Local Law 11 Façade Inspection NYC , A Simple Guide for Building Owners

If you own, manage, or live in a building in New York City, you’ve probably heard whispers about Local Law 11, also known as the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP).

But if those words sound like a mouthful, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Many NYC homeowners and co-op boards find this law confusing at first. So let’s keep it simple.

This post explains Cycle 10 (2025 to 2030) of Local Law 11 in everyday language — what it means, why it matters, and what steps you actually need to take. No legal jargon, no engineering lectures.

What Is Local Law 11 / FISP, and Why Does It Exist?

The short answer: it’s about keeping people safe.

In NYC, any building taller than six stories must have its exterior walls and attachments inspected every five years. The goal is to prevent accidents, like a piece of brick or metal falling onto the street below.

The official rulebook is 1 RCNY § 103-04, but don’t worry — you don’t need to read all 15 pages of regulations. What you need to know is that this law ensures your façade isn’t hiding any unsafe surprises.

If your building needs professional help navigating DOB filings or inspections, our team at HN REPUBLIC — DOB Expediting Services in NYC can handle the paperwork, reinstatements, and communication with the Department of Buildings (DOB) for you.

Cycle 10 (2025 – 2030): The Important Dates

Local Law 11 inspections happen in five-year cycles. Each cycle is split into three sub-cycles based on your building’s block number — so not everyone files at once.

👉 Tip: You can find your block number on the NYC Property Information Portal.

If you missed a previous cycle, don’t panic — you can file early in Cycle 10 to “catch up” and stop fines from piling up. HN REPUBLIC can guide you through this Early Filing process and make sure everything gets submitted correctly the first time.

What the Inspection Actually Looks At

The law doesn’t just mean “check the front of the building.” Your inspector examines all exterior walls and anything attached to them, including:

• Bricks, concrete, or masonry walls
• Balconies and terraces
• Window frames and AC units
• Railings and parapets
• Fire escapes, signs, and metal attachments

Every façade facing the street (or any public right-of-way) needs a close-up inspection — that means scaffolding or rope access — roughly every 60 feet of width.

You’ll need a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) — a licensed architect or engineer approved by the DOB.
Our Architectural Design Team at HN REPUBLIC includes licensed architects experienced in FISP inspections and DOB submissions, so you’re fully covered.

After the Inspection — Three Possible Outcomes

Once the inspection’s done, your building will fall into one of three categories:

1. Safe — Everything’s fine; see you in five years.
2. SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program) — Some issues need fixing, but they’re not dangerous yet. You’ll get a timeframe for their repair.
3. Unsafe — Serious problems exist — like loose bricks or cracked stone — that could harm someone. You must act immediately.

If your property is labeled “Unsafe,” the DOB will issue a violation until it’s repaired and an amended report is filed. Don’t stress — HN REPUBLIC’s Violation Removal & OATH Resolution Team can help you prepare documents, communicate with DOB, and clear those violations fast.

Why It Matters — and Why You Should Care

Ignoring façade maintenance is risky — for both safety and your wallet.

Here’s why Local Law 11 compliance matters:

• 💰 Avoid Fines — Failure to file = $5,000 per year; late filing = $1,000 per month; unresolved Unsafe conditions = $1,000 per month and up.
• 🏢 Protect Property Value — A Safe status increases marketability and buyer confidence.
• ⚙️ Plan Ahead — Repairs labeled SWARMP today become Unsafe next cycle if ignored.
• ⚖️ Stay Legal — Filing late or ignoring repairs can lead to ECB summonses and insurance issues.

If you’ve already received a DOB violation, our ECB / OATH Violation Removal Services handle everything — from technical reports to amended submissions.

How to Stay Ahead — A Quick Checklist

Here’s your simple game plan for Cycle 10:

1. Find Your Cycle — Check your block number to see when you file.
2. Hire a QEWI — Work with a licensed architect (we can help with that).
3. Gather Past Reports — Cycle 9 records make Cycle 10 smoother.
4. Schedule Early — Avoid the last-minute rush when inspectors are booked solid.
5. Plan for Repairs — Budget for SWARMP conditions before they become costly.
6. File on Time — You have 60 days from your final inspection to file with the DOB.
7. Fix Unsafe Items Fast — Install sidewalk protection and start repairs immediately.
8. Communicate with Residents — Tell them about scaffolding or balcony closures in advance.
9. Stay Compliant — Regular maintenance keeps your building safe and violation-free.

Need help preparing your DOB forms or filing your façade report?
HN REPUBLIC’s Building Compliance and C of O Services can make sure your paperwork matches DOB requirements.

A Few Extra Things Worth Knowing

• Local Law 11 applies to any building over six stories above grade (including partial stories and basements that count as occupiable levels).
• “Early Filing” lets you file ahead to wipe previous non-filing violations.
• Appurtenances like balcony railings and AC brackets must also be inspected and reported.
• Unsafe findings require a protection plan and an amended report after repairs are done.

If you’re unsure how to handle DOB paperwork or reinstatement steps, our DOB Expeditors can take care of it from start to finish.

Why Do This Now?

Think of façade inspections like a health check-up for your building. 

The earlier you schedule your inspection, the more options you have to plan repairs, budget costs, and avoid fines. Plus, it shows residents and buyers you care about safety and maintenance.

If you’re not sure where to start, HN REPUBLIC offers full support — from inspections and architectural filings to violation removal and Certificate of Occupancy help.