Local Law 126 Parapet Inspections
KOW Building Consultants provides NYC Local Law 126 parapet inspection services to help building owners comply with New York City safety requirements and reduce the risk of exterior wall failures. Our inspections are performed by qualified professionals and deliver clear, actionable reporting to support compliance, risk mitigation, and corrective planning.
Local Law 126 was enacted to address the safety risks associated with deteriorated parapets and rooftop appurtenances. The law requires regular inspections of parapets fronting public right-of-way areas to identify unsafe conditions and ensure timely repairs.
Parapet Inspection Services
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Email: incoming@kowbc.com
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Phone: (855) 966-5888
Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm EST
What Is NYC Local Law 126
NYC Local Law 126 of 2021 mandates periodic inspections of building parapets and certain rooftop elements to identify conditions that could pose a hazard to pedestrians, adjacent properties, or public spaces.
Unlike broader façade inspection programs, Local Law 126 focuses specifically on parapets and related components that are exposed to weather, aging, and structural deterioration. The goal is early identification of unsafe conditions before failures occur.
Who is Required to Comply with Local Law 126?
Local Law 126 applies to:
• Buildings with parapets fronting public right-of-way
• Low- and mid-rise buildings not otherwise covered by the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP / Local Law 11)
• Properties where parapets or rooftop elements may present a public safety risk
Building owners are responsible for ensuring inspections are performed by qualified professionals and that any identified unsafe conditions are addressed in a timely manner.
Inspection Frequency & Compliance Requirements
Under Local Law 126, parapets must be inspected on a recurring cycle as established by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). Inspections are required to:
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Evaluate the physical condition and stability of parapets
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Identify unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions
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Document observed deficiencies
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Provide recommendations for corrective action
Failure to comply may result in violations, penalties, and increased liability exposure.
What’s Included in a Local Law 126 Parapet Inspection
KOW’s Local Law 126 services are designed to deliver both regulatory compliance and practical risk insight. A typical inspection includes:
Visual Inspection of Parapets
Evaluation of parapet walls for cracking, displacement, loose masonry, deterioration, water infiltration, or structural distress.
Assessment of Rooftop & Parapet Appurtenances
Review of railings, copings, flashing, and other components attached to or affecting parapet stability.
Photo Documentation
Clear photographic records of observed conditions to support findings and recommended actions.
Compliance Reporting
Preparation of documentation suitable for owner records and regulatory compliance, including condition classifications and recommended next steps.
Reporting & Next Steps
Following the inspection, KOW provides a clear, easy-to-understand report that outlines:
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Observed parapet conditions
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Identification of unsafe or deteriorated elements
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Recommended corrective actions
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Guidance on repair prioritization
Our reporting is designed to help owners understand not only what issues exist, but how urgent they are and how they should be addressed.
Why Parapet Inspections Matter
Parapets are among the most exposed building elements and are particularly susceptible to weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, and deferred maintenance. Left unaddressed, parapet failures can lead to falling debris, emergency repairs, DOB violations, and significant liability.
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Regular inspections help owners:
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Reduce public safety risk
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Avoid emergency conditions and unplanned repairs
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Maintain regulatory compliance
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Plan maintenance and capital improvements proactively
Why KOW Building Consultants?
• Over 45 years of experience evaluating building systems and exterior conditions
• Licensed engineers and qualified professionals performing inspections
• Clear, defensible reporting aligned with NYC DOB requirements
• Practical recommendations focused on safety and risk reduction
• Responsive, easy-to-work-with team familiar with NYC regulatory environments
We approach parapet inspections with the same discipline and accountability that define all KOW services.
LL126 Parapet Inspection FAQs
What is NYC Local Law 126?
Local Law 126 of 2021 is a New York City safety law that requires periodic inspections of building parapets and certain rooftop elements that front public right-of-way areas. The purpose of the law is to identify deteriorated or unsafe conditions before they pose a risk to pedestrians or adjacent properties.
How is Local Law 126 different from Local Law 11 (FISP)?
Local Law 11, also known as the Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), applies primarily to buildings taller than six stories and requires comprehensive exterior wall inspections. Local Law 126 is more narrowly focused and applies to parapets and related rooftop elements, often impacting low- and mid-rise buildings not otherwise subject to FISP requirements.
Which buildings are required to have a Local Law 126 parapet inspection?
Buildings with parapets that front a public right-of-way may be subject to Local Law 126, particularly low- and mid-rise properties not covered under FISP. Ultimately, building owners are responsible for determining applicability and ensuring compliance with NYC Department of Buildings require
How often are parapet inspections required under Local Law 126?
Parapet inspections must be performed on a recurring schedule as established by the NYC Department of Buildings. The inspection cycle and filing requirements may change over time, so owners should confirm current deadlines and requirements to remain compliant.
Who is qualified to perform a Local Law 126 parapet inspection?
Inspections must be performed by qualified professionals with appropriate experience evaluating building exterior conditions. KOW Building Consultants utilizes licensed engineers and experienced professionals familiar with NYC building codes and DOB requirements.
What happens if unsafe conditions are found during the inspection?
If unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions are identified, the owner is responsible for addressing the issues in a timely manner. KOW’s reports clearly outline observed conditions, associated risks, and recommended next steps to help owners prioritize repairs and maintain compliance.
What are the risks of not complying with Local Law 126?
Failure to comply with Local Law 126 may result in NYC DOB violations, fines, increased liability exposure, and the potential for emergency conditions requiring immediate corrective action. Regular inspections help reduce risk, protect public safety, and avoid unplanned repair costs.
