What is likely happening
In NYC, buildings with parapets facing a public right-of-way need an annual observation by a qualified person and records kept on file. Other cities handle parapets through facade inspections.
What you can safely check
- Check whether last year's observation report is on file.
What an inspector will look at
- Parapet condition checklist
- Photos and report
- Follow-up if unsafe
Does this affect compliance?
Records must be kept and made available to the city on request.
When it becomes urgent
Unsafe conditions found during the observation must be reported right away.
We can help with this
Parapet observation is something Insparisk does nationwide. To see the local rules for your building, open this in the interactive Problem Solver.
Request parapet observationTalk to an advisorGeneral guidance only, not a substitute for a licensed inspection or emergency services. For any gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, fire, or trapped occupant, call 911 first.