Annual Parapet Inspections – Everything You Need To Know

Beginning January 1, 2024, New York City building owners must undertake a yearly inspection of parapet walls, and then remedy any hazardous conditions.  A parapet is any portion of a wall extending above a roof.  Like most any building feature, parapets can deteriorate over time, creating a hazard and liability for passersby and for the building owner.

New York City takes building safety seriously. On multiple occasions, pedestrians have been killed by debris falling from buildings.  The new Parapet Rule (Local Law 126) aims to protect the public by requiring observations of parapets by qualified professionals capable of identifying dangerous conditions.

WHAT IS REQUIRED?

The Rule requires building owners to hire a qualified professional capable of identifying hazards to inspect building parapets and identify any dangerous conditions.  Upon finding an unsafe condition, the professional must alert the DOB and the owner must immediately install public protection, until the unsafe condition is corrected (within 90 days). The parapet observation requirement applies to all buildings fronting a right-of-way, regardless of height, except for detached 1- or 2-family homes.  Building Owners do not need to submit these reports to the DOB, but need to retain them for at least six years and provide them to the DOB if requested.

WHAT DOES THE REPORT NEED TO INCLUDE?

• Building information, address and owner contact details
• Name and contact details of the professional performing the observation
• Date of the observation
• Location plan & construction information for the parapets; material, height, and thickness
• Description of general conditions
• Unsafe conditions & actions taken to remedy them
• Repairs since the previous report

HOW TO COMPLY:

BrownstoneWorks, the Renovation/Repair division of Brownstone Property Group has begun performing parapet inspections and issuing reports for a low flat fee. The firm’s team of professionals, including general contractors, handymen, project managers and many others, are qualified to perform the Parapet Observations and reporting.   

To Schedule Your Parapet Inspection,  Contact BrownstoneWorks

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