When I review facade inspection findings with building owners, I pay close attention to the rating assigned to each condition. That classification affects how urgently you need to act, what protection may be required and how you should plan the work.

Under New York City's Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP), a report generally classifies a building's exterior wall conditions as Safe, Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP), or Unsafe. These ratings are not interchangeable. Understanding the difference helps you prioritise the right work instead of treating every defect as an ordinary maintenance item.

The Three Ratings

I recommend starting with the actual inspection report. It identifies the observed conditions, their classifications and the actions required for the particular building.

What to Do If Your Facade Is Unsafe

When an inspection identifies an immediate facade hazard, I would not wait for a routine board meeting or the next budget cycle before arranging the necessary protection. Contact your QEWI and appropriate contractors to establish the required actions.

1. Install Protection Immediately The priority is protecting pedestrians and other people who could be exposed to the hazard. Depending on the condition and site, measures may include a sidewalk shed, fencing, netting or another approved protective arrangement. The required setup depends on the location and nature of the hazard. Applicable permits and safety requirements must be confirmed before installation. A sidewalk shed may also require coordination around entrances, pedestrian routes, deliveries and neighbouring properties.
2. Repair Within 90 Days DOB generally requires identified Unsafe conditions to be corrected within 90 days of the initial report filing. The precise obligations and dates should be confirmed with your QEWI and the official filing record. I recommend obtaining a written scope of work as early as possible. It should identify the affected areas, proposed construction methods, access requirements and any approvals that may be needed. This helps the owner compare estimates without losing sight of the required completion date.
3. Amended Report Once all reported hazardous conditions have been corrected, the QEWI must complete the required follow-up filing. DOB's applicable procedure generally requires an amended report within two weeks after correction of all Unsafe conditions. Keep records of the completed work, including photographs, invoices and relevant contractor documentation. These records can help the QEWI verify the work and prepare the necessary submission. Confirm the exact filing deadline with the inspector and DOB.
4. Extension If Needed Some projects take longer than expected because of concealed damage, access limitations, material availability or approval requirements. If the required work and amended filing cannot be completed within 104 days of the initial report filing, an extension request may be necessary. I always tell owners to raise scheduling problems as soon as they become apparent. Ask your QEWI which extension process applies, what documentation is needed and when the request must be submitted. Do not assume an extension is automatic or that making a request removes existing safety obligations.

What to Do If Your Facade Is SWARMP

Practical Steps

A SWARMP finding allows the owner to organise work before the condition becomes hazardous. Here are the steps you can take:

• Confirm the projected date. Ask your QEWI to identify when the condition may become hazardous and clarify the applicable completion timeframe.
• Get estimates early. Give qualified contractors the relevant report sections, photographs and access information so they can assess the scope.
• Prioritise significant defects. Corroded lintels, deteriorating parapets and loose masonry may need early attention based on the inspector's findings.
• Keep a record. Save photographs, proposals, invoices, permits where applicable and completion records for the building's maintenance file.
• Coordinate with management. For co-ops and condos, establish who approves the budget, informs residents and arranges access.

For steel lintels showing corrosion or related masonry damage, review our lintel repair and replacement service. The appropriate method depends on the observed condition and the professional assessment.

Why SWARMP Shouldn't Wait

A condition labelled SWARMP is not a permanent permission to postpone work. It means the defect is considered safe at the time of inspection, with action required within the specified period.

If a previously reported condition remains uncorrected and is reported again at the next inspection, it is classified as Unsafe under the program's rules. That can trigger urgent protection measures, a compressed construction schedule and additional costs.

I encourage owners to use the report as a planning document, not something to file away until the next inspection cycle. Addressing defects in a planned manner can make budgeting and coordination more manageable.

Brooklyn Examples

Different building types can present different facade concerns. In older masonry properties in Park Slope, Crown Heights or Brooklyn Heights, common findings may include mortar loss, cracked masonry, deteriorated parapets and corrosion around embedded steel.

On waterfront towers in Williamsburg, balconies and exposed facade elements may face different combinations of weather exposure, water infiltration and material deterioration. Landmark status may add time where proposed exterior changes require review by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help Planning Facade Work?

I recommend acting as soon as an inspection identifies a defect that needs attention. Early planning gives owners more time to understand the scope, coordinate access, obtain estimates and arrange the required documentation.

Our team can discuss construction needs involving masonry, lintels and facade access. Share your inspection findings and building address through the contact page so we can discuss the next steps for your project.

Disclaimer: Regulatory information reviewed October 2026. DOB requirements and procedures may change. Confirm latest obligations and deadlines with NYC DOB and your QEWI before acting.