Local Law #11/98 Inspections

Under New York City Local Law 11/98, all city buildings taller than six stories, i.e. 6 floors and a basement, must have their exterior façade inspected by a professional engineer or registered architect. These inspections to be done every five years with a certified report filed with the Department of Buildings stating the existing condition of the façade detailing any existing unsafe conditions.
The building code requires that these inspections are performed using both visual observation via binoculars and high zoom photography, as well as a hands-on inspection. The “hands-on” inspection must be done along each of the public street side facades off of scaffolding and/or fire escapes. If there is no fire escape available, then a scaffold drop must be installed for a thorough inspection examining the integrity of the façade.
The purpose of this law is to require building owners to detect hazardous conditions on the façade to ensure the safety of pedestrians and neighboring properties. Some of the unsafe conditions commonly found include spalling bricks, damaged lintels, unsupported air conditioners, loose terra cotta water-stops, figurines and terraces.
SEG has completed over 2,000 Local Law 10/80 and 11/98 reports over the last 23 years. Our staff is experienced in both the inspection of the façade, as well as providing plans and repair specifications. As part of the repair procedure SEG provides technical support including onsite inspection and construction management.
Over the years Salamon Engineering has saved Owners and Coops Boards million of dollars in unnecessary repairs, by focusing on structural defects rather than recommending wholesale replacement of building façade.
With our experience, we are especially qualified to support the building owners and management through the inspection and repair process.

For Local Law#11/98 Frequently Asked Q & A click:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/ll_11-98_workshop_faqs.pdf

* 7th Cycle Filing Deadlines:

• Block numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, or 9: Reports must be filed between February 21, 2010 and February 21, 2012 (two-year filing window)
• Block numbers ending in 0, 7, or 8: Reports must be filed between February 21, 2011 and August 21, 2012 (18-month filing window).

• Block numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3: Reports must be filed between February 21, 2012 and February 21, 2013 (one-year filing window).

*Refer to NYC D.O.B Cycle 7 Filling Schedule Diagram.
8th Cycle Filing Deadlines:
For the 8th cycle of inspections, the three groups of buildings will have overlapping two-year windows for filing:

• Block numbers ending in 4, 5, 6, or 9: Reports must be filed between February 21, 2015 and February 21, 2017.
• Block numbers ending in 0, 7, or 8: Reports must be filed between February 21, 2016 and February 21, 2018.

• Block numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3: Reports must be filed between February 21, 2017 and February 21, 2019.