Join RAND at the Cooperator New York Expo
Join RAND at the Cooperator Expo for sessions on FISP and parking structures, and connect with our team about compliance, parapets, and Local Law 97.
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Merrie Sesskin Joins RAND as Business Development Director
RAND Engineering & Architecture announces Merrie Sesskin as Business Development Director, bringing 20+ years of AEC experience in growth strategy, client relationships, and market expansion.
FISP Cycle 10: RAND Resources
Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) Sub-Cycles 10A and 10B are now open. For many buildings, Cycle 10 planning comes down to a few practical questions: when to start, how to coordinate access, what triggers DOB comments during review, and how…
NYC Sustainability Compliance Deadlines 2026: Key Dates, Requirements & How to Prepare
DOB has confirmed the 2026 sustainability compliance timeline for covered NYC buildings. Key dates include March 31 and May 1 filings, the LL97 June 30/Aug 29 window, and what comes next for LL33 labels and LL87 energy audits, along with practical preparation steps.
Fort Lee Parking Structure Inspections Are Now Required Under Ordinance 2025-17
Fort Lee’s new ordinance sets a recurring inspection requirement for covered parking structures, with classifications (Safe, SREM, Unsafe) that can trigger defined repair and close-out timelines. Existing structures have an initial deadline of December 31, 2026, so early planning can help avoid scheduling bottlenecks and reduce operational disruption.
Inside DOB’s Review of FISP Reports: What Owners Should Know for Cycle 10
The 10th Cycle of the NYC Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) is now officially underway. Building owners, property managers, and boards must stay up to date on new rules and penalties as they plan their inspections and repair programs. Here are the latest updates for 2026.
Key Takeaways from NYC’s New FISP Study For Your Building
In response to the growing presence of long-standing sidewalk sheds across New York City, the City launched the “Get Sheds Down” initiative in July 2023. Building on that momentum, the City Council passed a series of new local laws in 2025 that overhaul sidewalk shed regulations and revise elements of the Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP). These legislative changes aim to expedite facade repairs, improve sidewalk shed design and safety, and potentially extend the timeline between mandated facade inspections.
New York’s New Access Law: What It Means for Your Next Construction or Repair Project
New York’s newly passed access bill (Senate Bill S.3799) updates Section 881 of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law, transforming how building owners, managers, and developers approach gaining access to neighboring properties for construction, FISP work, and critical repairs. With clearer definitions, new insurance and compensation requirements, and consequences for non-response, the law promises fewer delays and stronger legal footing, but only for those who are prepared. RAND breaks down what the changes mean and how to get ahead of them.
14 Years and Counting: RAND Named a Crain’s Best Place to Work
For the 14th time, RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC has been recognized by Crain’s New York Business as one of the Best Places to Work in NYC. Learn how our culture of mentorship, flexibility, and employee ownership continues to set us apart.
2025 NYC Local Law Compliance: Updated Deadlines You Should Know
As we head into the final quarter of 2025, several key Local Law deadlines are fast approaching — and some have shifted since the start of the year. New York City has clarified how extensions for Local Law 97 affect related reporting under LL88 and LL84, and enforcement is now in effect for newer requirements like lead paint inspections, annual parapet reports, and the PIPS annual checklist for parking structures.
Download the updated checklist, subscribe to our compliance calendar, and get the details you need to stay on track through year-end.
Local Law 47 Brings Big Changes to NYC Sidewalk Shed Requirements
Local Law 47 of 2025 brings big changes to how sidewalk sheds are designed and installed in New York City. From increased height and lighting requirements to a new 40-foot exception for certain facade projects, the law aims to improve pedestrian experience and reduce unnecessary sidewalk disruption. In this article, we break down what’s changing, who it affects, and what building owners and property managers should consider when planning upcoming work.
DOB Extends LL97 Deadline – How To Get More Time
The NYC DOB has extended the 2025 LL97 compliance deadline to December 31, but only if you file an extension by August 29. Our latest article breaks down what this means for LL97, LL88, and LL84 reporting, who qualifies for the extension, and how to avoid penalties.
RAND Welcomes Two New Partners: Eugene Gurevich and Paul R. Grissett
RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC is pleased to announce the promotion of Eugene Gurevich, PE, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, and Code & Zoning Compliance Team Leader Paul R. Grissett to Partner. With their elevation to partnership, RAND’s senior leadership team…
New 2025 Local Laws That Could Reshape Sidewalk Sheds and FISP Cycles
In response to the growing presence of long-standing sidewalk sheds across New York City, the City launched the “Get Sheds Down” initiative in July 2023. Building on that momentum, the City Council passed a series of new local laws in 2025 that overhaul sidewalk shed regulations and revise elements of the Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP). These legislative changes aim to expedite facade repairs, improve sidewalk shed design and safety, and potentially extend the timeline between mandated facade inspections.
FISP 10th Cycle is Underway: Key Updates for 2025
The 10th Cycle of the NYC Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) is now officially underway. Building owners, property managers, and boards must stay up to date on new rules and penalties as they plan their inspections and repair programs. Here are the latest updates for 2025.
RAND’s 12th Annual Book Bingo Challenge: 328 Books Read, $3,000 Raised for Literacy
Our team read 328 books and filled 357 Bingo squares in this year’s Reading Bingo Challenge, raising $3,000 through RAND Gives Back to support My Own Books, a nonprofit helping NYC students build their own home libraries.
Celebrating Preservation: Harlem River Houses Wins Lucy G. Moses Award
The restoration of Harlem River Houses, New York City's first purpose-built public housing development, was recently honored with a 2025 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award. RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC provided facade and roofing consulting services for this landmark project, helping preserve its historic character while enhancing long-term performance and resilience.
Missed Your NYC Cycle 9 FISP Report? Act Now to Stop DOB Penalties
NYC DOB Now Allows Early FISP Filing for NRF Buildings If your New York City building failed to submit a required Cycle 9 Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) report, you’re likely accruing monthly DOB penalties. Fortunately, the Department of Buildings…
Local Law 97 Compliance: A Last-Minute Checklist for Building Owners
With the first Local Law 97 (LL97) compliance deadline approaching, building owners now have extra time to submit their reports, thanks to a recent NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Service Notice. A 60-day grace period extends the deadline from May…
RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC Becomes Approved NYC Accelerator Service Provider
New York, NY – RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC is proud to announce it is now an approved NYC Accelerator Service Provider. The program, an initiative of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, connects building owners and…
As Cycle 10 Begins, We Remember Why FISP Exists
Unsafe condition prior to repair: Severely cracked terra cotta cornice identified during the 9th Cycle inspection. As Cycle 10 of the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) begins, it’s important to remember why this law exists. It wasn’t created as a…
New York City Local Law Building Compliance Calendar 2025
RAND Building News & Insights, January 2025 Staying on top of NYC’s building compliance deadlines is more important than ever. This year is a critical one for compliance, with major Local Law 97 and 88 deadlines driving significant changes in…
Building Futures: Reflections from Our 2024 RAND Summer Interns
As the summer of 2024 comes to a close, we’d like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible interns who spent the past few months with us. Their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm have truly enriched…
RAND Highlights: Meet Our Newest Professional Engineer, Jefferson Zamora, PE
Congratulations to RAND Project Engineer Jefferson Zamora, PE, CEM, LEED Green Associate on earning his professional license! This outstanding achievement reflects his exceptional qualifications, expertise, and knowledge in the field of engineering, and is a testament to his dedication to…