Facade Inspection & Safety Program

What is FISP?

The Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11/98, is a crucial regulation in New York City that primarily concerns the safety and maintenance of building facades. The FISP rule mandates periodic inspections of the exterior facades of buildings over six stories tall to assess their condition and identify any potential hazards or structural deficiencies.

What You Need
to Know

  • Applies to NYC buildings over six stories
  • Facades must be inspected every five years
  • Results classify buildings as Safe, Unsafe, or SWARMP
  • Delays risk fines, violations, & costly emergency repairs
  • Early pre -inspections cut costs, speed approvals, & ensure compliance

The FISP process involves several key components:

Inspection Requirements

Building owners are required to hire a licensed and qualified engineer or architect to conduct periodic inspections of their properties, typically once every five years. This ensures that the facades are regularly assessed for safety and maintenance needs. This person is referred to as a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI).

Detailed Reports

Following the inspection, the QEWI submits a detailed report that outlines the condition of the facade, identifies any issues or violations, and provides recommendations for remedial work if necessary. This report is submitted to the New York City Department of Buildings within 60 days of the inspection.

Corrective Actions

If the inspection reveals any unsafe conditions, building owners are legally obligated to address and rectify these issues promptly. This may involve making necessary repairs or maintenance work to ensure the safety and structural integrity of the building.

Compliance and Certification

Once a report has been submitted and accepted by the DOB, a Wall Certificate will be provided. The Certificate must be hung in the lobby of the building notifying anyone who enters what the status of the facade is.

Featured FISP Projects

The Ritz-Carlton Central Park New York City

The Ritz-Carlton Central Park New York City

This project began with a peer review of a 9th cycle FISP report prepared by another QEWI. Duffy Engineering was engaged to assess the extent of recommended repairs and evaluate the proposed access strategy.

Hyatt Union Square New York City

Hyatt Union Square New York City

This project began with a leak investigation. Duffy Engineering advanced the work into design for roof replacement and sealant replacement at metal panels.

Hilton Garden Inn 52nd Street

Hilton Garden Inn 52nd Street

This project began after a portion of the building's stucco cladding detached and fell onto the roof below. Duffy Engineering was hired to evaluate the facade and guide next steps.

FISP Cycle 10 Filing Windows

Partner With Duffy for FISP Compliance

At Duffy Engineering, we specialize in helping building owners, boards, and managers navigate every cycle of FISP with clarity and confidence.

Partner with us for practical, cost-conscious strategies that ensure compliance and peace of mind.
Book a learning session to see how we can work together:

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