FISP Guide for Building Owners
What Is FISP in NYC?
The Facade Inspection Safety Program explained for building owners.
NYC FISP — Complete Guide for Building Owners and Property Managers
The Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11, requires all NYC buildings over six stories to have their exterior facades inspected by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) every five years. If your building receives an UNSAFE or SWARMP designation you must remediate the identified conditions within the required timeframe. Blue Rock Construction Services Inc. handles complete FISP remediation across all five NYC boroughs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is FISP and which buildings does it apply to?
- FISP — the Facade Inspection Safety Program — applies to all NYC buildings that are more than six stories tall. Owners of these buildings must hire a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) to inspect all exterior walls and appurtenances every five years and file a report with the NYC Department of Buildings.
- What is a QEWI engineer?
- A QEWI (Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector) is a licensed New York State professional engineer or registered architect who has been approved by the NYC DOB to perform FISP facade inspections. The QEWI inspects the building's exterior, classifies conditions, and files the inspection report with the DOB.
- What are the possible outcomes of a FISP inspection?
- A FISP inspection results in one of three designations: SAFE (no hazardous conditions found), SWARMP (Safe With A Repair and Maintenance Program — repairs required within the cycle but no immediate danger), or UNSAFE (immediate hazard to public safety — pedestrian protection and remediation must begin immediately).
- What do I do if my building gets an UNSAFE FISP designation?
- Immediately install pedestrian protection (sidewalk shed), engage a licensed contractor for remediation, and coordinate with your QEWI engineer on the required repair scope. Call Blue Rock at (718) 310-6270 — we mobilize scaffold within 48 hours and handle the complete remediation under one contract.
- How much does FISP remediation cost in NYC?
- FISP remediation costs vary significantly based on building size, facade condition, and the extent of repairs required. A minor repointing scope on a small building may cost $30,000-$80,000. A major parapet reconstruction on a large Manhattan building can exceed $500,000. Blue Rock provides free site evaluations and detailed proposals within 24 hours of a site walk.
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