What to Know
| Effective January 1, 2024, The New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) now requires building parapet inspections under Local Law 126 of 2021. Building owners must have their parapets inspected annually by a competent inspector to identify any hazardous conditions. |
Inspection Period & Applicability
| This applies to any building with parapets fronting the public right of way, except 1-2 family homes and buildings with a fence preventing access to the exterior wall. A parapet is a low protective wall or barrier at the edges of a roof, which is an essential feature of a building. Over time, their structural integrity can be compromised, posing risks to both occupants and pedestrians. |
Inspection Procedure
| This inspections primarily consists of a visual-based observation, and may require measuring the plumbness, assessing its current condition, and reviewing equipment attached to the parapet to ensure soundness of its connection to the parapet. |
Report Requirement
| The inspection report is not required to be submitted to the DOB but should be kept on site for record and made available for DOB inspection upon request. Report format and content may be similar to a structural visual inspection. The report must be prepared by the inspector or the owner in consultation with the inspector. |