Annual Parapet Inspections
New Requirement for Building Owners in NYC
Starting January 1, 2024, building owners in New York City must inspect their parapet walls annually to address any potential safety issues. This mandate is part of Local Law 126, enacted in November 2021, which amended the NYC Administrative Code to require regular parapet inspections and introduced new criteria for parking garage inspections.
Inspection Details
With the exception of detached single- or two-family residences, all buildings in New York City with parapets facing sidewalks, public rights-of-way, or roadways must undergo annual inspections, regardless of their height.
Building owners are not required to submit these inspection reports to the Department of Buildings (DOB) but must retain them for at least six years and provide them to the DOB upon request.
Addressing Hazardous Conditions
If an unsafe condition is identified, the licensed professional conducting the inspection must notify the DOB and immediately install public protection. These hazardous conditions must be rectified within 90 days.
Report Requirements
The inspection report must include the following information:
- Building details, address, and owner contact information
- Name and contact details of the professional conducting the inspection
- Date of the inspection
- Location plan and construction details of the parapets, including material, height, and thickness
- Description of general conditions
- Details of any unsafe conditions and actions taken to address them
- Repairs made since the previous report
- Dated photos documenting conditions