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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Project closeouts just became a little easier. As of November 5, 2022, a Technical Report (TR1) – Final is no longer required for temporary construction equipment permits. Per a recent NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) Service Notice, this applies to sidewalk…
It’s official. Just in time for the start of the City’s 9th Cycle Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) on February 21, 2020, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has published a new amended rule aimed at increasing safety…
As mandated by New York City Building Code, the Department of Buildings requires buildings with unsafe exterior conditions to protect people from falling masonry and debris. That protection is typically a sidewalk shed. As previously discussed in RAND’s Better Buildings…
According to the Department of Buildings, there are more than 8,500 sidewalk sheds and scaffolds throughout New York City. If an article in Sunday’s New York Post is any indication, there are also at least that many gripes about them.…
As you wend your way through the streets of New York, especially in Manhattan, you can’t avoid walking under or around construction sheds, those ubiquitous steel-and-plywood structures covering large tracts of the city’s sidewalks. Just how ubiquitous are they? According…