Local Law 11, also known as New York City’s Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), requires buildings over six stories to undergo periodic façade inspections every five years. Inspections must be performed by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI)—a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect authorized by the NYC Department of Buildings. The program is designed to ensure the ongoing safety and maintenance of exterior walls and façades, helping protect pedestrians and building occupants from potential hazards such as falling debris.
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, 2025 | February 21, 2027 |
| B | 0,7,8 | February 21, 2026 | February 21, 2028 |
| C | 1,2,3 | February 21, 2027 | February 21, 2029 |
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 (FISP) requirements may result in significant penalties, including:
Penalties may continue to accumulate until an acceptable report is filed and required façade conditions are properly addressed. Building owners should take timely action to complete inspections, repairs, and required DOB filings.
Façade inspections are a critical component of New York City Local Law 11 (FISP) compliance. Mandated by the NYC Department of Buildings, FISP requires buildings over six stories to undergo periodic façade inspections to identify unsafe conditions and protect public safety. SFE provides comprehensive façade inspection services to help property owners identify deterioration, address potential hazards, and maintain compliance with FISP requirements.
Our experienced team of Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWI) performs hands-on and close-up façade evaluations using advanced inspection methods and tools, including drones, scaffolding, and infrared thermography. We provide detailed documentation of observed conditions and actionable repair recommendations, supporting property owners throughout the FISP process—from inspection and reporting to DOB filing and coordination of required follow-up work.
With SFE’s professional façade inspection services, property owners can stay ahead of FISP deadlines, address façade conditions proactively, and protect the safety and long-term integrity of their buildings.
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.
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