Annual Parapet Inspections
Building owners in New York City will have to inspect their parapet walls annually beginning January 1, 2024, in order to resolve any safety issues. This requirement is derived from Local Law 126 of November 2021, which inserted a provision to the NYC Administrative Code requiring regular parapet observations and established new criteria for parking garage inspections.
What is required?
With the exception of detached single- or two-family residences, this mandate requires any buildings in New York City having parapets facing sidewalks, public rights-of-ways, or roadways, regardless of height and the observations must occur annually.
Building Owners do not need to submit these reports to the DOB, but need to retain them for at least six years and provide them to the DOB if requested.
Hazard Condition?
If observed unsafe, the licensed professional must alert the DOB and promptly install public protection. These unsafe conditions must be corrected within 90 days.
Report needs to include:
- Building information, address and owner contact details
- Name/contact details of the professional performing the observation
- Date of the observation
- Location plan & construction information for the parapets; material, height, and thickness
- Description of general conditions
- Unsafe conditions & actions taken to remedy them
- Repairs since the previous report
- Photos documenting conditions (dated)
