Local Law 126 Parapet Inspections: The Complete NYC Guide for 2026

What Is Local Law 126?

Local Law 126 of 2021 is a New York City law that requires building owners to have their parapets inspected every year.

The law went into effect on January 1, 2024. Since then, every building with a parapet wall that faces a public street, sidewalk, alley, or any public right-of-way has been required to get an annual inspection and keep a written report on file.

Before Local Law 126, only taller buildings fell under facade inspection rules through the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP, also known as Local Law 11). That left thousands of low-rise and mid-rise buildings with no parapet inspection requirement at all.

The result? Deteriorating parapets that nobody was checking. Falling masonry. Crumbling mortar. Loose coping stones dropping onto sidewalks below.

Local Law 126 was the city's direct response. It closed that gap by extending parapet inspection requirements to buildings of all heights, not just the tall ones.

Which Buildings Need Annual Parapet Inspections?

The scope of Local Law 126 is broader than most building owners realize.

The law applies to any building in NYC that has a parapet wall fronting a public street, sidewalk, alley, or public right-of-way. That includes:

• Residential buildings (co-ops, condos, rentals)
• Commercial properties (offices, retail, mixed-use)
• Industrial buildings
• Low-rise buildings (even 2 or 3 stories)
• Mid-rise buildings
• High-rise buildings

There is a common misconception that only buildings over six stories need to comply. That is not accurate. Local Law 126 has no minimum height requirement. If your building has a parapet that faces a public area, it falls under this law regardless of how many stories it has.

Exemptions

Only two types of buildings are exempt:

• Fully detached one- and two-family homes. The building must be completely detached on all sides. Semi-attached or row-style one- and two-family homes still need inspections.
• Buildings with a continuous barrier. If a fence or barrier prevents public access to the exterior wall, and the perpendicular distance from the parapet to the barrier is at least half the height of the wall (measured from grade to the top of the parapet), the building qualifies for this exemption.

Everyone else? You need an annual parapet inspection.

What Exactly Is a Parapet?

For the purposes of Local Law 126, a parapet is the part of any wall that extends entirely above the roof line. That definition is intentionally broad. There is no minimum height. A parapet that rises just a few inches above the roofline still counts.

The inspection requirement also covers parapet appurtenances, which are any elements attached to or part of the parapet structure. This includes:

• Coping stones and cap pieces along the top of the parapet
• Guardrails or railings mounted on or near the parapet
• Antennas, signage, or fixtures attached to the parapet
• Cornices that are connected to the parapet wall
• Metal flashings and counter-flashings

One clarification: standalone cornices that are not attached to a parapet are not covered under Local Law 126. But if a cornice sits on or connects to a parapet, both the cornice and the parapet must be inspected.

What Does a Parapet Inspection Cover?

A Local Law 126 parapet inspection is a visual observation of the parapet's condition. The inspector examines the structure for signs of deterioration, instability, or anything that could pose a safety risk to people below.

Structural Elements Under Review

The inspection must assess:

• Parapet walls: Overall structural integrity, plumb alignment, and secure attachment to the building
• Coping stones: Condition, stability, and whether they are firmly anchored
• Masonry: Mortar joint condition, brick integrity, spalling, and signs of water damage
• Appurtenances: Stability of railings, fixtures, antennas, and any other elements mounted on the parapet

Common Defects Inspectors Look For

• Leaning or out-of-plumb sections (anything more than 1/8 of the wall's thickness is a red flag)
• Cracked, loose, or missing masonry units
• Deteriorated or eroded mortar joints
• Loose or displaced coping stones
• Spalling concrete or brick
• Corrosion on metal elements (flashings, railings, embedded steel)
• Wood rot on any timber components
• Signs of water infiltration at the parapet-roof junction
• Vegetation growth in mortar joints (a sign of long-term neglect)

If any of these sound familiar, you may want to read about signs your building needs immediate parapet repairs for a closer look at warning indicators.

Who Can Perform Parapet Inspections?

This is one area where Local Law 126 differs significantly from FISP (Local Law 11).

FISP inspections must be conducted by a licensed professional engineer (PE) or registered architect (RA). Local Law 126 has a lower threshold. The law requires a "person with relevant construction knowledge," which the DOB has interpreted to include:

• Licensed professional engineers
• Registered architects
• Building superintendents with construction experience
• Masons or bricklayers
• Licensed building inspectors
• Insurance inspectors

While the law allows non-licensed individuals to perform the observation, the person doing the inspection should have genuine experience identifying parapet hazards. A super who can spot a cracked mortar joint may qualify. A random employee with no construction background does not.

For building owners who want maximum protection (both legal and practical), hiring a licensed engineer or architect is the safest route. A licensed professional's report carries more weight if your building is ever audited by the DOB, and they are far more likely to catch problems that a less experienced observer might miss.

The Parapet Inspection Process: Step by Step

Not sure what to expect? Here is a walkthrough of the typical process. For a broader look at DOB inspections, see what to expect during a NYC DOB building inspection.

Before the Inspection

• Arrange roof access for the inspector. Make sure all access doors, hatches, and ladders are unlocked and in working condition.
• Gather any previous inspection reports. If this is not your first year, the inspector will want to compare current conditions to past findings.
• Clear the roof area around the parapets. Remove any items blocking access to the parapet walls.
• Note any known issues. If you are aware of cracks, leaks, or recent repairs, let the inspector know upfront.

During the Inspection

The inspector will walk the full perimeter of the roof, visually examining every parapet wall that faces a public area. They will:

• Check each wall section for structural soundness, alignment, and visible deterioration
• Inspect coping stones and cap pieces for stability
• Examine mortar joints for erosion, cracking, or gaps
• Look at all appurtenances (railings, antennas, signs) for secure attachment
• Take dated photographs documenting the condition of each parapet section
• Identify any conditions that qualify as unsafe

A straightforward inspection on a typical building takes anywhere from one to three hours, depending on the building's size and the number of parapet sections.

After the Inspection

The inspector prepares a written report documenting their findings. This report stays with you. You do not need to file it with the DOB, but you must be able to produce it on demand if the DOB requests it.

If the inspector finds unsafe conditions, there are immediate notification and remediation requirements (covered in detail below).

Parapet Inspection Report Requirements

Your inspection report is the proof of compliance. If the DOB asks for it and you cannot produce it, that alone triggers a violation. Here is what the report must contain:

Report Classifications: Safe, SWARMP, and Unsafe

Every parapet observation report must classify each section into one of three categories:

Retention requirement: All parapet inspection reports must be kept on file for a minimum of six years.

What Happens If Your Parapet Is Found Unsafe?

An unsafe finding sets off a specific chain of required actions, and the timeline is tight.

If the building is also subject to FISP (Local Law 11), an Unsafe Notification (FISP3) must be filed through DOB NOW Safety in addition to the parapet notification.

This is not a situation where you can take a wait-and-see approach. The DOB tracks unsafe notifications, and failing to remediate within the 90-day window can lead to escalating violations and penalties.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The financial consequences of ignoring Local Law 126 are straightforward:

And that is just the direct penalty. The bigger risks include:

• DOB violations on your building's record, which can complicate property sales, refinancing, and insurance renewals
• Personal liability exposure if a deteriorating parapet injures someone. Without a current inspection report, you lose one of your strongest defenses in a lawsuit.
• Emergency repair orders from the city if conditions are found to be hazardous during a DOB audit, often at significantly higher costs than planned repairs would have been

Compare that to the cost of a routine inspection (typically a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on building size), and the math is clear.

Local Law 126 vs. FISP (Local Law 11): What Is the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion for NYC building owners, so let's break it down.

Local Law 11 / FISP applies to buildings that are greater than six stories. It requires a full facade inspection every five years, performed by a licensed PE or RA, with reports filed directly to the DOB.

Local Law 126 applies to buildings of any height with parapets facing the public right-of-way. It requires an annual parapet observation, can be done by a broader range of qualified individuals, and reports are kept on-site (not filed with DOB).

Key overlap: If your building is already subject to FISP and your FISP report includes a thorough assessment of the parapets, that report can satisfy the Local Law 126 requirement for that year. But the FISP report must specifically cover the parapet details outlined in LL126's reporting requirements.

If your building is under six stories with parapets, Local Law 126 is likely your only facade-related obligation. These are the buildings that had no inspection requirement before 2024, which is exactly the gap this law was designed to fill. For more on what the full facade inspection involves, check out the facade inspection process explained.

2026 Compliance Timeline and Deadlines

If you are reading this in 2026, here is what your calendar should look like:

How Much Does a Parapet Inspection Cost in NYC?

Costs vary depending on building size, complexity, and who you hire. Here are the general ranges based on current NYC market rates:

• Small buildings (1 to 3 stories, single parapet run): $300 to $600
• Mid-size buildings (4 to 6 stories, multiple parapets): $500 to $1,200
• Larger buildings (7+ stories, extensive parapets): $1,000 to $2,500+

Factors that affect pricing:

• Building height and number of parapet sections
• Roof access difficulty (walk-up vs. elevator, hatch conditions)
• Number of appurtenances that need assessment
• Whether you hire a licensed PE/RA vs. another qualified person
• Urgency (rush jobs in Q4 often cost more)
• Whether the report includes repair recommendations beyond the basic observation

When you compare these numbers to the $1,250 minimum fine (plus the liability exposure of having no report on file), getting the inspection done is one of the most straightforward compliance investments you can make.

How to Prepare Your Building for a Parapet Inspection

A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth inspection and a clean report.

• Confirm roof access. The inspector needs to walk the full perimeter. Make sure access doors, hatches, and ladders are functional and unlocked on inspection day.
• Pull your previous report. If you had an inspection in 2024 or 2025, have that report available. The inspector will want to compare year-over-year conditions.
• Clear the perimeter. Move any equipment, storage, or debris away from the parapet walls so the inspector has an unobstructed view.
• Document known issues. If you are aware of cracks, water stains, or areas where mortar has fallen out, note them for the inspector. It saves time and shows good faith maintenance.
• Address obvious hazards first. If there is loose masonry that looks like it could fall, do not wait for the inspection. Get it stabilized immediately.

Water infiltration at the parapet-roof junction is one of the most common causes of parapet deterioration. If you have noticed leaks near the top of exterior walls, mention this to your inspector.

Choosing the Right Parapet Inspection Company

Not all inspection companies deliver the same quality of work. Here is what to look for:

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do Next

If you own or manage a building in NYC with parapets, here is your action plan:

• Check your 2025 report status. If you do not have one, you are already behind. Get caught up before the DOB comes asking.
• Schedule your 2026 inspection early. Q2 is ideal. Do not wait for the Q4 rush.
• Choose a qualified inspection company with NYC experience and licensed professionals on staff.
• Keep your reports organized. Six years of records, easily accessible, both digital and physical copies.
• Address SWARMP and maintenance findings promptly. Small issues become expensive problems when left alone.