DON'T FALL BEHIND ON IMPORTANT DEADLINES |
We've highlighted several of the upcoming compliance deadlines that you don’t want to miss. As always, we’re here to assist with any of the inspections or compliance-related services you may need. |
Local Law 95, Building Energy Efficiency Grade |
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| Local Law 95 requires NYC buildings to display energy efficiency scores and grades that annually benchmark their energy and water consumption.
The letter grade must be displayed near a public entrance by October 31 of each year. The labels are available in the DOB NOW Public Portal annually on October 1. Failure to display will result in a violation from the DOB and an annual fine. To read more about the Climate Mobilization Act, continue reading. |
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Local Law 77 of 2015, Cooling Towers |
Local Law 77 of 2015 requires the registration of cooling towers, fluid coolers and evaporative condensers with the Department of Buildings (DOB). This law enables the City to track where this equipment is located and how it is maintained.
The owner or operator of a cooling tower shall file a certification by November 1 of each year that the cooling tower was inspected, tested, cleaned and disinfected (in compliance with section 17-194.1 of the administrative code and the rules of the department of health and mental hygiene), and that a maintenance program and plan has been developed and implemented. A failure to do so can result in enforcement action by the Department including the issuance of violations with associated monetary penalties.
Read more about Cooling Tower Information & Registration here. For specific requirements under Local Law 77 of 2015, continue reading here. |
Local Law 37 of 2008, Retaining Walls |
A retaining wall is a wall that resists lateral pressures and limits lateral displacement caused by soil, rock, water or other materials. Retaining walls which are 10 feet high or greater and face a public right-of-way are subject to the DOB Retaining Wall Inspection Requirements. The retaining wall inspection and submission must be performed by a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI) every five years. The law established one year filing windows for each of the five boroughs of New York City, as follows:
For retaining walls in the Bronx: Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019
For retaining walls in Manhattan: Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020
For retaining walls in Staten Island: Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 For retaining walls in Queens: Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022
For retaining walls in Brooklyn: Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023
Read more about the required Retaining Wall Inspections here. |
Facade Inspections in Jersey City |
Jersey City recently mandated facade and structural inspections for qualifying buildings. The requirements mirror that of the Local Law 11/98 (FISP) rules established by the NYC DOB to keep buildings, and the residents that live within them, safe. |
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FACADE & MASONRY Buildings 6 stories or more, or 4 stories or more for masonry facade The initial inspection must be completed by December 31, 2023, and repeated every five (5) years thereafter. The inspection must include all exterior walls and appurtenances. Inspections must be completed by a qualified Professional Engineer or Registered Architect. |
| CONCRETE BUILDINGS
The structural inspection must include all foundations, balconies, structural members, and waterproofing systems.
The initial inspection must be completed by December 31, 2022, and must be completed every ten (10) years thereafter. Inspections must be completed by a qualified Professional Engineer or Registered Architect. |
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Read the new ordinance, ORD. 21-054, which amends Chapter 254 (Property Maintenance) and Chapter 160 (Fees and Charges) of the Code of City of Jersey City for the inspection requirements summarized above. |
Gas piping systems in all buildings, except for one and two-family homes, and other buildings classified in Occupancy Group R-3, must be inspected by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP), or a qualified individual working for an LMP. Gas piping systems must be inspected at least once every four years according to the schedule below. For Community Districts 1, 3, 10: Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020
For Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13, 18: Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 For Community Districts 4, 6, 8, 9, 16: Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 For Community Districts 11, 12, 14, 15, 17: Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 Read more about Periodic Gas Piping System Inspections here. For specific requirements under Local Law 152 of 2016, continue reading here. |
Local Law 11 of 1998 (FISP) |
As a courtesy reminder to Owners and Managers of any buildings 6+ stories with a building block # ending in 0, 7 or 8….
The deadline to file your 9th Cycle Local Law 11/98 (FISP) Facade Report is here! |
The deadline for all Sub-Cycle B buildings is February 21, 2023. Your inspection must be completed and a report filed with the DOB by this date to avoid any fines or penalties, which have increased significantly since the last cycle. |
Local Law 126 of 2021, Periodic Condition Assessments of Parking Garages |
Local Law 126 of 2021 requires owners of parking structures to hire a NYS licensed and registered Professional Engineer to inspect the structure at least once every six years and file a report with the DOB documenting the results of the inspection.
Included in this law are buildings, or portions of a building, used for parking or storing motor vehicles, including space inside or under a building, as well as open parking garages and enclosed parking garages as defined in the NYC Building Code. DEADLINES Manhattan Community Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7: January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023 Manhattan Community Districts 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and Brooklyn: January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025 Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island Community Districts: January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027 |
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REQUIREMENTS Inspections must be conducted by a NYS registered Professional Engineer (PE) every six (6) years by Sub-cycles. Annual observations should be completed between assessments and do not require a PE. Keep records of both assessments and annual observations.
Filing fees, fines and penalties can be found here. |
| CLASSIFICATIONS
Safe Unsafe (If Unsafe, the DOB will be notified immediately and protection installed, followed by repairs.) Safe with Repair and/or Engineering Monitoring (A follow-up inspection will be required within a three year period.) |
| EXCEPTIONS (Not required to comply) Autobody and automotive repair shops, automotive showrooms, and automotive service stations. Garages with occupancy of fewer than three cars. Unenclosed, unattached outdoor parking lots. Private garages serving one- and two-family homes. |
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Annual Parapet Wall Inspections |
The NYC Department of Buildings adopted a new Rule (Section 28-301.1.1 of the NYC Administrative Code added by Local Law 126 of 2021) requiring that all buildings, regardless of height, must have an annual inspection of their public right-of-way facing parapets. The rule went into effect on September 28, 2023, and compliance requirements begin January 1, 2024.
The annual parapet inspection must be performed by a qualified professional or person competent to inspect parapets, such as an Engineer, Architect, or NYS-authorized building inspector. A close-up inspection of the entire parapet must be performed and identify items such as overall plumbness, excessive deterioration, and a determination that appurtenances have been installed and maintained in a stable condition.
A report must then be prepared to indicate whether any unsafe conditions were found and identify actions necessary to remedy the unsafe conditions. If unsafe or hazardous conditions are found, the DOB must be notified immediately, a sidewalk shed must be erected, and repairs must be completed within 90 days.
Read the official Rule here. |
December 31, 2024 - Senate Bill 4D, Florida |
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Senate Bill 4D requires milestone inspections of condominium buildings three stories or greater and located within three miles of the coast when they reach 25 years of age, and of buildings located more than three miles from the coast when they reach 30 years of age. The first inspection must be completed by December 31, 2024. Buildings will be required to have an inspection every 10 years thereafter with inspection records to be made available to buyers, renters, and unit owners.
For additional information, please read the bill in its entirety.
Our FL team has performed hundreds of inspections to confirm safe building conditions and are available to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us at (954) 691-0009. |
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How can we help you?
We are currently helping several of our clients get their buildings in shape, coordinating inspections and testing, leak investigations, façade and roofing restoration projects. All projects are managed efficiently by our team from beginning to end and are designed to provide sustainable, cost-effective results. We believe in providing our clients with the quality service they deserve. We would be happy to do the same for you.
Call us today at (718) 767-0923.
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About Us
Established in 1986, Merritt Engineering has become a leading Engineering firm specializing in Building Restoration and Structural Design. We have extensive experience in Façade Restorations, Roofing & Waterproofing, Historic/Landmark Preservation, Design/Rehabilitations and Construction Administration.
For over 30 years, we have delivered customized, practical and cost-effective engineering solutions to properties throughout the United States including commercial, residential, healthcare, government and educational facilities. Today, Merritt continues to build a strong reputation through its commitment to preserving and enhancing our city’s skyline.
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