The lead time for a typical 9th Cycle Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) inspection and filing process now ranges from 3 to 5 months. Since the deadline to file an inspection report for buildings with block numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3 is coming up on February 21, 2024, it is of utmost importance to prioritize scheduling your facade inspection as soon as possible to avoid incurring late filing penalties imposed by the Department of Buildings (DOB).
New 9th Cycle Rules
In 2021, the DOB published new rules starting with 9th Cycle inspections. The most significant new requirements include additional hands-on inspections (drops) every 60 feet along facades facing streets and public ways access; probe investigations along every drop on cavity wall facades; new and increased civil penalties; and the display of facade condition certificates in building lobbies. For buildings of cavity wall construction, the required investigative probes significantly add to the cost of the inspection process. While fulfilling the new requirements, RAND always aims to undertake the inspections in the most cost-effective manner possible.
Stop Late Filing Penalties: Sub-Cycles 9A and 9B
Deadlines have already passed for buildings with block numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, or 9 (February 21, 2022), and block numbers ending in 0, 7, or 8 (February 21, 2023). For properties where reports have not yet been filed, the process still needs to be completed. We strongly urge you to take immediate action by scheduling your inspection promptly to prevent the accumulation of additional late filing penalties. Non-compliance results in penalties of $1,000 per month beyond the deadline, with an additional $5,000 assessed per year.
Our team is committed to providing on-going support throughout the inspection and filing process, aiming for a seamless, successful experience. We look forward to assisting you in achieving a "Safe" status for your building.
Luke Pantaleo, RA, NCARB is Partner and Team Leader for RAND's Facade & Roofing Team.
