BY NYC Energy Code Team
ON 31 Jul 2026
Exterior Repair and Maintenance
Facade Inspections 101: What NYC's FISP Rules Actually Require
If you own or manage a building in New York City that's taller than six stories, you've probably heard of the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP)—formerly known as Local Law 11.
While many owners know inspections are required, they often aren't sure what the rules actually involve. Understanding FISP can help you avoid compliance issues, protect pedestrians, and maintain your building's exterior before small defects become expensive repairs.
Here's a simple guide to what every NYC building owner should know.
What Is FISP?
The Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) is administered by the New York City Department of Buildings to improve public safety by ensuring that exterior walls and attached building elements remain in safe condition. The program requires periodic inspections and technical reports for qualifying buildings.
Which Buildings Must Comply?
In general, FISP applies to:
- Buildings higher than six stories
- Buildings with exterior walls facing public streets or areas
- Certain structures required by the NYC Department of Buildings
Property owners are responsible for determining whether their building falls under FISP requirements and meeting the applicable filing deadlines.
How Often Are Inspections Required?
Covered buildings must undergo a critical exterior wall inspection every five years.
Inspection and filing deadlines are organized into filing cycles and sub-cycles, based on the building's block number, so not every property files in the same year. Reports are submitted electronically through DOB NOW: Safety.
Who Can Perform a FISP Inspection?
A FISP inspection must be performed by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI).
A QEWI is a New York State licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect who has met the NYC Department of Buildings' qualification requirements and is approved to file FISP reports.
What Does the Inspector Examine?
During the inspection, the QEWI evaluates the building's exterior walls and related components, including:
- Brick and masonry
- Stone and concrete surfaces
- Balconies
- Parapets
- Window lintels
- Railings
- Exterior fixtures and appurtenances
- Other façade elements that could pose a safety risk
The inspection is designed to identify deterioration that could create hazards for pedestrians or occupants.
Mandatory Hands-On Examination: NYC DOB rules mandate physical hands-on close-up inspections (at least one scaffold drop or industrial rope access drop per street-facing elevation) to accurately detect distress that cannot be seen from street level.
Understanding FISP Classifications
After completing the inspection, the QEWI assigns one of three classifications:
- Safe (OK): No unsafe conditions were identified.
- Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP): Repairs are needed, but the conditions are not currently hazardous. They must be addressed within the required timeframe.
- Unsafe: Conditions present an immediate public safety risk and require prompt repairs and protective measures.
What Happens If Unsafe Conditions Are Found?
If a façade is classified as Unsafe, the building owner must:
- Install appropriate public safety protections when necessary (such as sidewalk sheds or protective netting).
- Begin corrective repairs promptly.
- Repair unsafe conditions within the required timeframe.
- Submit an amended report after the unsafe conditions have been corrected.
The Department generally requires unsafe conditions to be repaired within 90 days of filing unless an approved extension applies.
Best Practices for Building Owners
To simplify FISP compliance:
- Schedule inspections well before filing deadlines.
- Perform routine façade maintenance.
- Address minor cracks and water intrusion early.
- Keep previous inspection reports organized.
- Budget for future repairs instead of waiting for emergency work.
Preventive maintenance often reduces long-term repair costs.
Proactive Compliance Strategy: Addressing minor SWARMP items promptly during off-cycle years prevents them from escalating into full Unsafe conditions in subsequent 5-year cycles, protecting both your budget and property reputation.
Conclusion
NYC's Façade Inspection & Safety Program exists to protect both buildings and the public by identifying exterior wall problems before they become dangerous. For owners of buildings taller than six stories, understanding FISP requirements is an essential part of responsible property management.
By scheduling inspections on time, working with a qualified QEWI, and addressing issues promptly, building owners can remain compliant, improve building safety, and avoid unnecessary complications during future inspection cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FISP?
FISP (Façade Inspection & Safety Program) is NYC's program requiring periodic inspections of exterior walls for buildings taller than six stories.
How often are FISP inspections required?
Most covered buildings must complete a façade inspection and file a technical report every five years.
Who performs a FISP inspection?
Only a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI), approved by the NYC Department of Buildings, may perform and file FISP inspections.
What are the three FISP classifications?
Buildings are classified as Safe, Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP), or Unsafe, depending on the condition of the façade.
What happens if my building is classified as Unsafe?
Owners must protect the public, complete required repairs, and file an amended report once unsafe conditions have been corrected.
Is FISP the same as Local Law 11?
Yes. FISP is the current name for the program that many people still refer to as Local Law 11.
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