The Importance of Parapet Inspections

Starting on January 1, 2024, in accordance with the requirements of section 28-301.1.1 of the Administrative Code, every building owner must have an observation performed in accordance with this subdivision. This requirement applies to all buildings with parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height, except for detached 1- or 2-family homes or buildings with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall.

Who Can Perform a Parapet Inspection?
The observation must be performed annually by a person competent to inspect parapets. For the purposes of
this subdivision, this includes, but is not limited to, a bricklayer, building superintendent, handyman, mason
or a person in a similar construction-related trade, architect, engineer, an inspector working for a New York
State-authorized insurance company, a New York State-authorized building inspector or any other
individual capable of identifying hazards on the parapet.

How will your Parapet be Inspected?
The observation must include close-up inspections of the entire parapet. The close-up inspection may be conducted from a fire escape or roof. The observation must include, but not be limited to:

• A determination that the parapet is plumb by a horizontal distance within one-eighth of its cross-
  sectional thickness in any location.

• A determination of whether there is excessive deterioration, including, but not limited to,
  displacement, horizontal or diagonal cracks, missing or loose bricks or coping stones, deteriorated
  mortar joints, spalling, or rot.

• A determination that appurtenances such as telecommunications equipment, railings, roof access rails,
  gooseneck ladders and handrail attachments for fire escapes, and signs, have been installed and
  maintained in a stable condition.
   

If an Unsafe Condition is Observed?
The person performing the observation must immediately notify the Department of Buildings; and The owner must immediately install public protection, such as erecting sidewalk sheds, fences, and safety netting, as may be required to secure the safety of the public, and have the unsafe condition remedied. All unsafe conditions must be corrected within ninety (90) days from the notification to the Department. The public protection must remain in place until the unsafe condition is remedied.

Reporting Requirements and What Your Report will Include 
A report must be prepared by the person performing the observation or by the owner in consultation with the person performing the observation. The report must include, but not be limited to:
 

• The address and any other associated addresses for the building

• The name, mailing address and telephone number of the owner of the building, or, if the owner is not​

an individual, the name, mailing address, telephone number, and position/title of a principal of the
owner

• The name of the person performing the observation. If other than the owner, their mailing address,​

telephone number, affiliation with the building or owner, and business name, if applicable

• The date(s) of observation

• ​The location plan of the parapet(s) observed;

• The construction of the parapet, including but not limited to material, height, and thickness

• General conditions noted, whether any unsafe conditions were found, and actions taken to remedy the unsafe conditions

• Any repairs made to the parapet since the previous report

• ​Dated photos documenting the conditions at the time of observation.
   

Owners must maintain the observation reports for at least six (6) years and must make such reports
available to the Department upon request.
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