If you own or manage a building taller than six stories in New York City, you're required to comply with the Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), commonly known as Local Law 11. Understanding this requirement is essential to avoiding penalties and keeping your building safe.
What Is FISP/Local Law 11? - The Facade Inspection & Safety Program requires owners of buildings greater than six stories to have their building's exterior walls and appurtenances inspected every five years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). The program was created after falling facade debris caused pedestrian injuries, and it's designed to ensure building exteriors are maintained in safe condition.
What Gets Inspected? - A FISP inspection covers the entire exterior envelope of your building, including: exterior walls (brick, stone, stucco, EIFS, metal panels), window sills, lintels, and headers, balconies, terraces, and fire escapes, cornices, copings, and parapets, signs and attachments, and railings and guardrails.
Inspection Categories - After inspection, your building's facade is classified as: SAFE - No problems found. SAFE WITH A REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (SWARMP) - Minor issues exist that need to be addressed within a specific timeframe. UNSAFE - Conditions exist that pose an immediate risk to public safety. Unsafe conditions require immediate protective measures (like sidewalk sheds) and repairs within 90 days.
Filing Deadlines and Cycles - NYC is divided into sub-cycles (A, B, C, D) based on the last digit of the building's block number. Each sub-cycle has specific filing windows. Missing your filing deadline results in penalties starting at $1,000 per month and can escalate significantly.
Cost Considerations - The cost of FISP compliance varies widely based on building size, condition, and the scope of required repairs. A basic inspection and filing for a building in good condition might cost $5,000-$15,000. If repairs are needed, costs can range from $50,000 for minor repointing to over $1 million for extensive facade restoration.
How to Prepare - Start planning well before your filing deadline. Hire a QEWI early in your cycle to perform a preliminary assessment. Address minor issues proactively through regular maintenance to avoid costly emergency repairs. Budget for potential repair work based on the QEWI's preliminary findings.
How Doon Construction Can Help - While the inspection itself must be performed by a QEWI (licensed architect or engineer), Doon Construction Corporation performs all types of FISP-related repair work. We work closely with QEWIs to plan and execute repair programs efficiently, minimizing cost and disruption. From scaffolding installation to brick restoration to waterproofing, we handle every aspect of FISP compliance work.
If your building is approaching a FISP deadline, contact us at (718) 216-2725 for a free consultation. We can help you understand the process and develop a cost-effective plan for compliance.