Parapet Inspections

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:

• Performed annually by a person competent to inspect parapets:
  • A bricklayer, building superintendent, handyman, mason or a person in a similar construction related trade.
  • A NYS-licensed architect or engineer.
  • a NYS-authorized building inspector or an inspector working for a NYS-authorized insurance company.
  • or any other individual capable of  identifying hazards on the parapet.
• Required on all buildings with a parapet facing a public right-of-way, regardless of height.
  • EXCEPTION:
    • DETACHED 1 OR 2 FAMILY HOMES
    • BUILDINGS WITH A FENCE OR BARRIER PREVENTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE EXTERIOR WALL
• A report of the observation must be prepared and maintained by the owners for at least 6 years and make the reports available to DOB upon request.

REQUIRED ACTIONS IF HAZARDOUS OR UNSAFE CONDITIONS ARE DISCOVERED:

• Immediately notify DOB by:
  •  calling 311 and
  •  emailing  parapets@buildings.nyc.gov
• Immediately install public protection:
  • erecting sidewalk sheds, fences, and safety netting to secure the safety of the public.
    • If a sidewalk shed needs to be installed, the applicant for the sidewalk shed filing in DOB NOW  will answer YES to the new question on the Sidewalk Shed Scope of Work

THE REPORT IS REQUIRED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• The address and any other associated addresses for the building
• The name, mailing address and telephone number of the owner of the building, or, position/title of a principal of the owner
• The name of the person performing the observation, including their mailing address, telephone number, affiliation with the building or owner, and business name, if applicable
• The date(s) of the 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.

LINK TO 1 RCNY §103-15 : CHAPTER 100 / SUBCHAPTER C – MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS