Avoid Costly Fines: A Complete FISP Compliance Checklist for NYC Buildings

Owning or managing a building in New York City comes with more than just maintenance responsibilities — it also means staying compliant with a long list of city regulations. One of the most crucial among them is FISP, the Façade Inspection & Safety Program.

If you’ve ever walked through Manhattan and noticed buildings draped in scaffolding or covered by sidewalk sheds, you’ve seen FISP in action. But while those sheds may seem temporary, the penalties for non-compliance can be long-lasting and expensive.

This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about FISP — including how to stay compliant, avoid fines, and ensure your property remains safe and structurally sound.

What Is FISP?

FISP stands for Façade Inspection & Safety Program, a regulation enforced by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). It was previously known as Local Law 11, and its primary goal is straightforward: to ensure that the exterior walls and appurtenances (such as balconies, parapets, and fire escapes) of NYC’s tall buildings are safe for the public.

The law applies to buildings six stories or higher, requiring periodic professional inspections of their façades. These inspections help detect any unsafe conditions before they lead to accidents — a concern that has historically been prevalent in NYC’s aging building stock.

Why FISP Matters

Many property owners underestimate the importance of FISP until they face a violation notice or mounting repair costs. But FISP isn’t just bureaucratic red tape; it’s a vital public safety measure.

Here’s why compliance matters:

• Avoiding heavy fines: Non-compliance penalties can exceed $1,000 per month, and violations can escalate quickly.

• Protecting public safety: Loose masonry or failing façades can cause severe injuries or even fatalities.

• Preserving property value: Buildings with up-to-date FISP reports maintain better resale and insurance value.

• Preventing expensive repairs: Early detection through regular inspections can save tens of thousands in long-term maintenance costs.

Who Must Comply with FISP in NYC

The FISP applies to all buildings that are six stories or taller, including both commercial and residential structures.

Owners of these buildings are responsible for:

• Hiring a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) — a licensed engineer or architect with specific FISP experience.

• Ensuring that inspections are performed every five years, within the designated FISP Cycle (currently Cycle 10).

• Filing the inspection report with the DOB before the deadline.

If your building meets the criteria, compliance isn’t optional — it’s mandatory.

Understanding the FISP Inspection Cycle

FISP inspections occur in five-year cycles, and every cycle is divided into sub-cycles based on the last digit of the building’s block number.

For example:

• Buildings with block numbers ending in 0, 7, or 8 may have to file in the first sub-cycle.

• Those ending in 1, 3, or 9 might fall into the next filing period.

Each cycle has a three-year filing window, and missing your window can result in immediate penalties.

If you’re unsure which sub-cycle your building falls into, the DOB’s Facade Status Portal can help you check filing dates and report history.

FISP Compliance Checklist for NYC Buildings

To stay fully compliant and avoid fines, follow this step-by-step FISP compliance checklist:

1. Determine Whether Your Building Qualifies

Confirm that your building is six stories or more above grade. If yes, you fall under FISP jurisdiction.

2. Check Your FISP Cycle and Sub-Cycle

Find your building’s assigned sub-cycle using the DOB’s online Facade Status Portal. Mark your filing dates well in advance to avoid missing deadlines.

3. Hire a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI)

Select a licensed engineer or architect who is officially registered as a QEWI. Verify their credentials — experience matters, especially for complex façades.

4. Schedule a Physical and Close-Up Inspection

The inspection includes:

• Visual surveys of all exterior walls.

• Hands-on examinations using scaffolds or suspended platforms.

• Drone or camera-assisted observation (if approved by DOB).

Close-up inspections must cover a representative sample of every façade elevation.

5. Review Preliminary Findings

Your QEWI will note visible cracks, bulges, corrosion, or any material deterioration. Review their initial report to understand potential repairs early.

6. Submit Your FISP Report

Once complete, your inspector must electronically file a Technical Report (TR6) with the DOB, classifying your building as Safe, SWARMP, or Unsafe.

7. Address Required Repairs

If your building is classified as SWARMP or Unsafe, you must:

• Hire a licensed contractor to perform repairs.

• Obtain necessary permits before starting work.

• Submit a completion report verifying that all work has been completed.

8. Maintain Documentation

Keep all inspection reports, repair records, and correspondence with DOB. These documents are essential during re-inspection or when transferring ownership.

9. Stay Proactive Between Cycles

Even if your last report was “Safe,” routine façade maintenance is critical. Conduct visual checks after harsh winters or storms to ensure the system's integrity.

10. File On Time

Late filings or missed deadlines result in automatic fines and may lead to a potential “Unsafe” status. Always file your TR6 report within your assigned cycle period.

Best Practices for FISP-Ready Buildings

• Plan early: Don’t wait until your filing window opens; inspections can take months.

• Budget for repairs: Allocate a dedicated FISP maintenance fund each cycle.

• Work with experienced professionals: QEWIs with NYC façade expertise can prevent unnecessary violations.

• Utilize technology: Modern inspection tools, such as drones or digital façade mapping, enhance accuracy and precision.

• Communicate with tenants: Inform them when scaffolds or repairs will impact access or safety.

Proactive management always costs less than reactive repairs.

Conclusion

FISP compliance may seem complex, but it becomes far less daunting when broken down into clear steps. The goal isn’t just to avoid fines — it’s to maintain safe, durable, and attractive buildings across New York City’s skyline.

By following this FISP compliance checklist, you’ll not only meet DOB requirements but also protect your investment and the people who pass by your property every day.

So, whether you’re preparing for an upcoming façade inspection in NYC or planning your subsequent FISP filing, remember:

Compliance isn’t just a legal duty — it’s a commitment to safety and responsible ownership.

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