Local Law 11 Service: Ensuring Safety & Compliance in NYC Buildings
Introduction: Why Local Law 11 Service Matters
New York City is home to one of the most iconic skylines in the world, filled with tall buildings that define its character. But with great height comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to safety. Over the years, incidents of falling debris from building façades raised serious concerns for pedestrian safety. To address this, the city introduced Local Law 11, also known as the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP).
Local Law 11 requires property owners of buildings taller than six stories to undergo periodic façade inspections and repairs. The goal is simple: prevent accidents by ensuring façades, parapet walls, and exterior elements remain stable and secure.
This is where Local Law 11 services come in. These specialized services include inspection, reporting, and necessary repairs to keep buildings compliant with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) regulations. For landlords, co-op boards, and property managers, hiring a professional contractor to handle Local Law 11 compliance isn’t optional—it’s a legal and financial necessity.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what Local Law 11 is, the services involved, why it’s important, and how to choose the right experts to handle compliance.
What is Local Law 11 (FISP)?
Local Law 11, officially known as the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), was established in 1998 as an extension of Local Law 10. While Local Law 10 only required inspections of street-facing façades, Local Law 11 broadened the requirement to cover all sides of a building taller than six stories.
Under this law:
- Property owners must hire a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI), typically a licensed engineer or architect.
- The building’s façade and exterior walls must be inspected every five years.
- A report must be filed with the DOB classifying the building’s condition as:
- Safe – No immediate issues.
- Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) – Minor issues that must be addressed within a timeframe.
- Unsafe – Immediate hazards requiring urgent repairs.
Failure to comply with Local Law 11 can lead to hefty fines, violations, and even legal liability in case of accidents. This is why Local Law 11 service providers play such a vital role in NYC’s real estate management.
Why Local Law 11 Services Are Important
Ignoring façade inspections and repairs isn’t just risky—it’s costly and dangerous. Here’s why Local Law 11 services are essential:
- Public Safety
Falling bricks, loose stones, or cracked parapets pose serious risks to pedestrians. Local Law 11 ensures these hazards are identified and repaired before accidents occur.
- Legal Compliance
Failure to comply with FISP leads to DOB violations and daily fines. In severe cases, the city may order emergency sidewalk sheds or scaffolding at the owner’s expense.
- Property Value Protection
Well-maintained façades and exteriors enhance curb appeal and preserve real estate value. Buyers and tenants prefer safe, compliant buildings.
- Cost Control
Addressing small cracks today prevents larger, more expensive repairs tomorrow. Local Law 11 services help property owners catch problems early.
- Peace of Mind
With professional contractors managing inspections, reports, and repairs, property managers avoid legal headaches and tenant complaints.
In short, Local Law 11 services are about safety, compliance, and smart property management.
What Do Local Law 11 Services Include?
A complete Local Law 11 service package goes beyond just filing a report. Professional contractors and engineers provide end-to-end solutions that cover:
- Façade Inspections
- Conducted by licensed engineers/architects (QEWIs).
- Includes close-up inspections using scaffolding, rope access, or drones.
- Identifies cracks, loose bricks, water infiltration, or structural weaknesses.
- Report Preparation & Filing
- Preparing official FISP reports categorizing the façade’s condition.
- Filing reports with the NYC Department of Buildings before deadlines.
- Repair & Maintenance Work
- Masonry repairs (tuckpointing, brick replacement).
- Parapet wall rebuilding.
- Waterproofing and sealing cracks.
- Façade stabilization with anchors or reinforcement.
- SWARMP Compliance
Addressing “Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program” issues within the allowed timeframe to prevent escalation to unsafe conditions.
- Ongoing Monitoring
- Scheduling routine maintenance checks.
- Advising property managers on preventive care to minimize future costs.
By offering inspection, compliance, and repair services in one package, Local Law 11 service providers save owners from juggling multiple vendors.
How to Choose the Right Local Law 11 Service Provider
Not all contractors are equally skilled at handling Local Law 11 compliance. Here’s how to choose the right partner:
- Licensed & Certified Experts
- Work only with QEWIs —licensed engineers or architects qualified to conduct FISP inspections and file reports.
- Experience With NYC Properties
- Choose a company with a strong track record handling Local Law 11 services for properties similar to yours.
- Comprehensive Service Offering
- The best providers handle everything—from inspections and reports to actual repairs and maintenance.
- Knowledge of DOB Regulations
- They must stay updated with the latest DOB requirements, as rules evolve with each inspection cycle.
- Transparent Pricing
- Avoid vague estimates. A reputable provider offers detailed cost breakdowns for inspections, filings, and repairs.
- Emergency Services
- In cases where unsafe conditions are discovered, a good service provider can act quickly to secure the area and perform emergency repairs.
- By carefully vetting providers, property owners can ensure compliance, safety, and cost efficiency.
Conclusion
Local Law 11 services are more than just a legal requirement—they’re a lifeline for NYC’s buildings and pedestrians. With skilled professionals handling façade inspections, repairs, and compliance, property owners can protect both their investments and the people around them.
Failing to comply with Local Law 11 isn’t an option. The risks include steep fines, lawsuits, and potential tragedies from falling debris. By hiring a trusted service provider, you gain peace of mind knowing your building is safe, compliant, and preserved for the future.
If you own or manage a building taller than six stories in NYC, make Local Law 11 services a top priority. Safety, compliance, and long-term savings all start with proper façade maintenance.
FAQs
- What is Local Law 11 in NYC?
Local Law 11, or FISP, requires periodic façade inspections and repairs for buildings taller than six stories to ensure pedestrian safety.
- How often are Local Law 11 inspections required?
Every five years, property owners must hire a QEWI to inspect façades and file a report with the DOB.
- What happens if a building fails inspection?
The building is classified as “Unsafe” or “SWARMP,” requiring immediate or scheduled repairs. Failure to act leads to fines and violations.
- How much do Local Law 11 services cost?
Costs vary by building size and condition. Basic inspections may cost a few thousand dollars, while major repairs can cost hundreds of thousands.
- Can Local Law 11 services prevent future problems?
Yes, timely inspections and repairs catch small issues early, preventing costly damage and ensuring long-term structural safety.