Local Law 11/98, now known as the Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), requires NYC buildings taller than six stories to have their exterior walls and appurtenances (balconies, railings, etc.) inspected every five years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). The goal is to ensure public safety by identifying and repairing hazardous conditions before they become critical.

• Height: Any building in NYC greater than six (6) stories in height. Note: This includes buildings that are six stories plus a basement, or six stories plus a penthouse. (Buildings that are six stories above a cellar are generally exempt). • Materials: All exterior wall types—including masonry, glass curtain walls, pre-cast concrete, and EIFS—must be inspected.

Yes. A QEWI is a specialized designation granted by the NYC Department of Buildings. Not every engineer or architect can sign off on a FISP report

Yes. We are a full-service engineering firm providing these FISP services: • Perform the initial QEWI inspection. • Design and engineer the necessary repair plans. • File plans with the DOB • Help you select and manage contractors. • Provide inspections during construction. • File your building's FISP report

Check you building's filing deadline here(https://www.salamonengineering.com/find-fisp)

Check your building here(https://www.salamonengineering.com/find-fisp)

• SAFE: No repairs are needed. The building is structurally sound for the next five years. • SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program): The façade is safe now but has issues that will become unsafe if not fixed within a specific timeframe (usually 2–5 years). Note: Unrepaired SWARMP conditions from the previous cycle automatically default to UNSAFE in the following cycle. • UNSAFE: A condition exists that is hazardous to the public. You must immediately install a sidewalk shed and notify the Department of Buildings.

• Late Filing: $1,000 per month. • Failure to File: $5,000 per year. • Failure to Correct SWARMP: $2,000 flat fine. • New "Get Sheds Down" Penalties (Effective Jan 2026): If an unsafe condition isn't repaired promptly, owners face additional fines ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for failing to file repair documents or permits within strict timelines (5–8 months).

A physical "hands-on" inspection is a mandatory requirement of the NYC DOB for every FISP report. It is the most critical part of the safety evaluation because it allows the engineer to detect conditions that are not visible from the street or through a pair of binoculars. During a hands-on inspection, a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) must be physically within arm’s reach of the building’s exterior. This is typically done via a motorized suspended scaffold, fire escapes, boom truck or through industrial rope access (rappelling).

As of late 2024, the DOB now requires an annual inspection of all building parapets (the top edge of the wall) for buildings of any height that front a public right-of-way. These reports must be kept on-site for six years and provided to the DOB upon request.