Local Law 11 Brooklyn: Facade Repair for FISP-Regulated Buildings
Have a SWARMP or Unsafe report and need a contractor to address the findings? Local Law 11 Brooklyn helps property owners, co-op and condo boards, and managers turn inspection findings into a practical construction plan. Our team reviews your QEWI’s report, focuses on clear scopes, written estimates, coordinated access, and documentation.
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About Us
Since 2004, our work has focused on facade restoration and exterior repairs in Brooklyn. We address deteriorated brickwork, damaged lintels, parapets and other defects identified during facade inspections.
What Local Law 11 Means for Your Brooklyn Building
New York City's Facade Inspection & Safety Program requires periodic exterior-wall inspections for covered properties. A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) examines the exterior, identifies defects and files a technical report with the Department of Buildings (DOB).
The report assigns one of three classifications: Safe, SWARMP or Unsafe. If corrective work is necessary, the owner must arrange suitable repairs within the applicable timeframe.
Which Properties Are Covered
Generally, existing buildings taller than six stories fall under the program. This includes many pre-war apartment blocks, high-rise condominiums, waterfront towers and converted industrial properties throughout the borough.
Most traditional brownstones are below the height threshold and ordinarily fall outside this specific inspection requirement. Historic-district status can also affect permitted materials, visible alterations and approval requirements.
Unsure whether your property is covered? Check the city's official facade filing resources by address before committing to a project scope.
Cycle 10 And Your Filing Window
Cycle 10 runs from February 21, 2025, through February 20, 2030. The assigned sub-cycle depends on the final digit of the property's tax block number.
| Sub-cycle | Block Number Ends In | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 10A | 4, 5, 6 or 9 | February 21, 2027 |
| 10B | 0, 7 or 8 | February 21, 2028 |
| 10C | 1, 2 or 3 | February 21, 2029 |
These dates concern initial technical-report filing, not a universal deadline for completing every type of construction. Confirm the property's filing status and any outstanding obligations directly with DOB.
But Here's A Warning
Late initial reports can incur penalties of $1,000 per month. Unsafe conditions also carry strict correction requirements, and unresolved defects may trigger additional penalties. If your report identifies urgent work, arrange an appropriate scope promptly. Your QEWI can clarify the technical findings and applicable deadlines.
Read our full compliance guide for further information.
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Our Repair Services
How a Repair Project Works
Report Review
Send us the technical report prepared by your QEWI. We review the listed findings, identify the proposed construction items and explain the scope. Your inspecting professional remains responsible for technical classifications and inspection decisions.
Scope And Written Estimate
We prepare a defined scope and written estimate based on the available information. Pricing depends on material quantities, deterioration, access equipment, protection requirements and the complexity of the work.
Permits And Protection
Before mobilization, we identify applicable permit and access requirements and coordinate the construction arrangements. Where scaffolding or a sidewalk shed is necessary, we consider pedestrian safety, site logistics and the planned duration.
Construction
Our crew completes the agreed work according to the project scope. We communicate relevant progress updates and flag concealed deterioration. Any additional work should be reviewed and agreed upon before proceeding, subject to applicable safety requirements.
Closeout
After the construction is complete, we provide relevant completion records and supporting documentation to your QEWI. DOB status updates, permit sign-offs and shed removal may require separate approvals. We coordinate our part of the process.
Have a SWARMP or Unsafe Report? Send It Over
We will review the findings, discuss the construction scope and provide a written estimate for the work. Get a clearer understanding of the next steps before committing to a project.
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Why Do Clients Choose Us?
Local Law 11 Guides for Brooklyn Owners
Access expert insights on deadlines, repair classifications, roles, and planning your next facade project.
Find Your Cycle 10 Window
Find your sub-cycle and filing deadline using your building's tax block number.
SWARMP vs Unsafe: Repair Timelines
Understand your report classification and the next steps for repairs.
Who Does What: Contractor, QEWI or Engineer?
Learn who inspects, who files and who completes repairs.
Co-op and Condo Board Facade Guide
Plan your facade project from report review to closeout.
FISP Changes Proposed for 2030
Explore proposed changes and what building owners should know.
Brooklyn Buildings We Work On
Pre-war masonry
Apartment blocks and co-ops in Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bay Ridge and Kensington often feature aging brickwork, steel lintels and traditional parapets. Common concerns include open mortar joints, corrosion-related cracking and water entry around openings.
Brownstones and landmark districts
Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Fort Greene and Bedford-Stuyvesant contain historic architecture with distinctive masonry and decorative elements. Replacement materials and visible alterations may require review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
Waterfront towers
Properties in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn may face wind-driven rain, difficult access and complex exterior assemblies. High-rise work requires careful planning around equipment, pedestrian protection, sequencing and the coordination of different trades.
Industrial lofts
Converted warehouses and factory properties in Gowanus, Bushwick, Sunset Park and nearby waterfront areas may contain heavy masonry, older steel components and distinctive architectural details. We assess the specified defects and plan the necessary work around the existing structure.
- General questions
Questions Brooklyn Owners Ask
What does Local Law 11 mean for property owners?
It refers to the city’s exterior-wall inspection requirements commonly associated with FISP. Covered properties generally require a qualified professional to inspect them every five years and submit a technical report to DOB.
Does my property need to comply?
Generally, buildings taller than six stories are subject to the program, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions. Check the city’s filing map and property records to confirm your status.
When is my report due?
Cycle 10 has three sub-cycles, with filing deadlines determined by the last digit of the tax block number. The table above provides the standard deadlines. Verify your specific filing record with DOB.
Do you perform the inspection?
No. The inspection and technical filing must be handled by a properly qualified QEWI, who is a qualifying New York State licensed professional engineer or registered architect. We undertake the construction work identified in the report and coordinate with that professional.
How much will the work cost?
There is no universal price. Costs depend on the defects, materials, quantities, height, access equipment, protection measures and permit requirements. Send us the report so we can assess the scope and prepare a written estimate.
How soon can construction begin?
Timing depends on the scope, site access, permits, material availability and any required preservation approvals. Urgent conditions may require immediate protective measures. We discuss the anticipated schedule after reviewing the available project information.
Can you help get a sidewalk shed removed?
We plan construction with the goal of completing the necessary work and progressing towards removal. The shed cannot automatically come down when the physical work ends; required inspections, permit sign-offs and regulatory approvals must also be addressed.
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