Expert Façade Safety and Inspection Program (FISP) Compliance Services
What is Façade Safety and Inspection Program (FISP) / Local Law 11?
The Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), commonly known as Local Law 11, is a mandate from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) requiring periodic inspections of building façades over six stories tall. Introduced to address safety concerns from façade-related incidents, FISP ensures that public spaces remain free of hazards caused by falling debris or deteriorating building exteriors.
Under FISP, property owners must engage Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWI) to evaluate façade conditions and file compliance reports every five years. The program classifies building conditions as:
- Safe: No issues present.
- SWARMP: (“Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program”): Conditions not yet hazardous but likely to worsen (such as deteriorated mortar or cracked stone). Repairs must occur within deadlines or may be downgraded to Unsafe.
- Unsafe: Items presenting immediate fall or injury risks (e.g., loose bricks, cracked masonry, bulging parapets) trigger immediate reporting. A FISP‑3 Unsafe Conditions form must be filed with 311, followed by corrective action (e.g., sidewalk shed installation).
Inspection Cycles and Deadlines:
FISP operates in staggered cycles with specific deadlines:
Cycle 10 Filing Windows (Current Cycle):
- Sub‑Cycle A (block numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, 9): Feb 21, 2025 – Feb 21, 2027
- Sub‑Cycle B (0, 7, 8): Feb 21, 2026 – Feb 21, 2028
- Sub‑Cycle C (1, 2, 3): Feb 21, 2027 – Feb 21, 2029
Timely inspections and proactive maintenance are critical to meeting FISP requirements, avoiding fines, and ensuring tenant safety.
Why Choose CTLGroup for FISP Compliance?
CTLGroup offers a multidisciplinary approach to FISP compliance, combining structural engineering, materials science, and construction expertise. With our team of experienced QEWIs and access to one of the world’s most advanced private materials and structural testing laboratories, we provide reliable, efficient, and tailored façade evaluation services.
Our FISP Services
Detailed Façade Inspections
- Thorough evaluations of façades, balconies, and exterior features to identify Safe, SWARMP, and Unsafe conditions.
- Customized recommendations to address any identified deficiencies.
Compliance Reporting
- Accurate preparation and timely filing of all necessary reports with NYC DOB.
- Guidance on deadlines and regulatory updates to avoid penalties.
Repair and Maintenance Planning
- Development of effective repair designs to address SWARMP or Unsafe conditions.
- Cost-efficient maintenance strategies to prolong your building’s exterior lifespan.
Construction Administration
- Oversight of repairs to ensure compliance with DOB regulations.
- Collaboration with contractors to deliver quality results within your timeline and budget.
