Request a proposal In the field. In the documents. On the record.NYC inspection compliance
Annual visual parapet observations, condition documentation, and follow-up guidance for applicable New York City buildings.
Request a proposalIn plain terms
Beginning in 2024, NYC requires annual observations of applicable parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of building height. The purpose is to identify hazardous conditions before masonry or other components can fall into a public area.
Scope, requirements & reporting
DOB’s guidance covers parapets along streets, sidewalks, and other public rights-of-way, with stated exceptions. Review the actual building condition and exposure. Do not assume that a low-rise building is excluded or that a previous façade inspection automatically fulfills the current year’s observation requirement.
The observation must be performed by a person competent to inspect parapets. Owners must retain reports for at least six years and make them available to DOB on request. KOW can document observed conditions and identify follow-up needs within the inspection scope.
DOB directs the person observing an unsafe condition to notify the Department immediately by calling 311 and emailing its parapet address. Protective measures and corrective work must follow the applicable requirements. A routine written report is not a substitute for immediate notification and protection when a hazard is found.
The observation record should identify the building, observation date, observer, parapet locations, visible conditions, photographs, and access limitations. Identify loose, displaced, deteriorated, or unstable elements and the required follow-up. A routine report must not delay protective action when a dangerous condition is observed.
Decisions supported
Is the parapet in a condition that requires repair or further evaluation?
What documentation should the owner retain?
Are there access or visibility limitations requiring follow-up?
What maintenance or corrective steps should be prioritized?
Typical scope
The final scope follows the property, transaction, program, client requirements, and information available. Typical elements include:
Process
Confirm the property or project, intended use, reliance parties, schedule, available information, and required deliverable.
Review the documents, identify gaps, and coordinate the people and access needed to complete the scope.
Perform the observations, analysis, interviews, and specialist coordination called for by the assignment.
Separate material findings from background information and state the basis, limitations, open items, and follow-up clearly.
Common assignments
Scheduled observation and reporting for an applicable property.
Coordinated inspections and records across multiple New York City buildings.
Updated observation after repair or when prior conditions require monitoring.
Frequently asked
No. DOB’s annual requirement applies to covered parapets fronting the public right-of-way regardless of building height, subject to the stated exceptions.
DOB says routine reports are retained by the owner rather than submitted annually. Keep them for at least six years and provide them on request. Unsafe conditions have separate notification and response requirements.
Do not assume that it does. Confirm that the annual parapet requirement and its documentation are satisfied for the current year.
Record the access or visibility limitation and arrange the additional access or qualified evaluation needed. An obstructed view should not be described as a completed assessment of unseen conditions.
The applicable parapet is visually observed by a qualified person, visible conditions are documented, and the owner receives a written report or record consistent with the agreed scope and current requirements.
The finding may call for maintenance, repair, protective action, or further evaluation by the appropriate professional, depending on the apparent condition and applicable requirements.
Start a conversation
Tell us what you’re working on. Our team will help define the right scope and get a proposal moving.
Request a proposal