Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP)
Leading the way in New York City Facade Safety
New York City's skyline is an exciting mix of old, new and everything in between, but all buildings over six stories share a major responsibility: to keep the public safe from deteriorating facades. That's where the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), formerly Local Law 11, comes in. If you own a building taller than six stories you need a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) to assess its exterior every five years and file a report with the Department of Buildings (DOB).
FISP/Local Law 11 doesn’t just apply to the deteriorating terracotta facades of historic buildings, but all buildings over six stories, even those that are five-years young. FISP isn’t just another requirement—it’s about protecting pedestrians and making sure your property stays in good shape.
Our FISP service benefits:
Commercial, institutional and residential building owners
Property managers
Co-op and condo boards
Developers and architects
What You Need to Know:
Inspections are required every five years for all buildings over six stories
Must be completed by a QEWI.
Filing happens in three rolling windows based on block numbers.
Results determine if your building is safe, needs repairs, or is unsafe.
Let’s Get Started: Don’t wait until the deadline looms—schedule a consultation with CANY today.
Why FISP Matters
Ignoring façade maintenance isn’t just risky—it’s costly. The city is cracking down on non-compliance with bigger fines, stricter rules, and more scrutiny than ever before. Plus, unsafe conditions mean public protection measures, like sidewalk sheds, which can be an expensive and frustrating long-term burden. Non-compliance is not an option.
Common Challenges We Solve:
Avoiding violations & fines – Late filings and unsafe conditions can lead to significant penalties.
Balancing compliance with cost – We help you find cost-effective repair solutions that fit with capital planning.
Navigating overlapping regulations – FISP isn’t the only requirement. We also take into account Local Law 97 and annual parapet inspections to streamline compliance.
CANY’s Approach and Involvement
We understand buildings, and what they mean to people, and have been guiding building owners through FISP for nearly 30 years. Our approach goes beyond box-checking. We look at the bigger picture, know the pain-points, and find workable, efficient ways to meet requirements. We think laterally, value capital planning, and look at FISP in the context of other code requirements, like Local Law 97 and the new annual Parapet Inspection.
Our Process:
Step 1: Initial assessment and consultation
Step 2: Hands-on façade inspection by a QEWI
Step 3: Digital filing with the DOB
Step 4: Planning and inspecting necessary repairs
Step 5: Ongoing support for future cycles and compliance
Innovation in Inspections We were one of the first to pioneer the use of Industrial Rope Access (IRA) for FISP inspections, allowing for faster, safer, and more cost-effective assessments. Our methods have become the industry standard, setting the bar for efficient compliance
Key Benefits
Expert Guidance – A team of QEWIs and registered professionals at your service.
Cost-Effective Inspections – Innovative access methods save time and money.
Long-Term Planning – Align façade work with capital improvements.
Support Beyond Inspections – From compliance strategy to repair execution.
Advocates for Change – Proud supporters of the Get Sheds Down initiative.
What the FISP Might Reveal
Inspection Outcomes:
Safe – No work needed for the next five years.
Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) – Repairs needed within the timeframe set by the QEWI, or the building will be marked unsafe.
Unsafe – Immediate safety measures required, followed by repairs within 90 days. If a building is marked unsafe, the DOB will likely send an inspector to check that proper precautions are in place and monitor progress on repairs.
Filing Timetable
FISP Cycle 10 began February 21, 2025. Filing deadlines depend on the last digit of your block number:
Sub-Cycle | Last digit of block number | Filing window for DOB |
|---|---|---|
10A | 4,5,6,9 | February 21, 2025 – February 21, 2027 |
10B | 0,7,8 | February 21, 2026 – February 21, 2028 |
10C | 1,2,3 | February 21, 2027 – February 21, 2029 |
FAQ
What happens if I don’t file on time?
Late filings result in fines, and unsafe conditions can lead to additional penalties and mandatory public safety measures.
What if my building needs repairs?
If your building is marked SWARMP or Unsafe, repairs must be completed within the timeframe set by the QEWI to avoid violations.
How does Industrial Rope Access (IRA) help with inspections?
IRA allows inspectors to get hands-on access more efficiently and cost-effectively compared to traditional scaffolding or lifts.
Can you help with repairs?
Yes! We don’t just inspect—we work with you to create a repair plan that fits your budget and timeline. We have in-house teams with the expertise to work with you throughout the whole process, from inspection, through repairs to compliance.
