A parapet wall is a protective barrier typically found at the edge of a roof, balcony, terrace, or bridge. Its main purpose is to prevent people from accidentally falling off elevated surfaces. Parapet walls are usually low in height, extending slightly above the walking or standing surface. These walls can be made from various materials, including brick, stone, concrete, metal, and wood. In addition to their safety function, parapet walls can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building. They come in a range of designs, from simple and functional to highly decorative. Waterproofing features, such as flashings and sealants, are often incorporated to protect the building from water damage. Regular inspection and maintenance of parapet walls are essential to ensure their effectiveness and structural integrity. These walls are a critical safety feature in many architectural designs. The materials and style of a parapet wall are often chosen to match the overall architectural requirements of the building.

Parapet wall inspections are crucial for ensuring building safety and structural integrity. Regular inspections help verify that parapet walls continue to serve their primary purpose of preventing accidental falls from elevated surfaces. These inspections can identify signs of wear and deterioration caused by environmental factors like weathering and temperature fluctuations. By detecting structural damage early, inspections prevent potential weaknesses that could lead to serious accidents. Inspections also check for proper waterproofing to prevent water infiltration and protect the building from water damage.

Ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations is another important aspect of these inspections. Addressing cosmetic issues during inspections helps maintain the building's aesthetic appeal. Timely inspections and maintenance can save long-term costs by preventing minor issues from becoming major repairs. Keeping records of inspections provides valuable documentation for future maintenance and property management. Overall, parapet wall inspections are a proactive measure that ensures safety, compliance, and longevity of the building.

Starting January 1, 2024, all building owners in New York City must perform annual parapet inspections as per the requirements of 28-301.1.1 of the New York City Administrative Code. This rule applies to all buildings with parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height, except for detached 1- or 2-family homes or buildings with barriers preventing access to the exterior wall. The inspections must include close-up examinations of the entire parapet, which can be conducted from a fire escape or roof.

The first inspection must be completed by December 31, 2024, and annually thereafter, with a report on file by the end of each year. Inspections must be conducted by a competent individual such as a bricklayer, mason, architect, engineer, or other qualified construction-related professionals. Annual parapet inspections help ensure the safety and structural integrity of the building's parapet walls. This proactive measure aims to identify and address potential hazards before they become serious issues.

During a visual inspection of a parapet wall, several key elements need careful examination. Look for visible cracks and damage on the surface, as these can indicate structural issues or deterioration. Check for loose or missing bricks, stones, or materials, which can compromise the wall's stability and safety. Assess the overall structural stability by noting any signs of leaning, tilting, or movement. Examine the wall for signs of water damage, such as stains, discoloration, or efflorescence, and verify that proper waterproofing measures are in place. Inspect the connections between the parapet wall and the building structure to ensure they are secure and check the condition of coping stones or caps. Finally, document all findings, noting any issues, their locations, and actions taken, to serve as a reference for future inspections and maintenance.

Documentation in parapet wall inspections is crucial for several reasons. It provides a detailed record of inspection findings, maintenance activities, and any identified issues, serving as evidence of due diligence. This documentation helps identify trends or recurring problems, allowing for targeted preventive measures. It also supports compliance with local building codes and regulations, protecting against liability in case of incidents. Furthermore, thorough records facilitate communication with stakeholders and provide valuable insights for future inspections and property transactions.

Understand the diverse architectural styles in NYC, each with its own parapet design nuances, enabling us to address the specific requirements of your building. Owners must maintain six years of parapet inspection reports, and we can help by keeping these records for you and setting up annual visits and reports. For more details on the code, please visit the NYC.gov Parapets Safety page

Front Façade and all sidewalls must be inspected

Local Law 11 mandates the inspection of all four sides of a building. The only exception is for walls that are 12” or less from a neighboring building. Previously, Local Law 10 previously only required that the front façade and side walls up to 25 feet from the street were inspected.

Appurtenances Inspections: All appurtenances must also be inspected along with the facades of each building. An appurtenance is anything attached to the facade (for example balconies, railings, and fire escapes). Balconies and railings were added to Local Law 11 in 2014 after a woman fell when the balcony railing broke as she was sitting on it.

Scaffold Inspection: Local Law 11 also mandates a physical inspection from scaffolding as opposed to visual binocular or a telescope inspection from afar, which were permissible under Local Law 10.

LL126 will require owners of parking structures to have their garages inspected every six years, and to file a report with inspection results to the Department of Buildings.

The first two-year inspection cycle (1.1.2022 - 12.31.2023) will cover Manhattan Community Districts 1-7. See all Filing Cycles here. Inspections, annual inspections and reports must be conducted by a Qualified Parking Structures Inspector (QPSI).QPSI’s will create an annual observation checklist during the initial assessment prescribing baseline inspection items to be assessed annually or at more frequent intervals by or on behalf of the parking structure owner. The annual observation needs to be conducted by a QPSI. Recent DOB Updates: All garages in sub cycles 1B &1C must complete a one-time initial observation by August 1, 2024.

The person performing the observation must immediately notify the Department of Buildings by calling 311. If a building is subject to FISP (Façade Inspection Safety Program) filing an Unsafe Notification (FISP3) in DOB NOW Safety is also required.

If the FISP report includes all information required to satisfy rule 1 RCNY 103-15 no separate report is required. The owner must have a copy of the FISP report available upon request.

Physical examinations from scaffolding or other observation platforms must be performed annually. Inspections conducted from fire escapes or roofs are also acceptable.

It is acceptable for the physical inspection to be done from the inside of the parapet and a detailed visual inspection from a fire escape, balcony, or any location that affords an unobstructed view of the parapet and appurtenances. If any potentially unsafe conditions are apparent at visual inspection, a hands-on inspection may be required to determine the status of the parapet and appurtenances.