Does my building require an annual inspection?

All buildings with parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height, are required to have an annual parapet inspection performed by a person competent to perform the observation. The only exceptions are detached one- or two-family homes and buildings with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall. If your building has more than 2 apartments or shares a wall with another building please contact us to discuss your annual inspection.

Do I have a “Parapet” and is it on a “Public Right-of-Way”?

A parapet is defined in 1 RCNY 103-15 as the part of any wall entirely above the roof line and it is on a public right-of-way if anyone from the public, who is not associated with the property, can freely walk up to the façade of the building.

Who can perform the parapet observation and do they need access to the building?

A person competent to inspect parapets can perform the observation. This includes, but is not limited to a bricklayer, building superintendent, handyman, mason or a person in a similar constructionrelated trade, a NYS-licensed architect or engineer, a NYS-authorized building inspector or an

inspector working for a NYS-authorized insurance company, or any other individual capable of

identifying hazards on the parapet.

What happens if my parapet passes the required annual inspection?

It all The person performing the observation must immediately notify the Department of Buildings by calling 311. If a building is subject to FISP (Façade Inspection Safety Program) filing an Unsafe Notification (FISP3) in DOB NOW Safety is also required.

What happens if the parapet fails the inspection?

It all be