Thank you to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission for putting together this helpful explanation on parapets.
As we've been informed, starting January 1, 2024, every building owner in New York City must have an annual inspection of their building’s parapets.
Does this new law apply to you?
Question: What is a parapet?
Answer: The part of any wall entirely above the roofline (photos 1-4). Structures attached to parapets, such as guard rails and ladders, must also be inspected (photo 5). Roofs that slope up toward the street-facing wall and roofs that are flat with no wall above the roof line are not parapets (photos 6 and 7).
Question: Who can perform the inspection?
Answer: Any person who is competent to inspect parapets, including but not limited to:
- Bricklayer
- Building superintendent
- Handyman (including building owners who make their own building repairs)
- Mason
- Architect
- Engineer
- Insurance company inspector
- NYS authorized building inspector
Question: How do you file a parapet report?
Answer: The format of the report must follow RCNY 103-15. Owners must maintain the inspection reports for at least 6 years and must make such reports available to the Department of Buildings (DOB) upon request.
Question: What parapets are exempt from inspection?
Answer: Parapets on detached 1 or 2-family homes as well as parapets with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall.
More information from DOB can be found here. A helpful slide deck from DOB illustrating more visual examples of parapets and exceptions to the law can be found here.
If you have questions about issues with your building, call the Landmarks Preservation “Hotline” at 212-995-5250, Ext. 305 or email gwendolynstegall@nylandmarks.org