New Rule Mandates Annual Parapet Inspections for New York City Buildings

What happens if there is a hazardous condition?

Immediately upon observing an unsafe condition, the professional performing the observation is required to notify the DOB. The building owner must promptly install public protection, such as sidewalk sheds, fences, and/or safety netting, which must remain in place until the problem is remedied.

Unsafe conditions must be corrected within 90 days.

What is included in the observation report?

In contrast to the FISP and parking garage laws, the new parapet rule is not prescriptive as to report sections and format. However, the report does need to include:

• Basic building information, including address and owner contact details;
• Name and contact details for the professional performing the observation;
• Date of the observation;
• Location plan and construction information for the parapets, including material, height, and thickness;
• Description of general conditions;
• Unsafe conditions and actions taken to remedy them;
• Repairs since the previous report; and
• Dated photos documenting conditions.

Rather than filing the report with the DOB, the owner retains parapet observation reports for at least six years and must be prepared to furnish them to the DOB upon request.

What steps should owners take now?

With the requirements set to begin on the first of the year, owners have just a few months to plan. If a mandated FISP inspection is scheduled for 2024, adding a separate parapet observation report to that program may be a cost-effective strategy. Similarly, parapet observation can be incorporated into other planned exterior work, such as roof rehabilitation or facade cleaning.

A design professional can offer guidance on the simplest and most budget-conscious way to meet the new annual parapet requirements as part of existing maintenance and repair programs.