WHAT IS FISP?
Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) mandates that NYC owners of buildings greater than 6 stories must have ALL exterior walls and appurtenances periodically inspected. (Appurtenances include, but are not limited to, exterior fixtures, flagpoles, signs, parapets, railings, copings, guard rails, window frames [including hardware and lights], balcony enclosures, window guards, window air conditioners, flower boxes and any equipment attached to or protruding from the façade.)
It is imperative that your building inspection be performed under the direction of the Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWI), not just practitioners. Based on the QEWI's inspection, the building's facades can be categorized as:
- Safe - currently no work is required within cycle.
- Unsafe - conditions represent immediate dangers to the public which must be addressed within 30 days, unless given a 60-day extension from the DOB Commissioner after meeting certain criteria and paying a fee of $135.
- SWARMP - conditions have the potential to become unsafe, but don’t require immediate attention. These repairs should be performed by the time frame recommended by the QEWI, with the understanding that the sooner they are fixed, the better, both from a private cost and public safety perspective.
A report based on the “critical examination” must then be filed with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) on a five year cycle.
HOW CAN SOCOTEC HELP?
SOCOTEC has specialized in building envelope technology for more than a quarter century, with licensed Professional Engineers and Registered Architects as well as a certified QEWI on staff.
We can both administer the FISP inspection AND help provide short- or long-term solutions - if your building is marked as "SWARMP" or "Unsafe", it could mean an even larger underlying issue that could be very costly. As an experienced building envelope consultancy, among other areas (sustainability, energy efficiency, code advisory and construction advisory), we are able to provide a proposed scope of work that can help budget for those potential issues.
SOCOTEC has performed Local Law 11/98 inspection services on behalf of property owners and managers. Many of the most respected names in real estate rely upon SOCOTEC’s expert judgment calls. Our advice and relationships are, and have always been, focused on the long term. Our FISP offerings include experienced inspectors and DOB expediting services.
CYCLE 9 FILING DATES
Filing is due on the basis of the last digit of the building’s block number:
