FISP
(Facade Inspection & Safety Program)
aka Local Law 11/98 Report
Facade Inspection & Safety Program Overview
Owners of properties higher than six (6) stories are required to have exterior walls and appurtenances inspected every five (5) years. A critical examination of the façade must be performed by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). QEWIs are New York State licensed Professional Engineers (PE) or New York State Registered Architects (RA). Once the inspections are completed, the QEWI files the technical report with the New York City Department of Buildings.
Façade Classifications
The condition of the building’s façades are classified in one of three ways:
Safe: No problems and in good condition
Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP): Safe, but requires repair/maintenance
Unsafe: Problems/defects threaten public safety
The building owner is required to immediately install protection, such as a sidewalk shed, construction fence, etc., if the building is filed as an Unsafe classification.
