Understanding NYC Exterior Wall Repair Laws: A Property Owner’s Guide

Also called FISP (the Façade Inspection Safety Program), Local Law 11 of NYC mandates that buildings with more than six stories must get their facades checked once every five years by a qualified inspector. The inspection report should be submitted to the authorities highlighting its condition as Safe, Unsafe, or SWARMP. If there are deficiencies, building owners should rectify them within the stipulated time, and the updated property status must be reported. Zicklin Contracting in New York is known for its reliable exterior wall repair services.

If you were searching for exterior wall repair near me, consider us for taking planned and prompt actions. We have been in this business for more than two decades. Whether you live in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or some other part of NYC, you can call us to restore your façade’s structural integrity and beauty. Our professionals are well conversant with the nitty-gritty of Local Law 11 and know how to comply with the regulations.

• What is local law 11?

Local Law 11 demands building owners hire qualified inspectors approved by the city’s DOB to assess their properties’ condition per the Façade Inspection & Safety Program requirements. After inspection, the inspector will file details with the DOB, revealing the building’s status as Safe, Unsafe, or SWARMP. FISP Cycle 10 starts in 2025 in NYC. 10A, 10B, and 10C are three Sub-Cycles under this FISP Cycle. These sub-cycles indicate the due date for submitting the building report. You can identify the sub-cycle of your building by referring to the end digit of the block number. 

• What do SWARMP, Safe, and Unsafe mean?

LL11 follows a five-year cycle during which buildings must be inspected and repaired. Suppose our team classifies your building status as SWARMP. What does ‘SWARMP’ indicate? It means that your building has certain deficiencies that need rectification. It’s not immediately hazardous. However, buildings with dangerous conditions for the public are categorized as Unsafe and require immediate planning to implement safety measures, such as building a sidewalk bridge with DOB’s approval. The repair work starts, and the final report is sent to the authorities after completion. At Zicklin Contracting, we can quickly respond to structural issues involving cracks or damages. Our professionals can also do full resurfacing if required.

Buildings with Safe status don’t require any repair. However, their status must be notified to the DOB. As a building owner, you only need to worry about it during the next five-year cycle. If you maintain your property well, that cycle will also go smoothly.

• Why has LL11 been implemented?

Many NYC people died due to falling debris from poorly maintained building facades. That’s why Local Law 11 was established in 1998, requiring properties with more than six stories to undergo periodic checks and repairs for public safety.

• Why consider hiring a certified contractor for exterior wall repair? 

Exterior walls comprising stone, brick, stucco, wood, steel, and other materials are exposed to risks like cracks, dryness, leakage, rotting, and other failures due to wear and tear and temperature fluctuations. If these problems are not addressed on time, NYC DOB can send a summon and impose a penalty for violating property laws. You can avoid the penalty by filing your inspection report before you are issued a cure date. Due to their experience, the local certified contractors understand the need to move promptly and carefully in these matters. They inspect the exterior structure for potential defects such as broken masonry, provide a reasonable repair estimate, begin repairing, do the final inspection after project completion, and send an upgraded status report to the authorities. You can rely on them to offer a hassle-free end-to-end solution for your exterior wall maintenance and repair needs. 

Get in touch

Our team offers tailored-made exterior wall repair services in Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Call us if you want to protect your building from DOB violation risks.