Understanding NYC Parapet Inspection Laws

Local Law 126 (2021) - Annual Parapet Inspection Requirement

MANDATORY - Effective January 1, 2024

Beginning January 1, 2024, every building owner must have an annual observation of the parapet on their building(s) performed in accordance with Section 28-301.1.1 of the New York City Administrative Code.

Who Must Comply:

• ALL buildings with parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height

Exemptions:

• Detached 1- or 2-family homes
• Buildings with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall

Key Requirements:

• Observations must be performed annually by a qualified person
• Must include close-up inspections of the entire parapet
• Owners must maintain observation reports for at least six (6) years
• Reports must be available to the Department of Buildings upon request

What Must Be Inspected:

• Structural alignment - Check if parapet is plumb and properly aligned
• Deterioration - Look for displacement, cracks, missing/loose bricks or coping stones, deteriorated mortar, spalling, or rot
• Appurtenances - Inspect railings, equipment, signs, and other attachments for stability

If Unsafe Conditions Are Found:

• Immediate notification to DOB required (call 311 or email parapets@buildings.nyc.gov)
• Immediate public protection must be installed (sidewalk shed, fencing, or safety netting)
• All unsafe conditions must be corrected within 90 days

Who Can Perform Parapet Observations

Qualified Personnel Required

Observations must be performed by a person competent to inspect parapets, including:

• Licensed architects or engineers
• Construction trades (bricklayer, mason, building superintendent, handyman)
• New York State-authorized building inspectors
• Inspectors working for NYS-authorized insurance companies
• Any individual capable of identifying hazards on the parapet

Our team includes OSHA-certified professionals with 38 years of construction experience, making us qualified to perform these observations.

Report Requirements

Required Documentation - 1 RCNY §103-15

The observation report must include:

• Property address and location plan of parapet(s) observed
• Owner information (name, address, phone number)
• Observer information (name, contact, qualifications)
• Date(s) of observation
• Parapet construction details (material, height, thickness)
• General conditions noted and any unsafe conditions found
• Actions taken to remedy unsafe conditions
• Dated photos documenting conditions

Reports must be maintained for at least 6 years and made available to the Department upon request.

Helpful Links & Resources

Official NYC Resources

• 1 RCNY 103-15: Review annual parapet inspection requirements
• Department's Parapets Page: Visit the Department's Parapets page
• Frequently Asked Questions: Get answers to the most frequently asked parapet inspection questions
• Email Questions: parapets@buildings.nyc.gov

Official Law Documents:

• Local Law 126 (2021): Download Local Law 126 PDF
• Local Law 11 (1998): Download Local Law 11 PDF