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.
In NYC Local Law 11 of 1998 also referred to as the Façade Inspection Safety Program or FISP, requires that all buildings over six stories have their facades inspected every five years by an Architect or Engineer who must also be a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector or QEWI a status granted by the NYC Department of Buildings.
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 |
Compliance with Local Law 11 involves the following steps:
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!
Failure to comply with Local Law 11 can result in significant penalties, including $1,000 per month for late initial report filing, $5,000 per year for failure to file, $2,000 for not correcting SWARMP conditions, and additional fines for failing to address 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 |
Façade inspections are the cornerstone of Local Law 11 (FISP) compliance in New York City. Mandated by the NYC Department of Buildings, these inspections ensure that buildings over six stories undergo regular safety checks to prevent hazardous façade conditions. At SFE, we specialize in thorough, code-compliant façade inspections that help property owners identify deterioration, avoid violations, and stay ahead of costly repairs.
Our experienced team of Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWI) conducts hands-on and close-up evaluations using advanced tools like drones, scaffolding, and infrared thermography—delivering detailed reports with actionable repair recommendations. We manage the entire FISP cycle, from inspection to filing and any required follow-up repairs, ensuring your building meets all Local Law 11 deadlines with confidence.
Stay compliant, protect public safety, and preserve your property value with professional façade inspections by SFE—your trusted NYC partner in façade safety and Local Law 11 compliance.
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.