Think you know the rules?
If you own or manage a building in New York City that’s over six stories, you’re likely familiar with the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), the local law that requires buildings to undergo cyclical exterior wall inspections every five years. We’re now in Cycle 10, and Sub-Cycle B is starting soon, which means another round of inspections and filings is already well underway.
FISP plays a critical role in public safety by helping prevent falling debris and identifying facade issues before they become emergencies. But when it comes to filing requirements, inspections, and sidewalk shed rules, there’s plenty of confusion out there.
Whether you're a property manager, board member, or building owner, understanding what’s actually required, and what’s often misunderstood, can help you stay ahead of violations, avoid costly delays, and make better decisions for your property.
Let’s bust some of the most common myths:
Myth 1: “It’s better to hold off on filing for Cycle 10 in case the Department of Buildings (DOB) changes the rules again, like in Cycle 9.”
Truth: The NYC Department of Buildings has made it clear: there will be no major changes to FISP Cycle 10.
Delaying can lead to costly fines and higher project costs:
- $5,000 per year for failure to file
- $1,000 per month until unsafe conditions are corrected
- $2,000 for failing to address SWARMP (Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program) conditions
In addition, Contractors and A/E firms tend to be more available and pricing more competitive earlier in the cycle. The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll face tighter schedules and rising costs.
Some firms may even offer early sign-up discounts or priority scheduling for clients who book their Cycle 10 inspections early.
Bottom line: Delaying your Cycle 10 inspection or filing in the hopes of a policy change is not worth the risk or the added expense.
Myth 2: “You need a sidewalk shed to perform a FISP inspection.”
Truth: Sidewalk sheds are not used to perform FISP inspections, and they’re not required for the inspection process at all.
A sidewalk shed only becomes necessary if repairs are needed after the inspection. It’s a pedestrian protection measure for construction activity, not a tool for inspection itself.
DOB rules require a “close-up” inspection along at least every 60 linear feet of a building’s facade. That hands-on inspection is typically performed using one or more of the following:
- Industrial rope access (rappelling)
- Motorized scaffold (swing stages)
- Boom lifts
Myth 3: “Under the new ‘Get Sheds Down’ initiative, sidewalk sheds must come down within 3 months.”
Truth: Not exactly.
Under Local Law 47 of 2025, sidewalk shed permits for facade work must now be renewed every 90 days, instead of once per year. But this doesn’t mean the shed must be removed within that time.
What has changed is the level of oversight. To renew a shed permit, the contractor must submit documentation showing that work is underway to address the conditions that required the shed, or provide an explanation for delays. This added requirement is part of the city’s broader push to prevent long-abandoned sheds from staying up indefinitely.
If work isn’t progressing, or if no valid reason is given for the lack of progress, the DOB may issue violations or deny permit renewal, but the shed won’t automatically come down. In fact, it must stay up until the building’s facade is officially filed as SAFE, or until a DOB inspector authorizes full or partial shed removal.
A partial shed takedown may be requested if part of the facade is repaired and cleared by the DOB, but the rest must remain until all unsafe conditions are resolved and an Amended FISP Report filed and accepted.
Myth 4: “Sidewalk sheds have to be painted hunter green.”
Truth: Not anymore, and assuming so could be a missed opportunity.
As of August 2025, thanks to Local Law 47, building owners will be able to choose from an expanded range of shed colors, including:
- Hunter green (still allowed)
- Metallic gray
- White
- A color that matches the adjacent building’s facade
This change is part of the city’s broader effort to improve the appearance of temporary structures and reduce neighborhood complaints.
There’s no penalty for keeping the traditional hunter green, but overlooking the new options could mean missing a chance to improve curb appeal, support ground-floor retail visibility, or better match the look of the building. And if you decide to repaint or make changes later, it could end up costing more time and money.
Increased lighting is also now part of the law, as well as lighter, airier shed design options.
Bottom line: Being aware of this new flexibility allows you to make smarter aesthetic and logistical choices early in the process.
Myth 5: “Any type of signage is allowed on a sidewalk shed, including logos from architects, engineers, or scaffolding companies.”
Truth: Sidewalk shed signage is strictly regulated, and violating the rules can cost you.
Currently, only the following are permitted:
Contractor identification and required DOB information
Storefront signage (in limited cases where the shed blocks a legal business sign and specific DOB criteria are met)
Not allowed: Logos or promotional signage from A/E firms, scaffolding companies, or subcontractors.
Posting unapproved signage can lead to:
DOB violations or fines
Costly removal or reprinting
Delays due to permit issues or complaints
While the DOB is considering updates to allow additional signage flexibility, these changes are not yet in effect.
Bottom line: Follow current rules closely to avoid violations, unnecessary costs, and delays.
Final Thoughts
FISP compliance is complex enough without myths and misinformation making it harder. If you're unsure about what’s required, or how to proceed safely and legally, talk to a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) and work with professionals who understand the nuances of FISP, sidewalk shed regulations, and DOB expectations. And schedule your inspection and repair before the inevitable last minute crush!
RAND has been helping NYC buildings stay compliant since 1987. Our licensed engineers, architects, and QEWIs can guide you through every phase, from hands-on inspections and reports to sidewalk shed strategies and repair oversight.
Contact RAND
Call us at 212-675-8844 or email info@nullrandpc.com to see if you're eligible for an early sign-up discount.
For a complete overview of FISP requirements, filing timelines, and inspection process details, view our FISP Fact Sheet.
About RAND
Founded in 1987, RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC is an independently-owned, full-service New York City firm that designs and administers programs for repair, upgrade, restoration, and adaptive re-use of residential, commercial, institutional, and retail properties. RAND conducts over 600 facade inspections every cycle, and designs and has administered hundreds of FISP repair projects. Our expertise includes exterior envelope repair, with a particular focus on FISP; parapet inspections and repair programs; window and door replacement; heating, plumbing, and electrical upgrades; garage inspections and repair programs; architectural design and ADA compliance; feasibility studies and plan reviews; structural engineering; building surveys; benchmarking, energy audits, and retro-commissioning; green roofs; and historic restoration. In addition to our core service areas, RAND has dedicated teams focused on Industrial Rope Access, Drone Services, Infrared Surveys, and Code & Zoning Compliance, and is also a Special Inspections Agency. Please visit randpc.com for more information.
