Code: FISP (NYC Facade Inspection Law)
Description: (Facade Inspection and Safety Program) is the NYC law, enforced by the DOB, that requires owners of buildings taller than six stories to have their exterior walls and facade inspected by a qualified professional every five years and to file a technical report. Missing the deadline or receiving an Unsafe rating triggers required repairs and may result in fines or violations.
Practical Meaning: If your building has more than six stories, you are required by law to hire a qualified inspector (a licensed architect or engineer) to examine the facade every five years and file a report with the DOB — even if the building looks fine. If the inspector classifies the facade as Unsafe, you must make repairs immediately and install sidewalk sheds to protect the public while work is underway.
Where You May See It: DOB violation notice or ECB summons related to a missed facade report; DOB NOW filing records and property overview; BIS property records showing open FISP cycle status; title report or bank due-diligence checklist at time of sale or refinancing; managing agent or co-op/condo board communications about upcoming inspection cycles; sidewalk shed permits referencing an Unsafe FISP finding.
Why It Matters: Failing to file a required FISP report on time results in a DOB violation and civil penalties. An Unsafe designation requires immediate corrective action, a sidewalk shed at the owner's expense, and a follow-up report once repairs are complete. Open FISP violations can delay or block a property sale, refinancing, or mortgage approval, and they remain visible on public DOB records until fully resolved.