Updated: November 15, 2023
Beginning January 1, 2024, owners of buildings with parapets fronting the public right-of-way (a public street, avenue, sidewalk, roadway or any other public place or public way), regardless of height, are required to have an annual observation of the building’s parapet performed. See NYC Administrative Code §28-301.1.1 and Title 1 of the Rules of the City of New York §103-15.
Exceptions
- detached one- or two-family homes
- buildings with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall.
Who Can Perform the Observation
A person competent to inspect parapets can perform the observation. This includes, but is not limited to a bricklayer, building superintendent, handyman, mason or a person in a similar construction-related trade, a NYS-licensed architect or engineer, a NYS-authorized building inspector or an inspector working for a NYS-authorized insurance company, or any other individual capable of identifying hazards on the parapet.
Report Requirements
The person performing the observation or the owner in consultation with the person performing the observation is required to prepare a report of the observation. Owners must maintain the observation reports for at least 6 years and make the reports available to DOB upon request. Review 1 RCNY §103-15 for more information about the observation and report requirements.
Hazardous or Unsafe Conditions
If hazardous or unsafe conditions are identified during the observation:
- the person performing the observation must immediately notify DOB by calling 311 and emailing parapets@buildings.nyc.gov
- the owner must immediately install public protection, such as erecting sidewalk sheds, fences, and safety netting to secure the safety of the public, and have the unsafe condition remedied. The public protection must remain in place until the unsafe condition is remedied.
– If a sidewalk shed needs to be installed, the applicant for the sidewalk shed filing in DOB NOW will answer YES to the new question on the Sidewalk Shed Scope of Work, Is the sidewalk shed related to the required periodic observation of the building’s parapet (1 RCNY §103-15)?
The unsafe conditions must be corrected within ninety (90) days from the notification to DOB.
Additional Information
Visit the Parapets web page and Parapet FAQs on DOB’s website for more information.
Cahill Strategies Construction Solutions Guide to NYC Building Code Chapter 33 Revisions
Cahill Strategies has developed a detailed and documented guide to the most important revisions that New York construction professionals are likely to encounter every day. We were able to do this because Cahill Strategies has been involved instrumentally in the development of these codes.
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Robert “Bobby” D’Alessio, is a former New York City Department of Buildings Senior Executive Director of Construction Safety. Mr. D’Alessio’s focus is predominately in the areas of construction code and safety analysis for our clients’ major new building and renovation projects in the New York City and surrounding regions.
As Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code and Safety, Bobby brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and practical experience to our growing construction solutions practice area.
Cahill Strategies Welcomes Former NYC DOB Director of Construction Safety Enforcement, Bernie Ross
Cahill Strategies Welcomes Former NYC DOB Director of Construction Safety Enforcement, Bernie RossIt is with great pleasure that Cahill Strategies welcomes veteran DOB safety leader Bernie Ross as Senior Construction Safety Associate.
Bernard “Bernie” Ross is former New York City Department of Buildings Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. With more than 20 years serving the DOB as a Construction Inspector, Supervising Inspector, Director Major Projects, and finally, Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. Read more about Bernie here…
Get to know Kevin Moran
Kevin, the Vice President of Construction Solutions at Cahill Strategies, brings a wealth of experience in the New York construction industry to his role. He has a strong track record of guiding clients through complex building processes, with a range of successful projects under his belt, including commercial and residential developments, infrastructure and transportation projects, and various utility matters.
