New York City's Façade Inspection Safety Program (FISP) — commonly known as Local Law 11 — is one of the most consequential regulations affecting building owners in the five boroughs. Enacted after fatal incidents involving falling building materials, FISP requires every building taller than six stories to undergo a professional exterior inspection every five years.

The program is administered by the NYC Department of Buildings and classifies façade conditions into three categories: Safe, Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP), or Unsafe. Buildings found Unsafe must complete repairs within strict DOB timelines or face escalating violations, fines, and potential sidewalk shed requirements.

Understanding the FISP Cycle

NYC buildings are divided into sub-cycles based on their block and lot numbers. Each sub-cycle has specific filing deadlines that rotate on a five-year schedule. For building owners and property managers, understanding which FISP cycle your building falls under — and when your filing deadline is — is critical.

Missing a deadline doesn't just risk financial penalties; it can expose the building to significant liability if a façade failure injures someone on the street below. The DOB has progressively increased enforcement, and buildings with overdue FISP filings face compounding violations that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

What the Inspection Covers

A qualified exterior wall inspector (QEWI) — a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect — must examine all exterior walls, including:

The inspector must perform a hands-on examination of representative areas using close-up inspection methods — not just a visual survey from the ground. This is where scaffold access, rope access, or modern drone technology becomes essential.

How Panorama Restoration Manages the Full FISP Cycle

Panorama Restoration manages the entire FISP process from start to finish. Our approach integrates traditional expertise with advanced technology:

Initial Inspection: A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (a licensed PE or RA) conducts the hands-on inspection of all building elevations. Where it helps, we supplement the inspector's findings with high-resolution drone survey data that captures every square foot of the envelope, so the scope that follows is based on the whole building, not a sample.

Condition Reporting: We prepare comprehensive FISP condition reports with detailed documentation of all identified deficiencies, photo evidence, and repair recommendations. Our AI-powered documentation system ensures nothing is missed.

Repairs and Remediation: For buildings classified as SWARMP or Unsafe, we execute all required repairs — from minor repointing and sealant replacement to major masonry restoration and structural reinforcement. Every repair is documented and photographed.

DOB Filing and Close-Out: Upon completion, our AI close-out system compiles the full project record — inspection data, field reports, material certifications, test results, photos, and DOB filings — into a comprehensive, professionally formatted close-out package.

Is your building approaching its FISP deadline? Early action reduces cost, minimizes disruption to residents, and keeps your building in full compliance. Contact Panorama Restoration for a FISP strategy consultation.

Common FISP Pitfalls

Waiting Until the Last Minute

Many building owners delay FISP inspections until their deadline is imminent. This creates a rush that drives up costs and limits contractor availability. Starting 12–18 months before your filing deadline gives you time to plan, budget, and execute any required repairs without emergency pricing.

Choosing the Wrong Contractor

FISP compliance requires specific expertise in façade inspection, structural assessment, and DOB filing procedures. General contractors without FISP experience often miss critical deficiencies, submit incomplete reports, or fail to coordinate repairs efficiently. Choose a contractor with a demonstrated track record in FISP compliance, and have someone independent review their scope and proposal before you sign.

Ignoring SWARMP Conditions

A SWARMP classification is not a pass — it's a conditional status that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Buildings that neglect their SWARMP repair and maintenance program risk escalation to Unsafe status at the next inspection cycle, which triggers mandatory immediate repairs and potential sidewalk shed installation.

The Bottom Line

FISP compliance is not optional, and the consequences of non-compliance extend far beyond fines. Building owners who take a proactive approach — starting early, choosing the right contractor, and investing in thorough documentation — protect their property, their residents, and their bottom line.

Panorama Restoration brings licensed engineering expertise, drone-assisted survey data, and years of NYC façade project delivery to FISP advisory. Whether your building is heading into its first cycle or carrying an existing Unsafe condition, we help you plan the path, review the proposals, and hold the work to the report.