Local Law 11/98 Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) local law 11 facade

The Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), commonly known as Local Law 11, is a critical building safety initiative mandated by New York City. This law requires owners of buildings taller than six stories to have their façades and exterior walls inspected every five years by a qualified professional, such as a licensed architect or engineer. The purpose of the program is to identify and address unsafe conditions, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and occupants while preserving the structural integrity of the building.

At Building Envelope Inspections, LLC, we specialize in providing comprehensive Local Law 11 compliance services, including detailed inspections, reporting, and assistance with necessary repairs to keep your property safe and up to code. We service all 5 boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island.

 For Cycle 10 of the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), which begins on February 21, 2025, your building's inspection deadline will depend on its assigned subcycle. The subcycles are determined by the last digit of the building’s block number:

• Sub-cycle A (Block numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, 9):
  Filing period: February 21, 2025 – February 21, 2027
   
• Sub-cycle B (Block numbers ending in 0, 7, 8):
  Filing period: February 21, 2026 – February 21, 2028
   
• Sub-cycle C (Block numbers ending in 1, 2, 3):
  Filing period: February 21, 2027 – February 21, 2029
   

Each sub-cycle corresponds to a specific two-year window within the overall five-year inspection cycle for the Local Law 11 Facade Inspection.

To determine your building’s specific deadline and ensure compliance with Cycle 10 requirements, consult with the professionals at Building Envelope Inspections, LLC. We’ll confirm your sub-cycle and provide expert guidance for timely inspections and filings.

Under Local Law 11 (FISP), façade inspection reports must classify a building’s condition into one of three categories of the FISP inspection:

1. Safe (SAFE)

• No hazardous conditions were observed, and the façade is in good condition.
• The building does not require any repairs or maintenance during the current cycle.

2. Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP)

• The façade has conditions that are not yet unsafe but could become unsafe if not addressed.
• The report must include a timeline for the repairs, which must typically be completed before the next inspection cycle or within the timeframe specified by the inspector.

3. UNSAFE
 

• The façade has hazardous conditions that pose an immediate risk to public safety (e.g., loose masonry or cracked walls).
• The building owner must take immediate action to protect the public, such as installing sidewalk sheds or fencing, and complete repairs promptly to remove the unsafe designation.

At Building Envelope Inspections, LLC, we help property owners navigate these classifications by conducting thorough inspections, providing detailed reports, and guiding you through the repair process to achieve compliance.

For the following categories of the FISP Inspection report, we recommend the following:

1. Safe (SAFE)
 

• No hazardous conditions were observed, and the façade is in good condition.
• The building does not require any repairs or maintenance during the current cycle.

2. Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP)

• The façade has conditions that are not yet unsafe but could become unsafe if not addressed.
• The report must include a timeline for the repairs, which must typically be completed before the next inspection cycle or within the timeframe specified. Building Envelope Inspections specializes in exterior restoration administration as well.

3. UNSAFE

• The façade has hazardous conditions that pose an immediate risk to public safety (e.g., loose masonry or cracked walls).
• The building owner must take immediate action to protect the public, such as installing sidewalk sheds or fencing, and complete repairs promptly to remove the unsafe designation.
• Exterior restoration should begin as soon as possible, with the minimum being to address the UNSAFE conditions.

At Building Envelope Inspections, LLC, we are here to help guide you through every step of the inspection and keeping the performance of your building facade to the highest standard.