Rule guide · Inspections

The facade inspection (FISP / Local Law 11), explained.

If your building is more than six stories, DOB requires a periodic facade safety inspection, known as FISP or Local Law 11. A qualified inspector examines the exterior walls and files a report on a rolling five-year cycle. Shorter buildings are exempt, which is why many small owners never encounter this one until they buy something taller.

What it costs to skip: $1,000/month for late filing; $5,000/year for failure to file; additional monthly penalties for uncorrected unsafe conditions. Amounts vary and can change; confirm the current figures with DOB.

Applies toBuildings taller than six stories

Frequency5-year cycle

Filing deadline5-year cycle

AgencyDOB

The lawNYC Admin. Code § 28-302 (FISP / Local Law 11 of 1998); 1 RCNY § 103-04

How the five-year cycle works

The city splits buildings into staggered sub-cycles so filings are spread out rather than all due at once. Your building falls into a filing window based on the last digit of its block number. A qualified exterior wall inspector must be retained, do a physical inspection, and file the report within your window. Confirm your building's current window with DOB before you assume you have time.

Safe, unsafe, and SWARMP

Reports classify the facade as safe, unsafe, or safe with a repair and maintenance program (SWARMP). Unsafe conditions trigger required repairs and follow-up filings, and uncorrected unsafe conditions carry their own escalating penalties on top of any late-filing penalty.

See every rule that applies to your building

Source: DOB official page · NYC Admin. Code § 28-302 (FISP / Local Law 11 of 1998); 1 RCNY § 103-04. Reviewed July 4, 2026. This guide organizes public requirements in plain English; it is not legal advice, and No Fines is not affiliated with the City of New York. Confirm specifics with the agency before your deadline.