By Apex Property Services · Licensed NYC Contractor Since 1995 · Updated April 2026
If you own or manage a building taller than 6 stories in New York City, Local Law 11 affects you. Every 5 years, your building must be inspected by a licensed facade inspector — and any unsafe conditions must be repaired or face serious fines. Here is everything you need to know.
Local Law 11, officially known as the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), was enacted after a piece of masonry fell from a building and killed a pedestrian. The law requires all NYC buildings taller than 6 stories to have their exterior walls and appurtenances inspected every 5 years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). The current cycle is Cycle 10, running from February 21, 2025 through February 21, 2030.
Local Law 11 applies to all NYC buildings greater than 6 stories in height, regardless of age or construction type. This includes residential co-ops, condos, apartment buildings, commercial office buildings, mixed-use buildings, and institutional properties. Buildings 6 stories or shorter are not subject to FISP, though other facade maintenance requirements still apply.
After inspection, your building receives one of three classifications: SAFE means the facade is in good condition with no repairs needed. SWARMP (Safe With A Repair and Maintenance Program) means repairs are needed but there is no immediate danger — repairs must be completed within the cycle. UNSAFE means there is an immediate hazard to pedestrians — emergency action is required within 24 hours including sidewalk shed installation.
FISP inspection fees typically run $1,500–$5,000 depending on building size. SWARMP repairs vary enormously based on scope — from $5,000 for minor repointing to over $100,000 for large-scale facade restoration. UNSAFE conditions requiring emergency action cost more due to the speed required. Apex Property Services provides free estimates for all Local Law 11 work.
Non-compliance with Local Law 11 results in DOB violations, civil penalties starting at $1,000 per month, and potential emergency orders. If a facade failure causes injury or death due to non-compliance, building owners face enormous civil liability. The reputational and financial consequences of non-compliance far exceed the cost of timely inspection and repairs.
Apex Property Services coordinates the entire Local Law 11 process — from connecting you with a licensed QEWI inspector, to performing all required facade repairs, to filing the final FISP report with the NYC Department of Buildings. We have helped hundreds of NYC building owners achieve SAFE status efficiently and cost-effectively. Call (516) 515-1951 for a free consultation.
Apex Property Services is a licensed NYC contractor with 30+ years of experience. We serve all 5 boroughs and Nassau County with free estimates on all projects.
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