What are the important to remember for FISP Inspection report?
1. If the façade was classified as Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) in the previous cycle, you must complete all necessary repairs by the next cycle or by the time specified on the FISP Report. If repairs are not made, the condition of the façade must be classified as Unsafe.
Repair must be made, even if the defects seem relatively minor: to not need a maintenance program and have not worsened or exposed issues that require legalization.
2. Window are conditioner units cannot be classified as SWARMP status. They can only be classified as either Safe or Unsafe
3. Using terms such as immediately or ASAP indicate unsafe conditions that must be addressed within a year; and thus, the façade cannot be classified as Safe or SWARMP.
Filing a FISP Report UNSAFE on tie to correct unsafe conditions
If your report id filed UNSAFE for Cycle 7 and you meet all the qualifications, the Department of Buildings will grant two extensions: an initial extension of 90 days and an additional 9-month extension to complete the repairs and file an acceptable amended report. If an unsafe report is was filed under the Alternative Filing Program (deadline is February 20, 2013), you have 45 days after filing your FISP technical report to correct the conditions or submit a request for an extension of time. Extension on time requests will not exceed a period of 90 days.
Having Several Attached Buildings on a Tax Lot, how do I file my report?
File one report for each Building. Each Building should have a separate Building Identification Number (BIN)
Buildings With Fewer Than Six Stories, Do I have those facades inspected as well as those that are above six stories?
If the Building has a Certificate of Occupancy that list more than 6 stories, all Facades must be inspected. You should also review Technical Policy and Procedure Notice (TPPN) #5/99 (LL11/98- Building Façade Inspection Requirement: Specifics- Requirements).
Filling Initial and Extension Reports.
The department of Buildings allow one licensed professional (PE/RA) to file initial reports and another licensed professional to file extension of times requests and/or amend reports, however, each professional retained by the owner remains responsible for documents submitted under their seal.
Submitting a Notification of Unsafe Conditions.
If you submit a notification of unsafe conditions and/or an unsafe report and you want to resolve a disagreement between the owner and the Department of Buildings about the adequacy and the extend of safety measure, including sidewalk sheds, request a “reconsideration” of the safety plan from the borough office where the property is located. Sidewalk shed permits are obtained directly from the borough office. For facades request a review of the scope of safety measures from the Façade Unit upon submission of Initial Extension of Time request.
When an Unsafe Report is Filed.
When an unsafe report is filed, the Department of Buildings issue DOB violation to track the building repair status. If after 45 days of filing the report, no acceptable amended report is submitted or extension of time is requested to correct the conditions, an ECB violation if there is no compliance. Fines are imposed by the ECB court, not the Department of Building.
Can I use a fire escape for the required close-up inspection?
Yes, you can use the fire escape when it is on the street front. Other methods such as suspended scaffolding, pipe frames, balconies, cherry pickers or other platform configurations may be used as per Rule §32-03 (b) (2) (iv).
My building is now undergoing repairs for Cycle 7 SWARMP conditions that will not be completed before the Cycle 8 deadlines. How should I file?
The law states be filed as a Cycle 7 SWARMP condition is not corrected by the Cycle 8 filing period; the report must be filed as a Cycle 8 “Unsafe” report. If you qualify, you should take advantage of the Alternative Filing Program, which offers two extensions of time request (an initial 90-day period and an additional 9-month period) to complete the repairs and file an acceptable Amended Report.
Do I have to check the “unsafe” box if my Cycle 7 SMARMP conditions were cosmetic and there are no safe conditions on the building or can I check the SWARMP box again?
You must file the report as “unsafe” You may indicate in the body of the report that there are NO UNSAFE CONDITIONS. If the report is not filed as unsafe, it will be rejected and you will have to resubmit it.
If I completed all of the noted defects from my Cycle 6 precautionary report and the Cycle 7 SWARMP report also indicates that repairs were made from the Cycle 6, can I enter the alternative filing program?
No, Building that filed a “Precautionary” status in in Cycle 6 are not eligible for program.
Would an Unsafe Status Affect my Insurance?
That will depend on your insurance policy stipulations. You should review this with your insurance carrier or attorney.
Does the Department of Buildings have any guidelines for the installation of air-conditions units (A/C)?
RCNY §32-03 (b)(3)(ii)(G) addresses appurtenances. Window A/C units shall be installed in a safe, secure and stable manner as determined by the inspecting licensed profesional (PE/RA). The Department does not endorse any particular method, product or contractor. Also, there are tips on the Department’s website that owners and licensed professionals may review for proper installation of window air-conditioner units.
Can I use a fire escape for the required close-up inspection?
Yes, you can use the fire escape when it is on the street front. Other methods as suspended scaffolding, pipe frames, balconies, cherry pickers or “other platform configurations” may be used as per Rule §32-03 (b) (iv).
My building is now undergoing repairs for Cycle 7 SWARMP conditions that will not be completed before the Cycle 8 deadlines. How should I file?
The law states that if any Cycle 7 SWEMP condition is not corrected by the Cycle 8 filing period, the report must be filed as a Cycle 8 “Unsafe” report. If you qualify request (an initial 90-day period and an additional 9-month period) to complete the repairs and file an acceptable Amended Report.
Do I have to check the “unsafe” box if my Cycle 7 SWARMP conditions were cosmetic and there are no safe conditions on the building or can I check the SWARMP box again?
You must file the report as “unsafe.” You may indicate in the body of the report that there are NO UNSAFE CONDITIONS. If the report is not filed as unsafe, it will be rejected and will have to resubmit it.
If I completed all of the noted defects from my Cycle 6 precautionary report and the Cycle 7 SWARMP report also indicates that repairs were made from the Cycle 6, can I enter the alternative filing program?
No, Buildings that filed a “Precautionary” status in Cycle 6 are not eligible for the program.
Would an Unsafe Status Affect my insurance?
That will depend on your insurance policy stipulations. You should review this with your insurance carrier or attorney.
Does the Department of Buildings have any guideline for installation of air-conditioner units (A/C)?
RCNY § 32-03 (b)(3)(ii)(G) addresses. Window A/C units shall be installed in a safe, secure and stable manner as determined by the inspecting licensed professional (PE/RA). The Department does not endorse any particular method, product or contractor. Also, there are tips on the Department’s website that owners and licensed professionals may review for proper installation of window are-conditioner units.
If my SWARMP building enter the alternative filing program, do I still have to do a “scaffold drop”?
Yes. You should comply with all of the report requirements as per RCNY §32-03 when preparing your FISP.