New York City building owners managing structures greater than six stories must comply with the Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP), a critical safety regulation that protects pedestrians and residents from falling debris. The Department of Buildings (DOB) requires a comprehensive façade inspection in NYC every five years, and noncompliance can result in significant penalties, safety hazards and costly emergency repairs.
The Falcon Group provides expert building envelope and façade inspection services to help property owners meet these requirements with confidence and precision.
What Is the Façade Inspection and Safety Program?
The Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11, mandates that buildings greater than six stories undergo regular exterior wall inspections conducted by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). These inspections assess the structural integrity of building components to identify unsafe conditions before they pose a risk to public safety.
The program evaluates several critical building elements:
- Façades and exterior walls facing public rights-of-way
- Parapets, copings and railings along building perimeters
- Balconies, window guards and air conditioning units
- Appurtenances, including flagpoles, signage and architectural projections
FISP operates on a five-year cycle, with buildings assigned to specific sub-cycles based on their block numbers. Cycle 10 began in February 2025, and building owners must file detailed technical reports through the Department of Buildings' DOB NOW system.
Inspections must include visual assessments and hands-on physical examinations of street-facing elevations. Buildings are classified as Safe, Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) or Unsafe based on inspection findings.
Key Details about Local Law 11/FISP Cycle 10:
Program Overview:
- Who Is Affected? All buildings six stories or taller within the five boroughs of NYC must comply with Local Law 11 requirements. This includes residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties.
- Purpose: The law ensures that building façades are regularly inspected and maintained, helping prevent accidents caused by deteriorating materials or structural issues.
Inspection Requirements:
- Qualified Professionals: Inspections must be conducted by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI), such as a licensed professional engineer or registered architect.
- Scope of Inspection: QEWI professionals inspect the building façade, including all visible masonry, windows, balconies, railings, and other exterior components, to identify signs of deterioration or unsafe conditions.
- Access Requirements: Inspections must include physical examinations every 60ft. along facades facing public right of way.
Filing and Compliance:
- Filing Schedule: Each building is assigned to a specific sub-cycle based on its block number. Property owners must file their façade reports within their designated window during the cycle.
- Classification Categories:
- Safe: No repairs required.
- Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP): Conditions are safe but require repairs within the filing cycle to prevent further deterioration.
- Unsafe: Conditions pose an immediate danger and must be repaired immediately.
