A Complete Guide to Complying with NYC’s Local Law 11
Adhering to Local Law 11 is important if you own or operate a building in New York City in order to protect the stability and lifespan of your asset. Local Law 11, also referred to as the Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP), was passed in order to address the safety of building facades in New York City and mandates regular maintenance and inspections. Thus, in this guide, we’ll go over everything property owners need to know to comply with this law.
What is Included in Local Law 11?
In order to maintain the safety of buildings taller than six storeys, New York City has implemented Law 11. It demands that these structures undergo routine facade inspections. Therefore, property owners are required by law to carry out checks every five years and submit a report to the Buildings of Department (DOB).
Who Must Comply?
This law requires buildings in New York City taller than six floors to adhere to certain regulations. This comprises:
- Residential structures (apartment buildings, condos and cooperatives).
- Commercial structures that are the required height.
- Properties with a mix of uses and at least seven floors in height.
How to Adhere to 11th Local Law
- The first step in complying with this law is engaging a competent professional, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA), a someone authorized to conduct facade assessments.
- The expert will inspect the condition of all external walls and appurtenances during the facade inspection.
- Following the examination, the trained specialist will classify the building’s state into one of three groups:
- Safe
The facade is judged safe after no problems were discovered.
- Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP)
Although the facade is currently safe, it will need to be maintained or repaired soon to keep it from getting dangerous.
- Unsafe
Immediate repairs are required owing to hazardous circumstances.
Thus, it’s critical to act right away if the inspection finds any dangerous situations or things that need maintenance. Following the completion of repairs, in order to verify that the problems have been fixed, your inspector will have to submit an updated report.
Advantages of Adhering to 11th Local Law
There are a number of advantages to compliance:
- Enhanced safety makes sure that both the public and the building’s residents are safe.
- Serious consequences may result from noncompliance.
- Maintaining the facade can improve the building’s appearance and help to keep its market value high.
Ensure Safety and Compliance with 11th Local Law
Therefore, in order to protect both the public and their structures, New York City property owners must abide by this Law 11. Property owners can guarantee their properties stay in good condition and avoid hefty penalties by performing routine facade inspections, taking care of essential repairs, and meeting filing deadlines.
