Astoria, a vibrant neighborhood in Queens, New York, is home to many older buildings that require regular maintenance to ensure safety and compliance with city regulations. One of the most critical regulations is Local Law 11, the Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP). This law mandates that buildings over six stories undergo regular facade inspections to prevent hazardous conditions. Preparing for a Local Law 11 inspection is crucial to avoid violations and ensure the safety of your building’s occupants. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare your Astoria building for a successful inspection.
1. Understanding Local Law 11
Local Law 11 was enacted in 1998 in response to several incidents involving falling debris from building facades. The law requires owners of buildings over six stories to have their facades inspected every five years by a qualified professional. The inspection report must classify the building’s facade as Safe, Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP), or Unsafe. If your building is found to be Unsafe, you’ll be required to make immediate repairs to address the hazardous conditions.
2. Conduct a Pre-Inspection Assessment
Before the official Local Law 11 inspection, conducting a pre-inspection assessment of your building’s facade is a good idea. It can help identify potential issues that could lead to violations and give you time to address them before the official inspection.
Steps for a Pre-Inspection Assessment:
- Hire a Qualified Engineer or Architect: Engage a licensed professional experienced with Local Law 11 inspections. They will have the expertise to identify potential issues and provide repair recommendations.
- Visual Inspection: The professional will conduct a thorough visual inspection of your building’s facade, looking for signs of wear and tear, cracks, loose bricks, or other issues that could pose a safety risk.
- Document Existing Conditions: Take detailed photographs and notes of any areas requiring attention. This documentation will be helpful when planning repairs or maintenance.
3. Address Identified Issues
Once the pre-inspection assessment is complete, addressing any issues the professional identifies is essential, which may involve repairing the facade, such as repointing brickwork, sealing cracks, or replacing damaged masonry. Addressing these issues before the official inspection can help avoid violations and costly fines.
Common Facade Issues to Address:
- Cracks in the Masonry: Cracks can allow water infiltration, leading to further damage and potential safety hazards. Repairing cracks promptly is essential to maintaining the integrity of the facade.
- Loose or Missing Bricks: Loose or missing bricks can pose a significant safety risk. Replacing or securing loose bricks is crucial to preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with Local Law 11.
- Deteriorated Mortar: Mortar deterioration over time can weaken the facade’s structure. Repointing, which involves removing and replacing the old mortar, can restore the strength and stability of the building’s exterior.
4. Schedule the Official Inspection
Once you’ve addressed any issues identified during the pre-inspection assessment, it’s time to schedule the official Local Law 11 inspection. The inspection must be conducted by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI), who will file a report with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
Tips for a Successful Inspection:
- Prepare All Necessary Documentation: Ensure that all relevant documents, such as previous inspection reports, repair records, and permits, are readily available for the inspector.
- Coordinate Access: Work with the inspector to ensure they have access to all areas of the building’s facade, including difficult-to-reach sections, which may require scaffolding or other equipment.
- Be Present During the Inspection: It’s a good idea to address any questions or concerns the inspector may have, which provides an opportunity to gain insights into any additional maintenance that may be required.
5. Review the Inspection Report
After the inspection, the QEWI will submit a report to the DOB, classifying your building’s facade as Safe, SWARMP, or Unsafe. Reviewing this report carefully and taking necessary actions based on the findings is essential.
Interpreting the Report:
- Safe: If your building is classified as Safe, no immediate action is required, but continue regular maintenance to ensure compliance in future inspections.
- SWARMP: A SWARMP classification means that repairs are necessary but not immediately hazardous. You’ll be given a timeline for completing these repairs, which must be adhered to avoid penalties.
- Unsafe: An Unsafe classification requires immediate attention. You’ll need to take corrective action right away to address the hazardous conditions and ensure the safety of your building’s occupants.
6. Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
Preparation for Local Law 11 inspections should be a collaborative effort. Regular maintenance is vital to keeping your building’s facade in good condition and avoiding future violations. Develop a maintenance plan that includes periodic inspections and repairs to address any issues before they become serious problems.
Preparing your Astoria building for a Local Law 11 inspection is a proactive step that can save you time, money, and potential legal issues. By conducting a pre-inspection assessment, addressing identified problems, and scheduling the official inspection, you can ensure your building is safe and compliant with city regulations. Regular maintenance and careful planning will help you stay on top of facade requirements and keep your building in excellent condition for years.