Starting January 1, 2024, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) began enforcing Local Law 126 (LL126), which requires annual parapet wall inspections for most buildings across New York City.
If your building has a parapet facing a public right-of-way, this rule applies to you.

At NYC Lead Inspections, we help property owners, managers, and boards stay compliant with this new law—offering thorough, DOB-aligned parapet inspections and clear, easy-to-read reports you can keep on file.

Who Is Affected

This rule applies to all NYC buildings, regardless of height, with parapets visible from or fronting a public right-of-way.

You are exempt only if:

• Your property is a detached 1- or 2-family home, or

• Your building has a continuous barrier preventing the public from approaching the exterior wall.

Important: Even if your wall is on private property, it’s considered part of the public right-of-way if the public can freely approach it.

In simple terms: if someone can walk up to your building’s wall from the sidewalk, your parapet must be inspected each year.

Who Can Perform the Inspection

The DOB allows inspections to be performed by qualified individuals capable of identifying hazards or deterioration. These may include:

• Building inspectors

• Engineers or architects

• Masons or bricklayers

• Superintendents or handymen experienced in exterior wall maintenance

• Inspectors from New York State-authorized insurance companies

At NYC Lead Inspections, our trained field team and licensed professionals perform LL126 inspections following DOB guidelines —documenting every condition and ensuring your report meets all compliance requirements.

What the Inspection Includes

Our parapet inspections include close-up visual and physical assessments of all parapet sections visible from the public right-of-way. Inspections can be performed via roof access, scaffold, or boom lift, depending on accessibility.

Each inspection covers:

• Plumb check: Verifying the parapet is vertically aligned within 1/8 of its cross-sectional thickness.

• Structural condition: Checking for cracks, displacement, loose or missing bricks, spalling, rot, or deteriorated mortar.

• Coping and flashing: Confirming coping stones, flashing, and waterproofing are intact.

• Appurtenances: Ensuring railings, antennas, ladders, and mounted signs are secure.

• Cornices: Cornices attached to a parapet wall are inspected; standalone cornices without a parapet behind them are exempt.

Every inspection includes high-resolution photos and condition notes tied to specific parapet locations.

How We Report Findings

Once your inspection is complete, NYC Lead Inspections will provide a Parapet Wall Observation Report containing:

• Building address and owner contact information

• Inspector name, affiliation, and contact details

• Date(s) of inspection

• Building plans showing parapet locations

• Construction details (height, thickness, material)

• Condition assessment (Safe / Safe with Maintenance / Unsafe)

• Recommended actions or repairs

• Photographs and notes documenting all observations

All reports are timestamped and stored for your records and are formatted for DOB review upon request.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Staying ahead of LL126 compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. Failure to conduct the annual parapet inspection or provide the report when requested can result in DOB violations and fines ranging from $1,250 to $10,000 per building.

These penalties are avoidable—NYC Lead Inspections ensures your inspection, documentation, and reporting are completed correctly and on time.

Conclusion

LL126 has made annual parapet wall inspections a critical part of property maintenance in New York City. These inspections aren’t just about compliance—they help identify structural issues early, protect public safety, and prevent costly emergency repairs. By understanding the new requirements and ensuring your building is inspected regularly, owners and managers can keep their properties safe, secure, and in good standing with the DOB. Proactive attention today helps avoid serious problems tomorrow.

Why Choose NYC Lead Inspections for LL126 Parapet Wall Inspections

• Fully Compliant LL126 Reporting – Our templates follow DOB’s exact inspection and documentation format.

• Fast Turnaround – Receive your report within 3–5 business days after inspection.

• Trained & Qualified Inspectors – We only assign certified professionals experienced with exterior wall systems.

• End-to-End Service – From scheduling to repair coordination, we handle every step.

Our team ensures your annual parapet inspections meet all DOB requirements, helping you avoid costly violations and keep your building safe for everyone.

Click here to schedule your Parapet Wall Inspection today and stay fully compliant.