Many of the building owners are not aware of FISP, and if you are one of them, you have arrived at the right place! If your building has 6 stories, it is a must for you to get a Facade Inspection Safety program every five years.
In this detailed guide, we will cover all of the aspects of the Facade Inspection & Safety Program for your better understanding!
Let’s dig in!
What is the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP)?
The Façade Inspection & Safety Program was introduced as Local Law 10/80 in New York City in 1979 to keep a 6-story building intact for a longer period. Later, in 2013, it was changed to local law 11/98 and the institution of the Facade Inspection Safety Program.
This safety program indicates that if you own 6-story or more than 6-story buildings, it is a must for you to get the Facade Restoration. This means you have to get your building checked by professionals.
History of FISP
In 1979, a girl named Grace Gold was fatally injured by a piece of masonry that fell from the seventh floor of a building. This resulted in her death after the New York government introduced Local 10/80, which we know by the name of Local Law 11/90 or the Facade Inspection Safety Program.
What Does a FISP Inspection Cover?
There are various aspects of the building that the Facade Inspection Safety Program covers, such as balconies, railings, fire escapes, and greenhouse enclosures. It’s all about making sure anything attached to the outside of the building is secure and safe for the public.
For facades that face the street or a public right-of-way, hands-on inspections are required. These are typically done using boom lifts, motorized scaffold services, or other equipment that gives the inspector close access to the facade. The rest of the building, usually the rear and sides, is inspected using high-powered binoculars.
Inspectors take notes, snap photos, and often mark up the images to highlight areas of concern. All this gets compiled into a written report, which is submitted to the NYC Department of Buildings, along with photo documentation and sometimes annotated markups.
How to File FISP for Your Building
Filing FISP (formerly known as Local Law 11) is a must for NYC buildings taller than six stories. It ensures your facade is safe and up to code and avoids fines. Here’s how to get it done:
- Hire a QEWI: Bring in a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector licensed by the city.
- Schedule the Inspection: Plan for both hands-on and visual checks.
- Get the Inspection Done: The QEWI examines your building, takes notes, and photographs issues.
- Prepare the Report: The inspector writes a detailed report with annotated photos.
- Submit to DOB: File everything online through the NYC DOB portal.
- Fix Problems (if any): Address unsafe conditions ASAP and refile if needed.
Where To Get Facade Inspection Services?
If you find it hard to file your FISP for your building, you can always rely on the experts’ help. Paradise Construction has helped more than 1000 with their facade restorations. You can hire experts from them to get your FISP services done hassle-free.
You can book your appointment for FISP today by calling +1 718-238-9191!
