If you received a notice about your building's fire escape, Local Law 11 may be part of the issue. This guide explains who needs FISP, how the inspection cycle works, what happens when a problem is found, and how we can help with the repair work.
Local Law 11, now known as the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), applies to NYC buildings higher than six stories. A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) inspects the exterior walls and appurtenances on a five-year cycle and files the required report with the NYC Department of Buildings.
Fire escapes can be included as exterior appurtenances. If your QEWI finds a problem with the fire escape, we handle the repair, rust removal, painting, and related work. We do not perform the FISP inspection or file the FISP report.
Cycle 10 NYC is currently in FISP Cycle 10. Cycle 10 runs from February 21, 2025 through February 20, 2030.
NYC's facade inspection program dates back to Local Law 10 of 1980. The city introduced the program after a series of serious facade accidents, including a fatal falling masonry accident in 1979.
Local Law 11 of 1998 strengthened the original requirements. The program is now commonly called FISP, which stands for Facade Inspection Safety Program.
The NYC Department of Buildings administers the FISP program and receives the inspection reports filed by qualified inspectors. The department also sets the inspection cycles, reviews filings, and issues violations when required.
If your building is higher than six stories, it is subject to the FISP inspection and filing requirements. The inspection takes place every five years.
Buildings with six stories or fewer are not subject to the FISP filing cycle. That does not mean the fire escape can be ignored. Owners are still responsible for keeping the building and its fire escape in safe condition.
If a tenant, neighbor, or DOB inspector finds rust through, a loose step, a damaged connection, or another dangerous condition, the owner may still have to correct it.
The inspection takes place on a five-year cycle. A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector has to physically examine the facade rather than relying only on photos or drone footage and file a report with the DOB before your filing window closes.
Buildings are divided into sub-cycles based on the last digit of the tax block number. This means buildings on the same block can have different filing windows.
Cycle 10 NYC is currently in FISP Cycle 10. The cycle runs from February 21, 2025 through February 20, 2030.
| Sub-cycle | Tax block ends in | Filing window |
|---|---|---|
| 10A | 4, 5, 6, 9 | Feb. 21, 2025 to Feb. 21, 2027 |
| 10B | 0, 7, 8 | Feb. 21, 2026 to Feb. 21, 2028 |
| 10C | 1, 2, 3 | Feb. 21, 2027 to Feb. 21, 2029 |
You can check your building's filing information through NYC DOB's facade filing system or DOB NOW. If you're not sure where your building stands, we can help you find the information.
Fire escapes are one type of exterior appurtenance that may be covered during a FISP inspection. Your QEWI determines what needs to be inspected and reports the conditions found.
Common problems include corrosion, damaged steel, loose connections, and coatings that are no longer protecting the metal. A fire escape that's been painted over rust for a decade without real surface prep underneath is a common finding, and it's exactly the kind of thing that turns a routine inspection into a flagged repair item.
Missing a required FISP filing can result in penalties. NYC DOB currently lists a $1,000 monthly penalty for a late initial filing and a $5,000 annual penalty for failure to file. Other penalties can apply when required repairs are not completed.
| Classification | What It Means | What Happens Next |
|---|---|---|
| SWARMP (Safe With A Repair and Maintenance Program) |
Facade is safe now, but needs repairs | The QEWI gives the required repair period in the FISP report. The owner must complete the work by that date. |
| Unsafe | An active or imminent hazard was found | Immediate public protection may be required. Depending on the condition, this can include a sidewalk shed, fence, or other protective measure. An Unsafe condition generally must be corrected within 90 days. After the condition is corrected, the QEWI must file an amended report within two weeks. |
If the QEWI finds a serious problem with a fire escape or another appurtenance, the condition may affect the building's FISP classification. Confirm the exact correction and refiling deadlines for your specific case with your QEWI, since timelines can vary by circumstance.
Our role starts after the QEWI identifies a condition that needs repair. We do not perform the FISP inspection or file the FISP report. Your QEWI handles those parts of the process.
We handle the repair work identified in the report. Depending on the condition, that can include rust removal, steel repairs, replacement of damaged components, surface preparation, and painting.
We can also document the completed work for your QEWI and coordinate the repair schedule around the applicable filing or correction deadline.
We provide fire escape repair, painting, and FISP-related corrective work throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Fire escape flagged by your QEWI?
Don't wait until the filing deadline is close. Get a free fire escape compliance assessment and find out what repair work may be needed.
We serve all 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured for all fire escape repair, painting, and structural work in NYC.
We handle the physical repair, painting, and certification support for fire escapes flagged during a FISP inspection, and coordinate directly with your building's QEWI.
It depends entirely on the condition and scope of the work. We provide a free on-site assessment before quoting anything.
Usually within a few days to a week, depending on the season and current schedule. We prioritize safety hazards and FISP deadlines.
SWARMP means the facade is safe but needs repairs (no immediate hazard). Unsafe means there is an active danger requiring immediate protective measures and rapid correction.
