Building Inspector | NYC inspection

Maintaining Compliance with NYC’s Parapet Inspection Laws Year-Round

Maintaining Compliance with NYC’s Parapet Inspection Laws Year-Round

The majestic New York skyline is a remarkable example of architectural brilliance and human ingenuity. However, it takes a lot for these towering buildings to sustain their beauty and strength. The local bodies require them to adhere to regulatory safety standards for their integrity. To fulfill this, the building owners must get them regularly inspected and repaired or upgraded to ensure that the structural components of their properties are intact. Think of parapets or parapet walls, for instance. These aesthetic roofline barriers of the properties should be well-maintained per the NYC DOB and local law 126 mandates to avoid emergencies or penalties. Zicklin Contracting knows everything about parapet construction requirements and can offer a strategic plan and ongoing maintenance support to keep them safe.

The importance of parapet inspection

NYC apartment inspection law demands property owners to inspect the parapets of their commercial and residential buildings annually, especially those facing publicly accessible pathways, such as sidewalks and streets. Timely inspections help protect these structures from deterioration caused by weather or temperature changes and other unwanted situations by providing insight into their stability, material strength, etc. If you call our team for this, you will not have to worry about emergencies or rule violations. Our experts will thoroughly check the parapets for alignment issues. As per the guidelines, parapets must be straight and upright. If there is a tilt, it cannot be more than 1/8th of the thickness of the parapet. Due to our experience and technical expertise in parapet inspection, we can accurately analyze even minute structural anomalies and report them for everyone’s security and peace.

Furthermore, our licensed professionals will check the signs of physical damage to the parapet, including missing or loose stones or bricks, cracked mortar or masonry joints, flaking materials, and mold or staining issues hinting at weak weatherproofing. All the minor and major red flags are documented, along with suggestions for remediation processes, allowing you to avoid legal hassle and create safe building conditions.

The ways to handle unsafe parapet conditions

Our NYC Zicklin team can promptly address structural concerns in Brooklyn, adhering to local guidance. We notify the DOB of the issue and recommend temporary measures (fencing and netting) to protect the public from accidents caused by structural failure or falling debris during ongoing repairs. Once repairs are done, additional inspection is done to establish the parapet’s safety. At the same time, we recommend prevention techniques so that you don’t have to worry about facing unwanted situations, such as non-compliance issues or failing structures, leading to absolute chaos and confusion.

FAQs

  1. What are the regulations around increasing a parapet’s fall protection?
    For fall protection, the local code requires that parapets meet the minimum height criterion and be made of strong materials that help them withstand weather or wind impact. Plus, regular inspections are necessary to ensure their integrity and safety.
  2. What does parapet fronting mean?
    In NYC, this implies that parapets on the edges of the buildings are either closer to or face public right-of-way spaces, such as sidewalks, streets, etc. Since their construction and structural condition significantly affect public safety, especially in heavily populated areas of the city, building owners must take all the precautions regarding their maintenance and repairs.
  3. Are a parapet and a balcony the same thing?
    No. Parapet can be a part of the balcony design.
  4. Does the parapet wall need to be inspected in NYC?
    Yes. Under local law 126, this part of the façade must be inspected annually to protect the building and the public.

Need help?

Zicklin Contracting has a well-trained parapet inspection team that can assist building owners in Bronx, Queens, Manhattan and other areas of New York with detecting potential non-compliance or damage risks with parapets. Feel free to call us at 718-550-2779 / 347-495-4959 any time you want. 

 

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.

 

 

Parapet | Parapet Inspection | local law 126

Filing for Local Law 126 Compliance: A Guide for NYC Building Owners

Filing for Local Law 126 Compliance: A Guide for NYC Building Owners

If you are a New York City building owner, complying with Local Law 126 isn’t optional—it’s the law. From implementing new safety regulations to dealing with inspections and documents, it can feel like an intimidating endeavor. But with the right preparation, the process can be smooth.

Here’s everything you need to know about Local Law 126, what it requires, timelines, and how NYC building owners can keep up.

What is Local Law 126?

Local Law 126 mandates periodic facade inspections for buildings above six stories. These inspections must be conducted by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) and submitted to the Department of Buildings (DOB) every five years. The law is intended to reduce facade-related injuries and ensure public safety in New York City and other boroughs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Local Law 126 Compliance

Understand Inspection Requirements

According to Local Law 126, all parking structures must be inspected on a regular basis by licensed engineers or architects who are registered with NYC’s Department of Buildings (DOB). Inspections primarily look for structural issues such as cracks, material deterioration, and water damage. Enlist a licensed professional with knowledge of Local Law 126 to streamline the process.

Know Your Deadlines

Compliance deadlines vary by borough and the age of your parking structure. Older properties usually have shorter deadlines. Manhattan may have longer deadlines than Queens or Brooklyn, for instance. Check the NYC DOB website for exact dates for your property.

Prepare Your Paperwork

Before booking an inspection, prepare all documentation to ensure a smoother process. These documents include construction permits, previous maintenance or inspection reports, and DOB forms needed for filing results. Being organized saves time and shows the inspector you are prepared.

Schedule and Coordinate Inspections

Once you have enlisted your certified inspector, get the inspection done ASAP to avoid last-minute rushes around deadlines. Coordinate with tenants and building crews to get all areas of the building accessible for inspection.

File the Inspection Report

Once inspected, the engineer or architect will submit a condition assessment report to NYC DOB. The report will classify your building as safe, unsafe, or safe requiring repairs and maintenance (SWARMP). If issues are identified, address them promptly to avoid penalties.

Address Repairs

If your building is unsafe or SWARMP, you will have to get repairs done within the DOB’s time limit. Keep records of all repairs, including receipts and documentation, as proof of compliance.

Plan for Renewals

Compliance isn’t a one-time task. Local Law 126 requires ongoing periodic re-inspections every few years. Keep a detailed log of previous inspections and repairs to stay ahead of future deadlines.

With these steps, you can ensure your property is Local Law 126 compliant while avoiding unnecessary penalties or delays.

Stay Compliant with NYC Parapet Inspection

Don’t let the Local Law 126 Compliance get the better of you. At NYC Parapet Inspection, we make the process as easy as possible for you from beginning to end. Whether it’s coordinating inspections, reporting, or managing necessary repairs, we take the stress out of compliance so you can focus on what matters most. Stay ahead of the game and get your property fully compliant without the fuss.

Call 718-550-2779 for a free consultation and let NYC Parapet Inspection handle your compliance needs with confidence.