Parapets are defined in the rule as “the part of any wall entirely above the roof line.” These rules specify requirements for the observation (inspection) process, and resulting report. In general:
- Owners are required to hire qualified professionals or “another person capable of identifying hazards” to inspect and identify any dangerous conditions
- Potential inspectors are listed (but not limited to) “a bricklayer, building superintendent, handyman, mason or a person in a similar construction-related trade, architect, engineer,” or the above capable person
- Public protections must be installed upon finding an unsafe condition, and remain in place until said condition is corrected
- Per the rule summary, “The proposed parapet observation requirement would apply to all buildings fronting the right-of-way, regardless of height, except for detached 1- or 2-family homes”
- Another exception would be buildings with a “fence or other barrier preventing access to the exterior wall”
While reports must be made including specific details, the proposed rule notes that “Owners must maintain the observation reports for at least six (6) years and must make such reports available to the Department upon request.” No mention is made of submitting the reports to the DOB annually, or at any other frequency. Stay tuned for any updates here.
- More than 6 dwelling units, and must meet “at least” one of the below criteria:
- Buildings having at least one complaint on record with HPD for self-closing doors within 3 years prior to selection
- Buildings with more than five heat complaints on record with the Department in each of the three heat seasons prior to selection
- Buildings with at least one fire-safety related violation issued by the Department of Buildings within the three years prior to selection
- Buildings that have failed to file an annual boiler report with the Department of Buildings, where applicable, within the three years prior to selection
