If you own or manage a building in New York City that is taller than six stories, Local Law 11 - also known as the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) - is not optional reading. It is a recurring legal obligation, and missing a deadline can mean fines, violations, and in some cases a mandatory sidewalk shed that stays up far longer than it should.

What Local Law 11 Actually Requires

Every qualifying building must have its exterior walls and appurtenances examined by a licensed engineer or architect on a recurring cycle. The inspector files a Technical Report with the Department of Buildings that assigns the facade a condition rating and documents any unsafe conditions found.

The Three Facade Condition Ratings

• Safe - no unsafe conditions, no repair plan required until the next cycle
• Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) - minor issues exist and must be tracked and repaired on a documented schedule
• Unsafe - conditions pose a public hazard and require immediate protective measures, such as sidewalk sheds or netting, plus prompt repair

What Happens If You Miss a Filing Deadline

• Monetary penalties that accrue the longer the filing remains late
• DOB violations attached to the property record
• Potential escalation to Unsafe status if conditions go unexamined
• Complications when selling, refinancing, or insuring the property

How Fratelli Development Helps

We work alongside your engineer of record from inspection through close-out, so a report finding never turns into a stalled project.

• Coordinating access, protection, and staging for the inspection itself
• Executing repairs identified in SWARMP and Unsafe reports
• Managing sidewalk shed removal once repairs are complete
• Preparing the property for its next filing cycle