NYC FISP & Local Law 11 Facade Inspection Services

Navigating New York City's Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), also known as Local Law 11/98, is a critical requirement for owners of buildings taller than six stories. Failing to comply with the mandated 5-year exterior wall and facade inspection within your designated cycle can lead to significant DOB penalties and create public safety risks.

At AMA Architects, our dedicated team of Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWIs) provides comprehensive FISP services across NYC. We manage the entire process, from the initial building facade inspection to preparing and filing the technical report, ensuring you meet every deadline and maintain full facade compliance.

Understanding FISP Cycle 10 Deadlines (2025-2030)

The Department of Buildings has structured Cycle 10 with three sub-cycles to help owners manage inspections and repairs. Your building's specific deadline is determined by the last digit of its block number.

It is the building owner’s responsibility to identify their property's filing requirements. AMA Architects can help you verify your block number and ensure you file on time.

• Sub-cycle A: Block number ending in 4, 5, 6, or 9 Filing Window: February 21, 2025 – February 21, 2027 (Active)

• Sub-cycle B: Block number ending in 0, 7, or 8 Filing Window: February 21, 2026 – February 21, 2028 (Active)

• Sub-cycle C: Block number ending in 1, 2, or 3 Filing Window: February 21, 2027 – February 21, 2029 (Not Yet Open)

Sub-cycles A and B are currently open for filing. Contact our team today to confirm your building's sub-cycle by block number and schedule your inspection before penalties accrue.

Early-Filing Exception: Since December 15, 2025, the DOB has permitted owners whose building's most recent FISP status is "No Report Filed" to submit an early Technical Report (Form 10B) or Amended Report (Form 10C) ahead of their sub-cycle's normal filing window, provided the proposed report rating is Safe or SWARMP. AMA Architects can help determine whether your building qualifies for early filing.

Our Comprehensive FISP Compliance Services

A dedicated QEWI from our team will work with you on all aspects of the FISP process to ensure your building meets all NYCDOB façade safety requirements. Our services include:

• Detailed Exterior Wall Inspections: We conduct thorough inspections of your building's facade to identify any unsafe conditions or areas requiring repair (SWARMP).

• Technical Report Filing: We handle the electronic filing of your technical façade report through DOB NOW: Safety, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Amended & Subsequent Reports: If repairs are needed, we assist in filing the necessary amended reports to clear violations and confirm compliance.

• Filing Extension Assistance: If you need more time to complete necessary repairs, we can help you file for an extension to avoid penalties.

FISP Fees & Penalties

A non-compliant façade is not only a hazard but also a significant financial liability. Staying ahead of your sub-cycle deadline is key to avoiding these costly fines.

DOB Filing Fees

• Initial Report Filing: $425.00

• Amended/Subsequent Report: $425.00

• Filing Extension Request: $305.00

• Request for Waiver of Penalties: $140.00

Common Penalties

• Late Filing (Initial Report): $1,000 per month

• Failure to File (Annual): $5,000 per year

• Failure to Correct Unsafe Conditions: $1,000 per month, plus escalating penalties per linear foot.

• Failure to Correct SWARMP: $2,000 fine.

• Connect with AMA Architects now for immediate assistance with your Cycle 10 filing.

‎

Frequently Asked Questions (FISP FAQs)

What is NYC FISP?

NYC FISP, or the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (governed by Local Law 11/98), is a New York City regulation. It requires buildings over six stories to undergo a periodic façade inspection by a qualified professional every five years and file a technical report with the Department of Buildings (DOB).

What does FISP mean in construction?

In construction, FISP refers to the complete set of regulations for inspecting and maintaining a building's exterior walls and attachments in NYC. The program's goal is to ensure facades are regularly maintained to reduce the risk of falling debris and protect the public.

What is façade safety?

Façade safety refers to the structural integrity and protective qualities of a building's exterior. A safe façade, properly maintained, resists water, wind, and temperature changes, ensuring the building's longevity and protecting its occupants.

What is a façade of a building?

A façade is the exterior front or face of a building. Beyond aesthetics, the façade is a critical component of the building envelope, providing structural support and resistance against weather and corrosion.

Who Is Subject to FISP?

Owners of New York City buildings higher than six stories must have the exterior walls and appurtenances critically examined every five years by a DOB-approved Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) and must file the resulting technical report through DOB NOW: Safety. The last digit of the building's tax block number determines its filing subcycle.

What AMA Provides

• Review of prior FISP reports, violations and available repair records.

• Planning of required close-up access using appropriate methods such as fire escapes, balconies, scaffolds, aerial lifts or industrial rope access.

• Critical examination by or under the direct supervision of AMA's QEWI.

• Condition photography, mapping and technical documentation.

• SAFE, SWARMP or UNSAFE classification.

• DOB NOW filing.

• FISP-3 unsafe-condition notification and public-protection coordination when required.

• Repair recommendations.

• Facade repair construction documents.

• Extension, subsequent and amended filing support.

• Periodic construction observation.

• Repair closeout and follow-up filing.

FISP Classifications

• SAFE: No conditions requiring repair within the next five years under the applicable FISP classification criteria.

• SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program): The QEWI establishes a completion date by which the identified conditions must be corrected. A condition reported as SWARMP in the previous cycle that remains unrepaired, or requires repair again, must be reported as UNSAFE in the current cycle.

• UNSAFE: A condition hazardous to persons or property. Unsafe conditions require prompt public protection, DOB notification, corrective work and the applicable follow-up filing.

When an Unsafe Condition Is Found

When an unsafe facade condition is identified, the QEWI must notify the owner, recommend appropriate public protection and report the unsafe condition to DOB. The owner must promptly implement the required protection.

Unsafe conditions are generally required to be corrected within 90 days of filing the UNSAFE report unless the repair period is covered by accepted extensions. Once repairs are completed, the required amended or subsequent filing must be submitted in accordance with DOB requirements.

Plan the Filing Before the Deadline

Close-up access, contractor coordination, prior-cycle repairs, Landmarks approvals and DOB repair permits can materially affect a FISP schedule. Beginning the process early allows the owner and QEWI to identify unresolved conditions, coordinate access and plan any required repair work before the filing window becomes critical.

Why Work With AMA Architects PC?

AMA integrates FISP compliance with facade diagnostics, repair design and construction-phase support. Rather than treating the filing as an isolated inspection, our approach can carry a building from initial condition assessment through repair documentation, DOB coordination, contractor procurement, field observation and final facade closeout.

Amath T. Ba, AIA, NCARB, RRO, QEWI, LEED AP BD+C, CEM

Discuss Your Building's FISP Status

Send AMA the property address, BIN if available, prior-cycle FISP report and any current facade violations or repair records. We can review the available information and recommend an appropriate inspection, filing and repair path.

Request a FISP Review

Regulatory References

NYC DOB Facade Compliance (FISP)

NYC DOB Cycle 10 Sub-Cycle Diagram / Service Notice

NYC DOB Facade Fees & Penalties

Last technically reviewed: September 2026