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As of 1 January 2024, building owners in New York City are required to make annual inspections of parapets that face public rights-of-way. This inspection requirement is specified in Section 28-301.1.1 of the New York City Administrative Code and applies to the majority of buildings with accessible exterior walls. The ultimate objective is to protect the public by identifying potential structural hazards and preserving exterior façade integrity.
The requirement applies to nearly all structures with parapets overlooking public areas. However, there are specific exceptions. Detached single-family and two-family homes do not fall under this requirement. Furthermore, buildings that already have fences or barriers that completely restrict access to exterior walls don’t need to submit to these inspections. This selective policy targets urban buildings that pose the greatest risk to public safety.
The city also has specific guidelines for certified inspectors. Acceptable professionals are bricklayers, building superintendents, skilled handymen, masons, architects, professional engineers, state-licensed insurance inspectors, and building inspectors. A key requirement is that the contractor must be trained and competent to comprehensively detect structural hazards and inspect parapets with a trained, critical eye.
A parapet survey is a meticulous procedure that transcends the mere visual check. Inspectors have to inspect a variety of critical aspects of the parapet condition. These include verifying vertical orientation within one-eighth of its cross-sectional thickness, assessing the structural integrity and checking for any signs of degradation. Inspectors look for displacement, horizontal or diagonal cracks, missing or broken bricks, rotting coping stones, leaking mortar joints, and any other evidence of material degradation.
When an inspector finds an unsafe condition, immediate action is necessary. The inspector should promptly call 311 and send a detailed email to parapets@buildings.nyc.gov. Property owners are obligated to take immediate public safety measures. Such steps could include erecting sidewalk sheds, installing safety netting, closing off potentially hazardous areas, or taking other necessary steps to secure public safety. Any unsafe conditions must be fully corrected within 90 days of being first reported.
The inspection report must be comprehensive and detailed. The records should include complete property address, owner’s information, inspector’s credentials, exact observation dates, and a map of the inspected parapets. Additionally, the report should provide information on how the parapet was constructed, materials used, height, and thickness. It must give an honest assessment of the observed conditions, clearly describing the presence of any unsafe conditions and how they have been remedied.
The building owners are obliged to keep these inspection reports archived for at least six years. These records must be preserved and readily made available for production upon request by the Department of Buildings. The requirement provides for a long-term audit trail of building maintenance and structural integrity to be referred to in future inspections or safety reviews.
A breach of parapet inspection can have major ramifications. Property owners who don’t conduct their required annual inspections, fail to report unsafe conditions or delay the necessary repairs may be subject to substantial fines. These include civil penalties, potential legal actions, and statutory corrective actions to ensure public safety and building integrity.