NYC Local Law 126:

Parapet Inspections

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What is the Local Law 126 Parapet Inspection?

Local Law 126 requires qualifying New York City buildings to have their parapets inspected every year. A parapet is the portion of an exterior wall that extends above the roofline.

During the inspection, a qualified professional performs a close-up visual observation of the entire parapet. The inspector looks for conditions that could affect its stability or create a public safety risk, including:

  • Leaning or movement
  • Cracked or displaced masonry
  • Missing or loose bricks and coping stones
  • Deteriorated mortar joints
  • Spalling, rot, or other visible deterioration
  • Unstable railings, ladders, signs, telecommunications equipment, and other attachments

Afterward, the building owner receives a written report with the findings, parapet details, location information, and dated photographs. The report documents that the annual inspection was completed and identifies any conditions requiring attention.



When is it Due and Who is Required to File?

Local Law 126 parapet inspections must be completed once every calendar year by December 31.


The requirement generally applies to buildings of any height with a parapet facing a public right-of-way, such as a street, sidewalk, roadway, or other public place. This is broader than Local Law 11/FISP, which applies only to buildings greater than six stories.


Detached one- and two-family homes are exempt. Buildings may also be exempt when a fence or other barrier prevents public access to the exterior wall.


The inspection report is not routinely filed with the Department of Buildings. Instead, the owner must keep it for at least six years and provide it to DOB upon request.



If an unsafe condition is found, DOB must be notified immediately. The owner must install appropriate public protection and correct the condition within 90 days.

Parapet FAQs

Why Choose ReDocs?

NYC compliance already takes enough of your time. ReDocs keeps the process clear, organized, and moving—without making you chase inspectors or decipher another DOB requirement.

We coordinate the inspection, document the parapet’s condition, and provide the report you’re required to keep. If an issue is identified, we explain what was found and what needs to happen next in plain English.



With ReDocs, you get:

  • Easy scheduling with minimal disruption
  • A thorough inspection by a qualified professional
  • Dated photographs and clear documentation
  • A report that meets Local Law 126 requirements
  • Straightforward guidance if repairs are needed
  • Help managing inspections across multiple buildings

You manage the property. We’ll manage the compliance headache.

Local Law 126 Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is the parapet observation due?

    Inspections of parapets must be carried out and a report of the observations must be maintained on record by the end of each year, December 31.

  • What is a parapet?

    A parapet is the extension of a wall at the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, or other structure, which can be prone to deterioration over time due to weather, environmental factors, and wear and tear. This inspection focuses on evaluating the condition of these structures, identifying potential risks, and ensuring that they are properly maintained to prevent accidents and enhance the safety of all New Yorkers.


    Owners of parapets fronting the public right-of-way, regardless of height, are required to complete this inspection.

  • Who is exempt from the LL126 parapet requirement?

    Detached 1- or 2-family homes, and buildings with a fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall are not required to comply with the LL126 annual parapet observation.

  • Who is able to inspect my parapet?

    The annual inspection of parapets must be conducted by an individual with the necessary expertise to effectively evaluate their condition. Qualified individuals for this task encompass a wide range of professionals with relevant construction or inspection experience. This includes bricklayers, building superintendents, handymen, masons, or others in comparable construction trades. Additionally, architects, engineers, inspectors employed by insurance companies authorized in New York State, New York State-authorized building inspectors, or anyone else with the capacity to spot potential hazards on the parapet are deemed competent for this responsibility.


    ReDocs is well-positioned to oversee parapet inspections due to its comprehensive understanding of both the business of compliance and the operational aspects of real estate management. Our team is built on a foundation of trust, service, and accuracy, principles that are crucial when conducting any form of building inspection. 

  • What does the parapet report require?

    The inspection process should thoroughly assess several key aspects of the parapet's condition and safety. 


    The observation should verify the vertical alignment of the parapet, ensuring it deviates no more than one-eighth of its thickness horizontally at any point. 


    The evaluation must include checking for signs of significant wear or damage, such as misalignments, cracks (both horizontal and diagonal), the presence of any missing or unsecured bricks or coping stones, and any evidence of the mortar joints breaking down, like spalling or decay. Finally, the inspection must ensure that all fixtures and installations on the parapet — including telecommunications equipment, safety railings, routes for roof access, ladders, attachments for fire escapes, and signage — are securely in place and properly maintained to guarantee stability and safety.

  • What happens if you find unsafe conditions?

    The individual conducting the inspection is required to alert the Department of Buildings without delay. The property owner is obligated to swiftly implement measures to protect the public. This may include the installation of sidewalk sheds, fences, and safety netting or other necessary precautions to ensure public safety. Furthermore, the owner must address and rectify the identified unsafe condition. All hazardous conditions identified during the inspection must be corrected within a 90-day period following the initial notification to the Department. Measures taken to protect the public must remain in effect until the unsafe conditions have been fully resolved.

  • What does the report have to look like?

    The individual conducting the inspection, in collaboration with the building owner, must compile a report encompassing the following elements:


    -Identification details of the property, including the address and any supplementary addresses associated with the building.


    -Contact information for the building owner, which should include their name, postal address, and phone number. If the ownership falls under an entity rather than an individual, the report should specify the name, postal address, phone number, and the title or position of a key representative of that entity.


    -Information about the observer, detailing their name, postal and email addresses, phone number, their relationship to the building or owner, and the name of their business, where applicable.


    -The specific dates when the observation took place. 


    -A detailed layout indicating the locations of the parapets inspected.


    -A description of the parapet's construction, noting materials, height, and thickness.


    -Observations made during the inspection, including any unsafe conditions discovered and the steps taken to address them.


    -A record of any repairs or maintenance work performed on the parapet since the last report.


    -Photographs with dates that document the observed conditions.

  • What is the building owner required to do with this report?

    Building owners are mandated to keep these reports for a minimum duration of six years and must present them to the Department when requested.