New York City Department of Building has introduced an amendment memo to rule RCNY 103-04, which specifically request that the balcony railing and connections be checked for the structural soundness. Each balcony and railing in the building should be inspected.
During these inspections, each railing will be visually inspected for broken or missing components, defective components, connections and any damaged or missing mechanical connection to the balcony slab and building façade. During the course of the critical examination to the balcony slab and building façade. During the course of the critical examination, photographs will be taken and/or sketches made to property document the location of all conditions observed that are either UNSAFE or SWARMP.
If the balcony railings and their connections were not specifically checked, the owner must have all these items evaluated, and the Cycle 7 reports supplemented with an affidavit from the owners Cycle 7 FISP consultant. Defective balcony railings or connections may govern the status of the façade and may require a change in status from that reported in the initial report.
This supplemental report shall be crafted according to the amended rule 103.04 (b)
(3). Item G: Appurtenances
For Cycle 7 reports already submitted, if there is no change to FISP status, the Cycle 7 report stands a submitted. If the observations reveal that the balconies, handrails or connections are UNSAFE, then a FISP 3 Unsafe Notification must be submitted, along with ownership letter stating the balconies have been VACATED and made safe, and access to these areas secured with locks etc., and or, sheds installed or the likes. A SUBSEQUENT report mut be submitted shortly thereafter (not exceeding 2 weeks). Resubmission fee $100.
