LOCAL LAW 11

What is Local Law 11?

New York City Local Law 10 of 1980 was enacted shortly after a piece of masonry fell from the façade of a building on Manhattan's upper west side, killing a pedestrian. The New York City Council, in an effort to minimize the chances of such accidents ever occurring again, amended the NYC Building Code*, mandating that owners of applicable buildings have their exterior walls and appurtenances periodically inspected by a licensed professional engineer or registered architect. A report based on this periodic "critical examination" must be filed with the Department of Buildings. The law applies to buildings with at least six stories above a basement.

Local Law 11 of 1998 modified Local Law 10 of 1980 by broadening the scope of required façade inspections and imposing more stringent requirements for repair of deteriorated conditions. Changes enacted under Local Law 11 governed the fifth inspection cycle, which commenced in 2000.

Local Law 11/1998 7th Cycle is Approaching...

Over time weathering of a building's façade takes its toll on its elements. The brick or stone and the mortar joints that hold them together may deteriorate. The steel lintels, shelf angles and fire escapes are subject to rusting. Copings and decorative details could fail and the list goes on. Unfortunately any of these building elements falling onto a pedestrian passing below on the sidewalk could be hazardous.

Critical Examination of Exterior Walls and Exterior Appurtenances pursuant to Local Law 11

These occurrences have happened and were responded to with the enactment of the New York City Local Law 10 in 1980. The law ensured that 7 story building facades would be periodically inspected on a five year cycle to assure their safety.

The law evolved into the New York City Local law 11 version in 1998 which requires that a licensed professional engineer or registered architect conduct a periodic critical examination of all exterior walls and appurtenances of all buildings over six stories high. This inspection must be followed up by a report to be submitted to the New York City Department of Buildings.

The next cycle number seven is upon us with new modifications which include staggering inspection cycles. This will make it easer for the Department of Buildings to process the approximately 12,500 inspection reports over a three year period.

The seventh cycle requires that buildings with block numbers ending in 4, 5, 6 or 9 are to have a report filed with the New York City Department of Buildings between February 21, 2010 and February 21, 2012. Buildings with block numbers ending in 0, 7 or 8 are required to have a report filed with the New York City Department of Buildings between February 21, 2011 and August 21, 2012. Buildings with block numbers ending in 1, 2 or 3 are required to have a report filed with the New York City Department of Buildings between February 21, 2012 and February 21, 2013.

Engineered Building Inspections, P.C. specializes in the practice of masonry restoration and waterproofing with a team of International Code Council Certified Structural Masonry Special Inspectors that are knowledgeable and experienced with all the nuances and technicalities to perform New York City Local Law 11 inspections and reports. EBI is a Qualified Wall Inspector as required by the Department of Buildings most recent mandate. And in addition they are able to administer the repair program if found to be necessary in an efficient, cost effective manner. This makes it easier for the building owner or manager to comply with the law and result in a safe sound watertight structure.

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Local Law 11 of 1998