top of page
Aerial view of building roof with various parapets

NYC Parapet Observation
(Local Law 126)

Call for free consultation!

718 230 9485

Annual Compliance made Simple. 

Fast. Affordable. Fully DOB-Compliant.

FLAT RATE: $399 per Building

Example of parapet
Example of parapets
Example of parapets on flat roof
Example of parapets on flat roof with decorative walls

PARAPET GUIDE

Parapet with wall with Appurtenances
Flat roof example with no parapet walls
Flat roof example with no parapet walls

A parapet is the portion of a wall that extends above the roofline. Parapets can be made of brick, stone, concrete, or metal, and often include coping stones or railings. Not every roof has a parapet—many flat or sloped roofs end at the roof edge without a wall above it. The images below show common examples of buildings with and without parapet structures.

Parapet with wall with Appurtenances
Building fascades with different types of parapets
Classic design building with parapets

SERVICE?

What We Do

Every Inspectly Parapet Observation includes:

Close-Up Condition Inspection


We visually inspect parapets and appurtenances for:

  • Displacement or bulging

  • Loose or missing bricks

  • Deteriorated or open mortar

  • Leaning or out-of-plumb conditions

  • Loose or missing coping stones

  • Water intrusion / spalling

  • Unstable railings, ladders, antennas, or signage

Full DOB-Compliant Report

Delivered within 24–48 hours, including:

  • Building information

  • Parapet construction details

  • Location plan

  • High-resolution photos

  • Description of conditions

  • Classification: Safe, Maintenance Required, or Unsafe

  • DOB-required documentation

Immediate Support for Unsafe Conditions

If a hazard exists and actions are required:

  • We notify the DOB as required (311 + email)

  • You receive guidance on public protection requirements

  • We assist with next steps

FAQ

WHAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW

Q: Do I really need a parapet observation?
A: If your building has any parapet facing a sidewalk, street, driveway, or public path, NYC requires an annual observation under Local Law 126. If the public can walk near your exterior wall, you must comply.

Q: Who is exempt from the requirement?
A: 1- and 2-family detached homes and buildings with fencing or barriers blocking access to exterior walls. Everyone else — residential, mixed-use, commercial, and community buildings — must comply.

Q: What happens if unsafe conditions are found?
A: NYC requires immediate action: Inspector must notify DOB (311 + email), owner must install public protection (shed, fencing, netting) and unsafe conditions must be corrected within 90 days.

Inspectly assists you with DOB notification at no extra cost.

Q: What does the report include?
A: The report will include high-resolution photos, Parapet condition documentation, DOB-required classifications, a location plan, construction details and unsafe condition documentation (if applicable). Reports are delivered within 24–48 hours, with a same-day option available.

Q: Do I have to file the report with the city?

A: No. You must keep it on file for 6 years and provide it only if DOB requests it.

Book your Parapet Observation

WHAT?

Do You Need a Parapet Observation?

If your building has any parapet facing a public sidewalk, street, driveway, or walkway,

NYC now requires an annual parapet observation under Local Law 126 / 1 RCNY §103-15.

You must comply if your building is:

  • A multifamily property

  • A mixed-use building

  • A commercial building

  • A co-op or condo building

  • A community or nonprofit building

  • Any structure where the public can walk near the exterior walls

Exempt: detached 1–2 family homes and buildings with barriers blocking access

to exterior walls.

NYC parapet regulation overview
bottom of page