What is Local Law 11?
Local Law 11, also known as New York City’s Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), is a building code that mandates the regular inspection and maintenance of building façades. This law, which came into effect in 1998, is a crucial part of ensuring the safety of pedestrians and occupants by preventing the risk of falling debris.
Local Law 11 Deadlines
Under Local Law 11, buildings taller than six stories must undergo a façade inspection every five years. Each five-year period is referred to as a “cycle”, and the current inspection timetable is on Cycle 9, which began on February 21, 2020. The deadlines for completing the façade inspections and submitting reports to the DOB depend on the last digit of the property’s tax lot number.
| Sub-Cycle | Last Digit of Block Number | Sub-Cycle Start Date | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4,5,6,9 | February 21, 2020 | February 21, 2022 |
| B | 0,7,8 | February 21, 2021 | February 21, 2023 |
| C | 1,2,3 | February 21, 2022 | February 21, 2024 |
Local Law 11 Requirements
Compliance with Local Law 11 involves the following steps:
- Hire a Qualified Professional – Contact a licensed architect or engineer experienced in façade inspections.
- Schedule Inspections – Make the necessary preparations and arrange for the inspections.
- Address Issues – Any issues or hazards identified during inspections must be addressed promptly. This may involve repairs to make the building safe.
- File Reports – Submit inspection reports to the Department of Buildings (DOB) within the specified deadlines to document compliance.
- Repeat Inspections – Continue the cycle of inspections as mandated by the law.
Local Law 11 and its implications can be a lot to keep track of, but you don’t have to deal with it all by yourself. Our QEWI (Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors) are certified by the NYC DOB and have assisted clients for decades on all aspects of the process, helping hundreds of buildings remain in compliance with local laws and building codes cost-effectively. We have made it easy for building owners and property managers every step of the way. If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us anytime!
Local Law 11 Fines
Failure to comply with Local Law 11 can result in penalties as described below:
- Late filing (initial report): $1,000 per month
- Failure to file (initial report): $5,000 per year
- Failure to correct SWARMP conditions: $2,000
- Failure to correct unsafe conditions:
| Delay | Base Penalty | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $1,000/month | – |
| 2 years | $1,000/month | $10/linear foot of shed a month |
| 3 years | $1,000/month | $20/linear foot of shed a month |
| 4 years | $1,000/month | $30/linear foot of shed a month |
| 5 years | $1,000/month | $40/linear foot of shed a month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Building owners are responsible for complying with Local Law 11. They must hire a licensed and qualified architect or engineer to perform façade inspections and file the necessary reports with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
If safety concerns or violations are identified during a Local Law 11 inspection, the building owner is required to address these issues promptly. The DOB may issue violations or orders to make necessary repairs or improvements.
Yes, the DOB provides guidelines and templates for Local Law 11 inspection reports. These reports must be submitted electronically and include detailed information about the condition of the façade, as well as any recommended repairs.