Annual Parapet Inspections
Beginning on January 1, 2024, every building owner must have an observation of the parapet on their building(s) performed in accordance with the requirements of Section 28-301.1.1 of the New York City Administrative Code. This requirement applies to all buildings with parapet fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height. EXCEPT: Detached 1- or 2- family homes or buildings with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall. The observation must include close-up inspections of the entire parapet which could be conducted from a fire escape or roof. See 1 RCNY §103-15 for more information on observation and report requirements. Owners must maintain the observation reports for at least six (6) years and must make such reports available to the Department upon request
Who Can Perform the Observation
A person competent to inspect parapet can perform the observation. This includes, but is not limited to 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.
Report Requirements
The report must include, but not limited to, the following information:
the address of the property
the name, mailing address and telephone number of the owner of the building, or, if the owner is not an individual, the name, mailing address, telephone number, and position/title of a principal of the owner
the name of the person performing the observation. if other than the owner, 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.