The mayor’s office just released information following their years-long facade study, including recommendations for ongoing FISP requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the announcements, and what they could mean for your buildings.
Study Recommendations Released
We finally have a list of recommendations following the FISP study commissioned by the city in 2024 and led by Thornton Tomasetti.
While more details on the study and its recommendations will be posted in the near future, there are key highlights:
- FISP frequency should be adjusted from once every five years to every six years
- Interestingly, this is the opposite of what’s happening to parking structures – currently once every six years, but adjusting to once every four years after the first cycle concludes
- Unsafe conditions will be clarified in greater detail
- Sidewalk sheds should only be required for “truly hazardous conditions”
- Lower-risk buildings should have “tailored requirements” and buildings with a history of chronic deterioration should have stricter standards
- FISP would no longer be “one size fits all” for every building, essentially
- More resources would be available for facade inspectors, and inspection guidelines and tools (possible drone usage, hands-on inspection requirements) would be explored and defined
What Does This Mean?
Immediately? Nothing. Cycle 10 FISP compliance should continue as usual (for now), unless and until the Department of Buildings announces otherwise.
While it’s never safe to assume, it’s likely that some of these recommendations may go into effect at the end of Cycle 10, in 2030. That said, we’ll have more clarity as soon as the DOB drafts rules for review. We’re still in the early stages of Cycle 10 (with 10B beginning this coming February), so anything is possible.
Like any city rules, the proposed rules here would go through the hearing and approvals process before they’re officially adopted and in place. Of course, we’ll keep you posted as updates happen here.
“Get Sheds Down” Updates
In addition to FISP recommendations, the city announced six new designs for sidewalk sheds. This release is part of the city’s “Get Sheds Down” initiative, which (according to the Mayor’s office) has helped reduce standing sheds 10% across all five boroughs. You can view all six designs here, in the Mayor’s press release.
More Enforcement Coming Soon
As previously announced (recap in our blog post here), more enforcement regarding sidewalk sheds and FISP will be going into effect in 2026, including:
- Public “Right of Way” penalties of up to $6,000 for sheds standing longer than 180 days
- Milestone penalties for owners of FISP buildings who miss key deadlines for repairs
- An expanding program for “Long Standing Shed[s],” targeting sheds in place for 3+ years with additional enforcement
On top of that, sidewalk shed permits will be reduced to 90 days (from previously issued yearlong timeframes), requiring quarterly renewals that include proof of repair progress.
We’ll be providing updates on the Blog as the DOB releases more information, so stay tuned. And if you missed this year’s RealFocus conference, check out our recap for more insights on FISP gray areas covered in our expert keynote panel.
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