Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP/Local Law 11/98) Cycle 8B

If you are a building manager or board member managing a New York City building, you might know the drill already. But, in case you don't, here's everything you need to know about the Facade Inspection Safety Program and how to prepare for it. 

Commonly known as Local Law 11/1998, this program requires owners of buildings greater than six stories to have their buildings' exterior walls and appurtenances inspected once every five years and file a technical report to the Department of Buildings (DOB). This report must be prepared and submitted by a licensed architect or engineer, also known as QEWI (Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector). 

The current inspection, Cycle 8, started on February 21st, 2015 and will run through February 21st, 2020. 

In order to avoid fines, building owners must be aware of the last digits of their building's block number and determine when their filing period begins. Cycle 8 is divided into three different sub-cycles: 

Sub-Cycle A, with last digit block numbers of 4, 5 ,6 or 9 must be filed between 2/21/2015 and 2/21/2017 

Sub-Cycle B, with last digit block numbers of 0, 7, or 8 must be filed between 2/21/2016 and 2/21/2018 

Sub-Cycle C, with last digit block numbers of 1, 2, or 3 must be filed between 2/21/2017 and 2/21/2019

As we have recently entered Sub-Cycle 8B, this is good time for building owners and property managers to reach out to FSI. Every year our firm assists numerous building owners with FISP.

If you have any questions and need a licensed architect to start your filing process, contact Tom Cimillo, our Director of Business Development, at tomc@fsi-architecture.com. 

Permits 101: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're a board member, property manager, superintendent or a tenant, chances are you've dealt with building permits before. Clients often call our offices, confused and frustrated, after getting violations. 

Hopefully this Q&A with some of the construction experts we work with will clear that up for you.

What Is a Permit and Why Do You Need One?

The  Department of Buildings (DOB) categorizes the primary building applications as follows:

• Construction of New Structures (NB) 
• Major Alterations that will change use, egress or occupancy (ALT1)
• Multiple types of work, not affecting use, egress or occupancy (ALT2)
• One type of minor work, not affecting use, egress or occupancy (ALT3)

To file for any one of these permits, a professional engineer or a registered architect must prepare construction drawings and submit the paperwork to the DOB. 

Who Can File for a Permit?

The only people who can actually file for a permit are licensed professionals, either a professional engineer (PE) or a registered architect (RA).

He or she will prepare construction drawings and submit applications. Its important to remind building owners that there are very limited cases in which a building owner can self-certify his or her own building permit.

What are the fees associated with a building permit?

The most truthful answer is: it depends. There are fees that must be paid to the DOB at the time of filing but there are also professional fees associated with preparing documents for filing. Costs will vary case by case however, it is pretty safe to say, that a client should be prepared to spend  minimum $2,000  between filing for violations or correcting one and professional fees involved. 

Can a permit be revoked? 

Yes. Building permits can be revoked at any time for any number of reasons. The most common reasons include either changing the scope of work during construction or if unsafe work conditions are discovered. If a permit is revoked, the client will have to file a correction with DOB which will result in additional filing and professional services fees. 

Contact our Director of Business Development, Tom Cimillo for additional questions.  

Tom Cimillo

Tel: 212.645.3775 EXT. 333

Email. tomc@fsi-architecture.com 

New Year's Resolution: Window Replacements

With the new year upon us, many co-op and condo tenants will start thinking about apartment renovations. In a city as loud as New York, window replacements are at the top of the list for apartment owners who want to limit noise disturbances.

An article published in The New York Times, The Red Tape of New Windows , answers many of the frequently asked questions FSI Architecture receives from current and prospective clients when it comes to rules and regulations of window replacements. 

Consider the following tips: 

• Determine whether renovations are your responsibility or the building's. Every condo/co-op is different. 
• If your building has been designated a landmark, plan accordingly as your proposed renovations are going to have to be approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Keep in mind, some projects are lengthier than others. 
• Think about your budget. Consider window prices as well as professional services fees and permit fees to come up with a realistic budget. 

We are happy to answer any questions you might have. Contact Tom Cimillo, our Director of Business Development at 212.645.3775 or via email tomc@fsi-architecture.com

FSI @ The Cooperator's CO-OP & CONDO APT EXPO 2016

We're excited to announce FSI Architecture will be exhibiting at The Cooperator's Co-op, Condo & Apt EXPO! 

The event will take place on Wednesday April 13th, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hilton New York on 53rd Street & Avenue of the Americas. 

If you're a board member, shareholder, property manager and/or apartment building owner this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about FSI and how our architectural and engineering services can help you manage your building. 

Visit our booth on the second floor! 

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Project Spotlight: 141 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

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We are excited to announce that our building renovation project at 141 Fifth Avenue is now in its final stages. 

This fourteen-story building designed by architect Robert Maynicke, located on the corner of 21st Street and Fifth Avenue, underwent facade restoration work including the replacement of damaged masonry and  deteriorated terra cotta ornamentation. 

FSI planned, designed and managed the project in collaboration with West New York Restoration

Take pictures and tag FSI Architecture on Instagram! #fsiarchitecture 

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