Featured Expert
Sara Holcomb
Director of Building Envelope
New York City, NY
Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP)
New York City’s FISP program requires recurring exterior-wall and appurtenance inspections and electronic technical-report filing for buildings higher than 6 stories.
Understand what applies.
Façade inspection requirements in New York City, NY.
Use this summary as a starting point. Walker can help confirm the current requirements, determine the appropriate inspection approach, and support the filing process for your building.
Buildings generally covered
Buildings higher than 6 stories.
Typical inspection cadence
Every 5 years. Filing windows are tied to the building block number.
Qualified professional
A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI).
Filing notes
Technical façade reports are filed electronically through DOB NOW: Safety. Confirm the current cycle, subcycle, filing window, and unsafe-condition rules with NYC DOB.
Unsafe-condition requirements
Confirm the jurisdiction-specific requirements, repair deadlines, emergency actions, and amended-report obligations when unsafe conditions are identified.
Requirements can change. Confirm current applicability, filing deadlines, and professional requirements with the local jurisdiction or a qualified professional before relying on this summary.
How Walker helps.
Move from ordinance review to a practical next step.
01
Determine what applies.
Confirm the ordinance, building criteria, filing cycle, and inspection requirements.
02
Inspect and document conditions.
Walker selects an inspection approach based on the ordinance, building geometry, access needs, and observed conditions. Methods may include visual assessment, close-up review, swing stages, aerial lifts, drones, or rope access.
03
Prepare and support the report.
Translate findings into clear documentation and support the appropriate reporting process.
04
Plan the next move.
Walker can support repair design, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration when the inspection identifies conditions that need to be addressed.
Related Walker location: New York, NY
Local Walker expertise.
Connect with a façade ordinance specialist.
Frequently asked questions.
Questions about New York City, NY façade inspections.
Does New York City require façade inspections?
New York City’s FISP program requires recurring exterior-wall and appurtenance inspections and electronic technical-report filing for buildings higher than 6 stories.
Which buildings may be subject to Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP)?
Buildings higher than 6 stories.
How often are façade inspections required in New York City?
Every 5 years. Filing windows are tied to the building block number.
Who can perform a façade ordinance inspection in New York City?
A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI).
Can Walker help with the New York City filing process?
Yes. Walker can help confirm what applies, complete the inspection, document conditions, and support the required reporting process. Technical façade reports are filed electronically through DOB NOW: Safety. Confirm the current cycle, subcycle, filing window, and unsafe-condition rules with NYC DOB.
Can Walker help design repairs after the inspection?
Walker can support repair design, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration when the inspection identifies conditions that need to be addressed.
Need help confirming what applies?
Start with the building. We’ll help clarify the next step.
Tell us where the property is located and what you know about the building. Walker can help confirm the ordinance requirements, inspection approach, and filing path.