Annual parapet observations for every building with a street-facing parapet, regardless of height. Compliant reports prepared to 1 RCNY 103-15 and kept on file for the full six years New York City requires.
Local Law 126 of 2021, codified as Section 28-301.1.1 of the NYC Administrative Code, took effect on January 1, 2024. It requires every building owner to have an annual observation of the parapet performed by a competent person. The requirement applies to all buildings with a parapet fronting a public right-of-way, regardless of height, use, or occupancy.
Unlike the facade program (FISP / Local Law 11), the parapet observation is not filed with the Department of Buildings. The owner must keep the report for at least six years and produce it on request. Insparisk performs the observation, prepares the compliant report, and maintains your records so you are always ready.
The observation is required every year, ongoing. Miss a year and you are out of compliance.
All buildings with a parapet fronting the street, regardless of height. Even low-rise buildings are covered.
Reports are not filed with DOB. You must keep them for six years and produce them on request.
If your building has a parapet that fronts a public sidewalk or street, you are almost certainly covered, no matter how tall the building is. There are two main exemptions: detached one- or two-family homes, and buildings with a fence or barrier that prevents access to the exterior wall.
We confirm your building is covered and gather the property and owner details the report requires.
A competent person performs a close-up observation of the entire parapet, checking plumb, deterioration, and the condition of all appurtenances, with dated photos throughout.
We prepare the report to 1 RCNY 103-15, including the location plan, construction details, conditions noted, and photo documentation.
We keep your report on file for the full six years and remind you before next year's observation is due, so you never miss a cycle.
Failing to produce the report on request carries fines from $1,250 up to $10,000. If an unsafe condition is found, the owner must immediately install public protection and remedy the condition within 90 days. Staying ahead of the annual observation is far cheaper than the exposure.
Yes. The requirement applies regardless of height. Any building with a parapet fronting a public right-of-way is covered, including two- and three-story buildings, unless it is a detached one- or two-family home or the wall is fully barriered from access.
Every year. The observation must be performed annually and the report retained for at least six years.
A competent person, which the rule defines broadly to include a mason, building superintendent, handyman, architect, engineer, an inspector working for a New York State authorized insurance company, or a similar individual capable of identifying parapet hazards. A licensed engineer is not required.
No. The parapet observation report is not filed with DOB. You keep it for six years and produce it on request. Insparisk maintains your records so they are always ready.
The observer must immediately notify DOB by calling 311 and emailing parapets@buildings.nyc.gov. The owner must install public protection right away and remedy the unsafe condition within 90 days.
Want the full picture? Read our complete guide to NYC Local Law 126 parapet requirements, covering deadlines, penalties, and how to stay compliant.
One building or a whole portfolio. We perform the observation, prepare the compliant report, and keep it on file for six years.
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