October 31st Deadline - Facade Amnesty Program
The current amnesty period for the Façade Inspection and Safety Program
(FISP) is now extended to October 31, 2020. The amnesty program is only
open to non-compliant Cycle 8 owners and will not be extended further.
For more guidance, please read the March 2020 Service Notice.
Beginning January 1, 2020, gas piping systems in all buildings, except for buildings classified in occupancy group R-3, must be inspected by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP), or a qualified individual working under the direct and continuing supervision of a LMP, at least once every four years according to the schedule set out in 1 RCNY §103-10.
Date Range for Inspection Buildings in Community Districts
1/1/2020 - 12/31/2020 1, 3 & 10 in all boroughs
1/1/2021 - 12/31/2021 2, 5, 7, 13, & 18 in all boroughs
1/1/2022 - 12/31/2022 4, 6, 8, 9, & 16 in all boroughs
1/1/2023 - 12/31/2023 11, 12, 14, 15, & 17 in all boroughs
(and no later than December 31 within every fourth calendar year thereafter)
For additional information, continue reading here.
As of August 5, 2020, DOB began denying initial work permits for multiple dwellings where the Department has issued a summons for submitting a false statement on a Plan/Work Application (PW1) regarding the occupancy status of the building (Section 26 of the PW1), or performing Work Without a Permit while the building was occupied. The one-year permit restriction will apply if the summons was issued on or after December 5, 2019 – the effective date of Local Law 114 of 2019. The restriction will remain in effect for one year from the issuance of the summons. However, the permit restriction can be removed before the one-year time frame if the summons is dismissed by OATH.
Read Local Law 114 of 2019 for more information.
REMINDER: Post Conditions Certificate in Lobby
The NYC DOB has begun issuing violations to buildings that have not yet posted their FISP Condition Certificate (façade status) in the building lobby or vestibule.
A recent email update from the DOB to all Qualified Exterior Wall Inspectors (QEWI) states the following: “As per RCNY 103-04 posting a Conditions Certificate is required currently in the lobby or vestibule of all FISP buildings indicating the most recent status of the building’s exterior walls and appurtenances, regardless of the date or Cycle of the last filing.”
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to retrieve your certificate. Please feel free to reach out to Merritt Engineering for further assistance.
- Log on to DOB NOW: Facade Safety Portal to view your dashboard.
- Next to the building address, click on “Select Action” under the “Actions” column on the main dashboard.
- Select “Print Wall Certificate” from the drop-down list.
Retaining Wall Filing Deadline Approaching for Manhattan
The Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued several violations to Building Owners and Managers in New York City for failure to file a Local Law 37 of 2008 report, which requires the inspection, maintenance and repair of retaining walls.
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
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.
To read more about the required Retaining Wall Inspections, click here.
Merritt Engineering Ownership Transition
Since 1986, Charlie Merritt, P.E. has been the Founder and Principal of Merritt Engineering. Over the last 34 years, he worked to build the thriving, reputable engineering company we are today. It is with a heavy heart to say goodbye to Charlie, who passed away on September 20, 2020. We will always remember and be grateful for what he built and the legacy he leaves behind.
The ownership at Merritt, prior to Charlie’s passing, was recently transitioned to three senior staff members, Mario Cirigliano, Christopher Krepcio, P.E., and Jennifer Merritt. They have humbly accepted this large role and responsibility to build upon the foundation Charlie established.
From the new ownership team and everyone at Merritt, we assure you that the quality level of service and fundamental values that we pride ourselves on will remain unchanged. We thank you all for your continued business and welcome any questions or suggestions you may have.
DOB COVID-19 Response Page
For essential and non-essential construction updates, including current and upcoming service changes, continue to check the DOB Covid-19 response page.
We wish you all the best during this time and hope everyone is staying safe. Should you need any assistance or have questions for our team regarding essential vs. non-essential work, please feel free to contact us. You can reach us at our main office line at (718) 767-0923 or by email at info@merrittengineering.com.
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.
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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