Latest Updates on NYC Local Law 126: Annual Parapet Inspections
New York City property owners have a critical new safety mandate: annual parapet inspections. Local Law 126 of 2021 introduced this requirement as part of a broader initiative to prevent facade-related accidents. Beginning January 1, 2024, every building with a parapet wall facing a public street or sidewalk must undergo annual inspections to ensure pedestrian safety. This change responds to multiple incidents where pedestrians were struck by falling building debris.
In this post, we break down the latest updates to Local Law 126’s parapet inspection rules – including new compliance deadlines, expectations for property owners, and how to stay on the right side of NYC’s enforcement.
Key Changes Under Local Law 126
Annual Inspections Now Mandatory
Previously, only certain tall buildings required periodic facade inspections under the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP). Now, any building with a parapet along the public right-of-way must undergo a yearly parapet inspection and report. This includes low-rise and mid-rise buildings that were not previously subject to facade safety regulations.
The first inspection cycle began on January 1, 2024, with property owners required to complete their initial parapet inspection by December 31, 2024.
Going forward, annual inspections must be completed by December 31 of each year.
Which Buildings Are Affected?
The rule applies to all NYC buildings with a parapet wall fronting a public street, sidewalk, alley, or any public way.
Exemptions:
Fully detached one- and two-family homes.
Buildings where a continuous fence or barrier keeps the public away from the exterior walls (such barriers must be at least half the height of the parapet to qualify for exemption).
If your building does not fit these exemptions, assume you must comply with the law.
New Regulatory Details & Enforcement
No Filing Required: Unlike FISP reports, owners do not need to file parapet reports with the city. Instead, they must keep the reports on-site and present them upon request by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).
FISP Overlap: If your building is subject to Local Law 11 (FISP), a comprehensive FISP facade report can satisfy the annual parapet inspection requirement—provided it includes the required parapet details.
Penalties: Failure to produce a parapet report upon request can result in DOB violations, impacting building compliance records.
Inspection Requirements
Who Can Perform the Inspection?
Unlike FISP inspections (which require licensed engineers or architects), parapet inspections can be conducted by a competent person with relevant construction knowledge. This includes:
Licensed engineers or architects
Building superintendents
Masons or bricklayers
Licensed building inspectors
Insurance inspectors
Owners should select someone with experience identifying common parapet hazards, such as cracks, leaning walls, or deteriorating mortar joints.
Inspection Scope
The annual inspection must assess:
Leaning or out-of-plumb parapets (more than 1/8 of the thickness is a red flag).
Cracked, loose, or missing masonry and coping stones.
Deteriorated mortar joints.
Spalling, wood rot, or corrosion.
Stability of any attached fixtures, such as antennas or signage.
Report Requirements
The inspection must be documented in a Parapet Inspection Report, which should include:
Building address and owner’s contact information.
Inspector’s name, credentials, and contact details.
Date of inspection.
Findings, including parapet conditions and any defects.
Photographs of inspected parapets.
Recommended repairs, if applicable.
Retained for at least six years for DOB review.
If a Parapet Is Unsafe
If the inspection finds an unsafe condition, the owner must:
Immediately notify DOB (call 311 and email parapets@buildings.nyc.gov).
Install public safety protections (sidewalk sheds, netting, barriers).
Complete repairs within 90 days.
Failure to address an unsafe condition can lead to violations, emergency repairs ordered by the city, and legal liability if an accident occurs.
Compliance Checklist for Property Owners
To ensure compliance with Local Law 126, property owners should:
Determine if their building qualifies – most multi-unit buildings are subject to this law.
Schedule an annual inspection – complete it well before the December 31 deadline.
Hire a competent inspector – ensure they have experience with parapet conditions.
Document findings in a written report – keep the report on file for six years.
Take immediate action on unsafe conditions – notify DOB and complete repairs within 90 days.
Stay organized – create a record-keeping system for annual parapet reports.
Local Law 126’s parapet inspection requirement is an essential measure to prevent hazardous conditions and protect public safety. Although it introduces a new annual responsibility, compliance is straightforward with proper planning. By conducting timely inspections, maintaining records, and addressing issues proactively, property owners can avoid violations, enhance building safety, and prevent costly emergencies.
If you own property in NYC, make sure your parapet inspections are scheduled and up to date – safety and compliance depend on it.
