Local Law 126 of 2021 · Admin Code 28-301.1
Parapet Inspections (Local Law 126)
Since 2024, nearly every NYC building with a parapet fronting the public right-of-way needs an annual parapet observation — every building, not just tall ones. No filing, but the report must be kept on file six years.
Who must comply
All buildings with parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height — except detached 1- and 2-family homes. This catches thousands of small buildings that never had facade obligations before.
Key deadlines
| Parapet observation | At least once each calendar year (by December 31) |
| Report retention | Keep on file 6 years; produce to DOB on request |
| Unsafe conditions found | Notify DOB immediately, install public protection, remedy within 90 days |
What it costs to miss
DOB violations under the construction code for failure to observe, failure to keep the report, or failure to act on unsafe conditions — plus full liability exposure if masonry falls.
What an observation involves
Unlike FISP, the observer does not need to be a licensed engineer — a person "competent to inspect parapets" (mason, architect, engineer, super with relevant experience) can perform it, and no report is filed with DOB. But the report must exist, be dated, cover displacement, cracking, deterioration and appurtenances, and be retained six years.
Because there is no filing, there is also no city reminder — this is the deadline owners silently miss until a DOB inspector asks for six years of reports they don’t have.
Knowing isn’t the hard part. Doing is.
Parcel adds the annual parapet observation to every covered building’s compliance calendar and reminds you each year — and the marketplace can match you with a qualified inspector.
Official source: DOB: Parapet Inspections
Current as of September 9, 2026 · last reviewed 2026-08-19. This guide is a summary for owners and managers, not legal advice.