NYC Annual Parapet Inspection Requirement Fact Sheet
Starting January 1, 2024, New York City building owners are required to conduct annual parapet inspections under Local Law 126 of 2021. This new regulation mandates that owners of buildings with parapets fronting public rights-of-way must comply to ensure the safety and integrity of their structures. Parapet Pros is here to guide you through the compliance process, ensuring your building stays safe and up to code. Here's everything you need to know about this requirement.
Who is Affected by the New Parapet Inspection Regulation?
This law applies to all buildings in New York City with parapets visible from public rights-of-way, regardless of the building's height. However, detached 1- or 2-family homes and buildings with barriers preventing public access to the exterior wall are exempt from this requirement.
An exterior wall is considered part of the public right-of-way if anyone from the general public, unaffiliated with the property, can freely approach and access the building’s façade—even if the wall is situated on private property. Additionally, buildings with continuous barriers located within a perpendicular distance from the exterior wall, equal to or less than half the height of the exterior wall, must undergo inspection.
What Type of Buildings Must Be Inspected?
Any building with parapets fronting public streets, sidewalks, or open areas.
Commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings.
Buildings with significant public interaction or accessibility.
What Does the Inspection Involve?
Annual parapet inspections must include a thorough, close-up examination of the entire parapet. This can be done using scaffolds, boom trucks, or by accessing the parapet from fire escapes or rooftops. Inspectors must evaluate:
Parapet alignment: Ensuring the parapet is plumb within one-eighth of its cross-sectional thickness.
Deterioration: Inspect for displacement, cracks (horizontal or diagonal), missing or loose bricks, coping stones, deteriorated mortar joints, spalling, or rot.
Stability of appurtenances: Telecommunications equipment, railings, roof access rails, gooseneck ladders, handrail attachments for fire escapes, and signs must be secure and stable.
Exemptions:
Cornices attached directly to the front wall or roof without a parapet behind them are exempt from the inspection. However, cornices attached to parapet walls are not exempt and must undergo an annual inspection as part of the parapet safety requirements.
Dealing with Hazardous Conditions
If any hazardous or unsafe conditions are identified during the inspection, swift action is required:
The inspector must immediately notify the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) by calling 311 and sending an email to parapets@buildings.nyc.gov.
The building owner must install public protection measures, such as sidewalk sheds, fences, or safety netting, to ensure the public's safety.
All hazardous conditions must be resolved within 90 days from the date of notification. The protection measures (such as sheds or fences) must remain in place until the issues are fully resolved.
If the building is subject to the FISP (Facade Inspection Safety Program), an Unsafe Notification (FISP3) must also be filed in DOB NOW Safety.
Building owners should take immediate steps to correct hazardous conditions, ensuring that public protection is their top priority.
Reporting Requirements for Parapet Inspections
After the parapet inspection, building owners must prepare a comprehensive report that includes:
The building address and any associated addresses.
The owner’s name, mailing address, and telephone number. If the owner is an entity, provide the principal’s name, mailing address, telephone number, and title.
The inspector’s name, contact information, and affiliation with the building.
The date(s) of the inspection.
A location plan detailing the parapet(s) inspected.
The construction details of the parapet, including materials, height, and thickness.
General conditions observed during the inspection, any unsafe conditions or maintenance needs, and actions required to address them.
Documentation of any repairs made to the parapet since the previous report.
Dated photos showing the parapet’s condition at the time of the inspection.
The report must classify the parapet as unsafe, safe, or requiring maintenance. Building owners must retain these reports for a minimum of six years and present them to the DOB upon request.
In years when a building undergoes FISP inspection, the FISP report may serve as the observation report for the parapet, provided it contains all necessary information.
Deadlines for Parapet Inspections
Annual parapet inspections must be completed, and the observation report must be filed by December 31 of each year. Failure to meet the inspection deadline could result in penalties and fines, as well as potentially hazardous conditions remaining unchecked.
Record Maintenance for Building Owners
Building owners are responsible for maintaining parapet observation reports for a minimum of six years. These records must be made available to the Department of Buildings upon request. While filing these reports is not currently mandatory, building owners are strongly encouraged to keep detailed records to ensure they meet DOB safety standards and remain compliant with Local Law 126 of 2021.
Why Compliance is Critical
Meeting the new parapet inspection requirements not only ensures public safety but also helps to maintain the structural integrity of your building. Regular inspections and prompt repairs prevent accidents, costly emergency repairs, and potential legal issues down the line.
Staying compliant with NYC’s parapet inspection law is essential to maintaining the long-term safety of your property and the public. Regular, professional inspections keep your building’s façade strong, secure, and free from hazards.
Contact Parapet Pros
For professional parapet inspections, expert advice, or if you’d like to schedule an inspection, reach out to Parapet Pros today. We are dedicated to ensuring your building stays compliant and safe. Contact us at:
Phone: (718) 482-8341
Email: admin@parapetpros.com
Let us help you navigate these new regulations with confidence and ensure your building meets all safety standards.
