, substantially more expensive than voluntary compliance.
Key Timelines for Local Law 126 Compliance
Inspections under Local Law 126 are tied to five-year cycles. For 2020-2024, Cycle 9 requirements remain in effect, with specific deadlines based on your block number.
Don’t wait until the last minute—plan early so you can have enough time for repairs and avoid fines. For information about inspection dates for your property, check with the NYC DOB or an expert contractor.
Stay Compliant and Protect Your Property
Navigating Local Law 126 doesn’t have to be stressful. NYC Parapet Inspect provides superior parapet and façade inspection, repair, and maintenance. We offer quality inspections and repairs to ensure compliance, safety, and peace of mind. Avoid fines and tenant issues—work with us to ensure your building remains safe and marketable.
Reach out to the professionals at NYC Parapet Inspection at 718-550-2779 and take the first step toward complete compliance.