New Building Inspection Program on the Horizon for NYC Condos and Co-ops
New York City's condo and co-op boards should prepare for an additional building inspection program next year, as the city gears up to address its aging infrastructure. The New York City Council recently passed legislation mandating the Department of Buildings (DOB) to proactively inspect potentially hazardous structures, utilizing "predictive analysis" to assess a building's past violations, age, and other risk factors.
Set to begin in December, this new program is designed to identify buildings at risk of collapse, supplementing the existing inspections required every five years under Local Law 11. According to Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo, this initiative will be "transformative," enabling the department to proactively address structural issues and protect residents from dangerous conditions.
The legislation also outlines the creation of "corrective action plans" for buildings identified as hazardous, with the DOB conducting follow-up inspections to ensure compliance. Mayor Eric Adams is expected to sign the bill into law, following last year's incidents that highlighted the city's infrastructure vulnerabilities. One notable incident was the collapse of a Bronx building, which displaced residents, and the destruction of a Manhattan parking garage that resulted in a fatality.
In addition to this new initiative, other changes are coming to the DOB's inspection regime. Under Local Law 126, almost all buildings must have their parapets inspected this year. Furthermore, the ongoing study by engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti on Local Law 11—also known as the Façade Inspection & Safety Program—could lead to further refinements in the regulations. This study aims to review current practices and suggest improvements, ensuring that safety measures like sidewalk sheds are only used when necessary.
As the city continues to evolve its approach to building safety, these new measures and potential regulatory changes are expected to enhance the overall safety and integrity of New York City's buildings.
