New York City’s skyline is iconic, but behind every beautiful building is a legal responsibility to keep its exterior safe. If you own or manage a mid- or high-rise building in NYC, compliance with Local Law 11, officially known as the Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), is not optional. It is a legal requirement designed to protect pedestrians, tenants, and neighbouring properties from dangerous facade conditions. We provide complete Local Law 11 inspection, reporting, and FISP inspection and repairs services to help building owners stay compliant, avoid violations, and protect long-term asset value. Our experienced facade engineers guide you through every step from initial inspection to final sign-off.
Local Law 11, also referred to as FISP NYC, is a mandatory facade safety programme enforced by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). It requires periodic inspections of building exteriors to ensure that facades are structurally sound and safe. The law applies to all buildings in NYC that are more than six storeys high.
Under this regulation, owners must arrange a professional NYC facade inspection every five years and submit a technical report to the DOB.
Local Law 11 was introduced following several serious accidents caused by falling masonry, bricks, and facade elements. These incidents highlighted the risks posed by deteriorating building exteriors in a dense urban environment like New York.
Prevent falling debris
Identify unsafe facade conditions early
Protect public safety
Maintain the integrity of NYC's building stock
A Local Law 11 facade inspection is a detailed, hands-on engineering assessment of a building's exterior walls and attachments. Our comprehensive inspection process includes:
Visual examination of all facade elevations
Close-up inspections using scaffolding or rope access
Identification of cracks, loose masonry, spalling, corrosion, and water damage
Evaluation of balconies, parapets, fire escapes, and exterior fixtures
Engineering analysis of structural risks
After the inspection, a technical report is submitted to the NYC DOB classifying the facade as:
Safe
Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Programme (SWARMP)
Unsafe
Our full-service FISP solutions include:
Hands-on inspections by licensed Professional Engineers
Rope access and scaffold-assisted surveys
Digital photo documentation
Detailed condition mapping
Local Law 11 compliance requires technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and careful coordination. Our facade specialists understand NYC building construction, DOB regulations, and real-world construction challenges.
Our advantages
We act as your technical partner protecting your building, your tenants, and your investment.
Extensive experience in NYC facade inspection
In-depth knowledge of Local Law 11 inspection requirements
Proven track record with complex buildings
Transparent reporting and communication
End-to-end project management
Cost-effective compliance strategies
