Understanding Local Law 11: What You Need to Know

Local Law 11 is a crucial piece of legislation that every building owner in certain cities needs to understand. It’s all about keeping building facades safe and secure, not just for the sake of the building but for the safety of everyone around it. Here’s a relaxed walkthrough of what Local Law 11 entails, why it’s important, and how you can ensure you’re on the right side of this law.

What is Local Law 11?

Introduced as part of the city's Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), Local Law 11 requires that the facades of buildings taller than six stories be inspected every five years. The law was put in place to prevent accidents that could arise from facade deterioration, such as falling debris. This is particularly important in densely populated urban areas where the risk to pedestrians is high.

Who Needs to Comply?

If you own a building over six stories high, you need to comply with Local Law 11. This includes residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. It doesn’t matter if the building is old or new, compliance is mandatory to ensure long-term safety and structural integrity.

How Does the Inspection Work?

To comply with Local Law 11, you must hire a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI)—this is usually a licensed architect or engineer. The QEWI will carry out a thorough inspection of your building's facade. They will check for cracks, loose bricks, corrosion, and any other signs of wear and tear that could potentially lead to structural failures or safety hazards.

Understanding the Inspection Outcomes

After the inspection, the QEWI will categorize the facade into one of three categories:

Safe

The facade is in good condition and doesn’t require repairs.

Unsafe

The facade poses a threat and needs immediate repair.

SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program)

The facade is safe for now but requires repairs or maintenance in the near future to prevent it from becoming unsafe.

If your building is categorized as Unsafe, you'll need to take immediate action to protect public safety, such as installing scaffolding or protective shedding, and you must start repairs within 90 days. For SWARMP, you have more time, but repairs must be made before the next inspection cycle.

Filing Your Report

Once your inspection is complete and any necessary repairs have been made, the QEWI will file a report with the city’s building department. This report is a public record and failing to file can result in penalties, so it’s important to ensure everything is submitted on time.

Best Practices for Building Owners

To make life easier and to ensure you remain compliant, here are a few tips:

Stay on Schedule

Keep track of when your inspections are due and start planning in advance. This gives you plenty of time to find a qualified inspector and address any issues they might find.

Regular Maintenance

Regularly check and maintain your building's facade between official inspections. This can prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

Budget for Repairs

Set aside a budget for potential repairs. Knowing you have funds allocated can relieve a lot of stress if the inspector finds issues.

Conclusion

Local Law 11 is all about safety. By keeping up with facade inspections and repairs, you’re not just complying with the law; you’re also ensuring that your building is a safe place for people to live and work. Staying ahead of maintenance and understanding the requirements can help you manage your property effectively and avoid any legal or safety issues down the road.