Local Law 11 (FISP) Facade Filings
Owners of NYC buildings taller than six stories must have the exterior walls inspected every five years under the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), also known as Local Law 11.
The inspection is done by a qualified exterior wall inspector (QEWI) under the rules of the Facade Inspection Safety Program. S & M Expediting handles the filing side with the Department of Buildings. We do not inspect the wall.
Cycles and sub-cycles
Facade reports are due in five-year cycles. DOB added sub-cycles to spread out the work, and the last digit of a building's block number sets its sub-cycle.
The QEWI's technical report
The QEWI files a technical report with the Department of Buildings during the building's cycle. Facade conditions are classified as:
- Safe
- Safe with a repair and maintenance program (SWARMP): repairs or maintenance are needed before the next cycle to keep the condition from becoming unsafe
- Unsafe
Unsafe conditions must be corrected within 90 days of filing the report, unless DOB grants an extension, and an amended report is filed after the work is done. The QEWI notes whether the owner must install public protection, such as a fence, a sidewalk shed or netting, and where.
Penalties
Owners who fail to have the facade inspected and filed on time are subject to penalties and may receive OATH summonses. If you already have a Local Law 11 violation, see how to handle a Local Law 11 violation.
How we help
S & M Expediting can recommend a QEWI if you need your facade inspected, prepare the related DOB filings, and file the sidewalk shed application, which is separate. On a landmarked building, see Landmarks permit filing. Call 718-833-2333.