Periodic Inspections of Building Parapets

Keeping you up-to-date…

The New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) has introduced a new rule regarding building parapet inspections. This regulation requires building owners to have their parapets annually inspected to identify any hazardous conditions by a competent inspector. The reviewer may be but not limited to a bricklayer, building superintendent, handyman, mason or a person in a similar construction-related trade, architect, engineer or any other individual capable of identifying hazards on the parapet.

This rule will go into effect on 1/1/2024.
The deadline to meet compliance is 12/31/2024.

How HLZAE Can Help You

HLZAE has been performing parapet inspections and overseeing parapet repairs for decades. As qualified professionals, we can undertake the inspection under the new proposed Local Law.

We can assist you with:

• Performing Inspections
• Setting up checklists and report templates, for future inspections
• Prepare a report for your building’s records and associated repairs
• Annual Compliance:  Provide an Annual Compliance Program for all of your building’s needs

Please note: The report is not required to be filed with DOB, but reports have to be on site and made readily available if a DOB inspector requests them.

The parapet observation requirement applies to all buildings fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height, except for detached 1- or 2-family homes or buildings with a fence/other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall.

This new policy is an addition to the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP). As a building owner, if you filed a FISP report, it does not mean you have complied with this rule. Buildings covered by FISP are still required to have periodic observation of building parapets.

What you need to know…

What is a Parapet and why does it need to be inspected?
 A Parapet is a low protective wall or barrier at the edges of a roof, which is an essential feature of a building. Over time, their structural integrity can be compromised, posing risks to both occupants and pedestrians.
What happens when a condition is deemed Unsafe?
 Upon finding an unsafe condition, the property owner must immediately install public protection, which must remain in place until the unsafe condition is corrected.

If you have any questions regarding this new rule or would like to move forward with a proposal, please speak to one of our experts by clicking the button below.