Facade

LL126

Local Law 126 — Annual Parapet Inspection

Local Law 126 requires annual inspections of parapets that face a public right-of-way. Enacted to address the risk of loose or deteriorating parapet masonry falling onto sidewalks and streets, the law mandates that building owners file a report each year confirming the parapet is in safe condition or that repairs are underway.

Who is covered

Any building with a parapet (a low wall along the edge of a roof) that fronts a public right-of-way — including streets, sidewalks, and publicly accessible plazas. This applies across all five boroughs.

What the law requires

  • Conduct a visual inspection of all parapets facing public rights-of-way annually.
  • Engage a licensed professional engineer or registered architect to file a condition report with DOB.
  • If unsafe conditions are found, install protective measures immediately and begin repairs.

Filing frequency and deadlines

Penalty structure

Non-compliance with LL126 can result in the following penalties:

  • DOB civil penalties for failing to inspect or file.
  • Immediate obligation to install sidewalk protection for unsafe conditions, at the owner's expense.
  • Potential DOB emergency declaration and forced remediation.

Exemptions

  • Detached one- and two-family residential buildings are exempt.

Recent updates and amendments

LL126 consolidated the parapet inspection requirement that was previously embedded in broader facade rules. Filing is now tracked as a standalone obligation in DOB systems.

Reference

NYC Admin Code § 28-302.5NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)

Official source: NYC DOB — Facade Safety

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