Building | NYC Parapet Inspection | NYC Inspection Requirements

NYC Inspection Requirements for Exterior Building Repairs

NYC Inspection Requirements for Exterior Building Repairs

New York City is known for its architecture but maintaining its iconic buildings in a good state is a daunting task. If you own or manage a building in NYC, you must know local inspection guidelines for exterior repairs. Non-compliance can result in fines and safety risks. Refer to this checklist to ensure you are not letting your guard down.

Why Exterior Building Inspections Matter in NYC

Aesthetics aside, exterior building inspections are critical to public safety. Since boroughs such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx boast high foot traffic, falling debris from neglected façades can pose severe risks. That’s why NYC requires building owners to adhere to the Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP), also known as Local Law 11.

The law also mandates that exteriors of buildings over six stories be inspected every six years to check for unsafe conditions and implement repairs. When you obey, not only do you avoid fines, you protect your tenants, passersby, and your investment.

Your Compliance Checklist for NYC Exterior Building Inspections

Know the FISP Timeline

Every five years the FISP call for inspections on structures over six stories. Buildings are grouped into three cycles according to block numbers, so ensure you know the cycle of your property. Missing deadlines can result in penalties, or violations.

Hire a Qualified Technical Professional (QTP)

A licensed engineer or architect must conduct the inspection, checking bricks, mortar, balconies and cornices. Only hire certified professionals to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with NYC regulations.

File the FISP Report Properly

Upon inspection, your QTP will classify the building as:

  • Safe: No repairs needed.
  • Unsafe: Immediate repairs required.
  • Secure with a Repair and Maintenance Plan (SWARMP): Maintenance within a predetermined window.

Failure to report or categorize correctly will incur $1,000 per month penalties until compliance.

Fix Hazards Immediately

If unsafe conditions are found, repairs must start right away. Also consider safety features such as sidewalk sheds to protect pedestrians. Ignoring this can result in fines or lawsuits.

Get the Right Permits

Often, exterior repairs require NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) permits. Without a permit, you could face Stop Work Orders and fines. Also, only work with a contractor who can handle the process efficiently.

Keep a Maintenance Log

Even buildings that are “Safe” or “SWARMP” need periodic maintenance. Keep records of repairs, inspections, and contractor correspondence for streamlined future inspections. This keeps your building’s façade intact and saves you money in the long run.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

New York city exterior building inspection violations can result in fines and legal risks. For example:

  • A $5,000 penalty applies if you do not submit an inspection report.
  • Repeated violations, like failure to remediate dangerous conditions, lead to $1,000 per month fines until resolved.

Don’t wait for violations to pile up—routine maintenance and timely inspections are far less costly.

Keep Your Building Safe and Compliant with NYC Parapet Inspection

NYC exterior building inspections and repairs don’t have to be daunting. At NYC Parapet Inspection, we help property owners meet FISP filing deadlines and comply with façade laws. We take care of everything, from inspections to fine-grained repairs making the process seamless and stress-free. 

Guard the aesthetic integrity of your structure and avoid penalties. Call us at 718-550-2779 to get started. Let’s keep your building in top shape.

 

Building Inspector | NYC Parapet Inspection | Local Law 126

Local Law 126: Complete Guide to Parapet Requirements and Inspections in NYC

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.