Local Law 11: Ensuring Your NYC Building’s Safety and Compliance
Local Law 11, officially known as the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), is a critical regulation for New York City buildings over six stories tall. Enacted to protect pedestrians and residents from potential hazards like falling debris, this law mandates regular inspections and maintenance of building exteriors.
At HPM, we specialize in guiding co-op and condo boards through the complexities of Local Law 11 compliance. Our services are tailored to ensure your building remains safe and adheres to all city regulations.
🧱 Understanding Local Law 11 (FISP)
Local Law 11, enacted in 1998, requires that all buildings in NYC over six stories undergo façade inspections every five years. These inspections must be conducted by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI), a licensed architect or engineer with specific experience in façade assessments. Fontan Architecture
The inspection results classify the building’s façade into one of three categories:
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Safe: No issues detected; the building is in good condition.
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SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program): Minor issues identified that require repair within the next five years.
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Unsafe: Conditions pose an immediate danger and require urgent repairs.O’Donnell & Naccarato+5Thornton Tomasetti+5Nova Construction+5Nova Construction+2Modern property management+2The Falcon Group+2
For detailed guidelines on inspection and filing requirements, refer to the NYC Department of Buildings.
🛠️ Navigating SWARMP Status
If your building receives a SWARMP designation, it’s essential to address the identified issues promptly to prevent escalation to an Unsafe status. Developing a repair and maintenance plan in collaboration with your QEWI ensures that all concerns are resolved before the next inspection cycle.Modern property management+1The Falcon Group+1
Understanding the implications of a SWARMP status is crucial. For an in-depth explanation, consider reading What Does SWARMP Mean in Local Law 11?.Fontan Architecture
📅 Compliance Cycles and Deadlines
Local Law 11 operates on five-year cycles, with each cycle divided into sub-cycles (A, B, and C) based on the last digit of your building’s block number. For instance, Cycle 10 begins on February 21, 2025. It’s imperative to know your building’s specific filing window to ensure timely compliance. support.sitecompli.com+8Nova Construction+8The Falcon Group+8
Missing deadlines or failing to address identified issues can result in substantial fines and legal liabilities.The Falcon Group
🏗️ The Role of Property Management in Compliance
Navigating the complexities of Local Law 11 can be challenging. Partnering with experienced property management professionals, like HPM, can alleviate the burden. We assist in:
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Coordinating with certified QEWIs for inspections.
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Developing and implementing repair and maintenance plans.
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Ensuring timely filing of reports with the NYC Department of Buildings.
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Keeping abreast of regulatory changes and updates.Hirani+4support.sitecompli.com+4Nova Construction+4
Our expertise ensures that your building remains compliant, safe, and avoids unnecessary penalties.
🔗 Additional Resources
For more information on Local Law 11 and façade safety:
📞 Get Expert Assistance
Ensuring compliance with Local Law 11 is not just about adhering to regulations; it’s about safeguarding the well-being of your building’s residents and the public. At HPM, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to co-op and condo boards throughout NYC.
If you need assistance with inspections, repairs, or understanding your obligations under Local Law 11, contact us today.
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