Annual Parapet Inspections
Under a new section of New York City’s Local Law 126, owners of buildings with parapets are required to have their public-facing parapets undergo close-up inspections yearly, regardless of height. Detached 1- or 2-family homes or buildings with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall are exempt from this requirement. The Department of Buildings (DOB) requires a parapet inspection report to be prepared and retained by the building owner but not filed with DOB.
Inspections must be performed annually by a qualified person which includes, but is not limited to a bricklayer, building superintendent, handyman, mason, architect, engineer, an inspector working for a New York State-authorized insurance company, a New York State-authorized building inspector, or any other person capable of identifying hazards on the parapet. The inspection should confirm that the parapet is plumb by a horizontal distance within one-eighth of its cross-sectional thickness at any area, assess significant deterioration, and verify that appurtenances have been installed and maintained in a stable condition.
Report Requirements
A report must be prepared by the individual performing the inspection or by the owner in collaboration with the inspector stating if the parapet is unsafe, safe, or requires maintenance. The report must include, but not be limited to, the following information:
● Building address and any associated addresses
● The owner’s name, mailing address, and telephone number, or, if the owner is not an individual, the principal’s name, mailing address, telephone number, and position/title
● The name of the person performing the observation, if other than the owner, their mailing address, telephone number, affiliation with the building or owner, and business name
● The date(s) of the inspection
● The location plan of the parapet(s) observed
● The construction of the parapet, including material, height, and thickness
● General conditions noted, any unsafe conditions found, and actions taken to remedy them
● Any repairs made to the parapet since the previous report
● Dated photos documenting the conditions at the time of observation.
Owners must retain reports for a minimum of six years and must provide them to the Department when requested.
History
A parapet is any portion of a wall that extends above the roof. Over time, parapets can deteriorate, creating a public hazard. Recognizing the importance of maintaining the structural integrity and safety of buildings, Section 28-301.1.1 was added to the Administrative Code in 2023 under Local Law 126 in New York City. This legislative measure aims to address the potential risks associated with aging parapets.
Section 28-301.1.1 specifically requires building owners to conduct an annual parapet inspection, commencing on January 1, 2024. The inclusion of this provision signifies the city's commitment to proactive safety measures. To ensure compliance, building owners are obligated to perform the inspections in accordance with the rules established by the Department of Buildings (DOB).
This regulatory framework not only emphasizes the significance of ongoing parapet maintenance but also underscores the city's dedication to public safety. By outlining detailed requirements for the inspection and the subsequent reporting process, the code seeks to mitigate potential hazards posed by deteriorating parapets and contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the community.
Saghari Architectural Services PC
Our team of experienced architects, engineers, and specialists can perform your required inspection, prepare the necessary documentation, and develop and execute remediation programs as necessary. A checklist will also be prepared during the inspection, which will be required for the annual observations.
What are the Owner's Requirements?
A qualified individual must conduct a parapet inspection and a report must be prepared subsequently by December 31 of each year. Parapet reports do not need to be filed with the DOB; reports must be kept on file by the building owner for at least six years. If an Unsafe condition is observed, the person performing the observation must immediately notify the Department of Buildings by calling 311. If the building is subject to FISP filing, an Unsafe Notification (FISP3) in DOB NOW Safety is required. The owner must install public protection required to ensure the safety of the public and correct the unsafe conditions within 90 days.
Links
Local Law 126 of 2021 – see §28-301.1.1, p. 168
Read more information on RCNY §103-13
FAQ
What are appurtenances?
Appurtenances include, but are not limited to telecommunications equipment, railings, roof access rails, gooseneck ladders, and handrail attachments for fire escapes, signs, and any other equipment or fixtures attached to the parapet.
Does a report need to be prepared if a FISP report is submitted for a building in the same year?
If the FISP report includes all information required to satisfy rule 1 RCNY 103-15 , no report is required. The building owner must have a copy of the FISP report available upon request.
Are boom trucks, scaffolds, or rope access required for close-up inspections?
Inspections from scaffolding, fire escapes, roofs, and other observation platforms are acceptable and must be performed annually.
