On January 9, 2024, falling masonry from a Manhattan building seriously injured a pedestrian — the latest in a series of facade incidents that prompted New York City to begin FISP Cycle 10 on February 21, 2025, requiring every building over six stories to undergo a certified exterior wall inspection on a five-year cycle. NYC's programme is the most codified in North America, but equivalent facade inspection obligations exist under building codes across Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, and dozens of other municipalities — backed by liability exposure that extends to building owners, property managers, and their insurers. Managing facade inspection compliance across a high-rise portfolio is not simply a matter of scheduling a QEWI every five years. It requires continuous tracking of SWARMP conditions from the last cycle, contractor repair assignment and closeout documentation, annual parapet observations (new in 2024), digital evidence management across every elevation, and a compliance calendar that alerts the facilities team before deadlines become violations. OxMaint's compliance tracking module manages every stage of the facade inspection lifecycle — from pre-inspection asset setup through condition classification, repair work order assignment, contractor closeout, and filing deadline alerts — in one platform that produces audit-ready documentation for any municipal building department.
Compliance Tracking · Building Envelope · Facade Safety · FISP / Local Law 11
Facade Inspection Management for High-Rise Facilities
Zone-by-zone inspection checklists. Condition classification (Safe / SWARMP / Unsafe). Contractor repair tracking. Annual parapet observation records. Filing deadline alerts. Every requirement for facade compliance — scheduled, documented, and retrievable in one platform.
FISP Condition Classifications
SAFE
No hazard. No action required. File report with DOB within 60 days of inspection completion.
SWARMP
Safe With A Repair or Maintenance Programme. Conditions require repair before end of current cycle — must be tracked and closed.
UNSAFE
Immediate hazard. Emergency repair required. Sidewalk shed or other protective measures mandatory until remediated.
NYC FISP Cycle 10: Feb 21 2025 → Feb 21 2030 · Sub-cycles by block number
5 yrs
FISP inspection cycle — every building over 6 stories in NYC must file a certified exterior wall report every five years
2024
New annual parapet observation requirement — must be performed every year beginning 2024, or satisfied by a FISP report filed that year
60 days
Maximum window to file the final FISP report with NYC DOB after completing the last on-site inspection — no exceptions
Cycle 10A
Opened Feb 21, 2025 — SWARMP conditions from Cycle 9 must be repaired by Feb 21, 2027 or they reclassify as Unsafe
Zone 1 — Parapet & Roof Edge
Zone 2 — Facade Elevations
Zone 3 — Windows & Glazing
Zone 4 — Balconies & Projections
Zone 5 — Podium & Ground Level
Zone 01 — Parapet & Roof Edge
Required: Annual observation (NYC 2024+) · FISP hands-on inspection every 5 years · Cavity probe required per Cycle 9+ requirements
Parapet, Coping, and Roof Edge Inspection
Parapet Wall Condition
Parapet wall face inspected for cracking, spalling, displacement, or bulging — full height per accessible elevation, cavity probe at minimum one location per 25 linear feet
Record: Photo evidence per probe location · Finding classification: Safe / SWARMP / Unsafe · Role: QEWI (required) or qualified inspector under QEWI supervision
Coping stones and caps inspected for cracking, looseness, open joints, failed sealant, and water infiltration evidence — tap-test on accessible sections
Record: Photo log per elevation · Loose or displaced coping = Unsafe classification · Role: QEWI
Flashing at parapet base inspected for separation, corrosion, or backing failure — the primary water entry point for parapet-related interior damage
Record: Condition note with photo · Failed flashing classified as SWARMP · Role: QEWI with roofing specialist if indicated
Roof Edge and Appurtenances
Mechanical equipment mounting brackets, antenna bases, and rooftop utility penetrations inspected for corrosion, loose fixings, and structural attachment integrity
Record: Asset ID per rooftop unit · Loose fixings = Unsafe or SWARMP depending on risk · Role: QEWI + HVAC tech for unit-specific assessment
Fall arrest anchors, davit bases, and suspended scaffold tie-back points inspected for corrosion, grout failure, and structural adequacy — load-rated documentation reviewed
Record: Anchor test certificate current · Failed anchor = Unsafe — no suspended access permitted · Role: PE-licensed anchor inspector
Zone 02 — Facade Elevations
Required: FISP hands-on physical inspection at minimum one street-facing elevation · Binocular or drone observation alone does not satisfy FISP requirements
Exterior Wall Surface and Cladding Inspection
Masonry and Stone Cladding
Brick, stone, or terra cotta cladding inspected for cracking, spalling, displaced units, open or failed mortar joints — tap-test survey on all accessible areas; visual survey with binoculars on inaccessible sections with photo documentation
Record: Elevation drawing with defect mapping · Cracked or bulging masonry = SWARMP or Unsafe depending on fall risk · Role: QEWI
Cavity wall tie condition assessed via probe locations — minimum one probe per 25 linear feet per floor for buildings with tile or thin-stone cladding systems suspected of tie corrosion
Record: Probe log with photos · Corrosion of cavity ties = SWARMP minimum · Role: QEWI — probe interpretation requires engineering judgement
Expansion joints and horizontal shelf angle locations inspected for sealant failure, corrosion, and inadequate clearance — critical for brick veneer system movement accommodation
Record: Photo and note per joint location · Failed joint = SWARMP · Role: QEWI
Metal Panel and EIFS Systems
Metal panel cladding inspected for fastener corrosion, panel distortion, sealant joint failure, and drainage obstruction — particular attention to horizontal surfaces where water accumulates
Record: Panel ID by grid reference · Loose panel = Unsafe · Role: QEWI with cladding specialist if warranted
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) inspected for impact damage, base coat cracks, failed sealant at penetrations, and moisture infiltration indicators — probe testing at suspect areas
Record: Impact probe at suspect areas · Water infiltration behind EIFS = SWARMP minimum · Role: QEWI + EIFS specialist
OxMaint assigns each facade zone to its own recurring inspection work order, tracks condition classifications per elevation, and generates contractor repair work orders directly from SWARMP findings — with filing deadline alerts for every registered building.
Zone 03 — Windows & Glazing
Required: FISP visual inspection of all window and curtain wall systems · Glazing failures are classified as Unsafe — immediate remediation required
Window Systems, Curtain Wall, and Sealant Joints
Window Frames and Glass
Window frames (aluminium or steel) inspected for corrosion at sill drainage, fastener failure at head anchors, and frame-to-masonry seal integrity — interior observation for condensation patterns indicating seal failure
Record: Window ID by floor and orientation · Frame anchor corrosion = SWARMP · Role: QEWI with window specialist if indicated
Glass panel condition assessed for visible cracks, stress fractures, delamination of IGU seal (sealed unit misting), and missing or failed gaskets that could permit glass displacement
Record: Cracked glass = Unsafe — immediate repair required · Missing gasket = SWARMP · Role: QEWI
Curtain Wall Systems
Curtain wall mullion anchorage and slab edge connection inspected via accessible areas — anchor plate corrosion, grout loss at fixing points, and differential movement evidence documented
Record: Anchor inspection log per floor on accessible elevations · Anchor corrosion = SWARMP or Unsafe · Role: QEWI-licensed PE required for curtain wall anchorage assessment
Perimeter sealant at all curtain wall-to-masonry interfaces, expansion joint covers, and fire-stopping continuity at floor slabs inspected and documented with condition rating
Record: Sealant condition map per elevation · Failed perimeter seal = SWARMP · Role: QEWI
Zone 04 — Balconies, Terraces & Projections
Required: Hands-on physical inspection of every balcony and terrace — balcony railings, structural slab, and waterproofing are highest-frequency Unsafe findings
Balcony Slabs, Railings, and Cantilevered Projections
Balcony and Terrace Structural
Balcony slab soffit inspected for concrete spalling, rebar corrosion staining, cracking pattern, and ponding water evidence — spalled concrete over public areas is an Unsafe condition regardless of extent
Record: Photo log per balcony floor and orientation · Any spalling over occupied or accessible area = Unsafe · Role: QEWI-licensed structural PE
Balcony railing anchorage inspected for corrosion at base plates, grout deterioration, and resistance to horizontal load — railing must resist 200 lbs lateral load per IBC; failing railing = Unsafe with no exception
Record: Railing condition per floor · Any loose or corroded anchorage = Unsafe — access restriction required · Role: QEWI
Canopies, Cornices & Architectural Projections
Stone or precast cornice elements inspected for cracking, displacement, failed anchor ties, and mortar joint condition — projecting elements are the highest fall-hazard category in FISP inspection history
Record: Individual element photos · Any looseness or displacement = Unsafe · Role: QEWI with access platform required for elements above 6 floors
Building signage, light fixtures, mechanical louvres, and utility attachments on the exterior face inspected for corrosion of fixings, structural adequacy, and evidence of movement or loosening
Record: Asset ID per attachment · Loose attachment over public area = Unsafe · Role: QEWI with relevant specialist per system type
Zone 05 — Podium, Ground Level & Below-Grade Interface
Required: Visual and physical inspection of all accessible ground and podium level facade elements · Below-grade waterproofing noted where accessible
Podium Facade, Entrance Canopies, and Street-Level Elements
Street-Level Facade and Signage
Granite or masonry at street level inspected for impact damage, anchor failure at large panel installations, and erosion at base course — salt-related spalling in northern climates particularly common at ground level
Record: Photo and condition note per elevation section · Role: QEWI or qualified inspector
Entrance canopy structure, glazing, and fixing points inspected for corrosion, glass condition, and structural adequacy — overhead glazing above pedestrian access is a critical fall-hazard location
Record: Canopy condition per entrance · Overhead glazed canopy with any crack = Unsafe · Role: QEWI with glazing specialist if indicated
SWARMP and Unsafe Finding Management
All SWARMP findings from current FISP cycle logged in OxMaint with location, severity, photo evidence, QEWI condition description, and required repair scope — each finding generates a standalone work order for contractor assignment
Record: Finding ID linked to elevation drawing location · Repair work order assigned to contractor with deadline · Role: Facilities Manager / Compliance Officer
Unsafe findings — remediated with sidewalk shed or protective measures installed, repair completed, QEWI re-inspection confirming remediation, and amended DOB filing completed — all steps tracked in OxMaint with required documentation
Record: Remediation package per Unsafe finding: protective measure install date, repair completion, re-inspection certificate, filing confirmation · Role: Building Owner / Facilities Manager
Facade Compliance KPIs OxMaint Tracks
Target: 0
Overdue SWARMP Repairs
SWARMP conditions that pass the cycle deadline without documented repair automatically reclassify as Unsafe — triggering mandatory emergency response. OxMaint alerts at 90, 60, and 30 days before deadline per finding.
Target: 100%
QEWI Report Filing Compliance
FISP reports must be filed within 60 days of last inspection. OxMaint tracks the gap between last inspection date and filing date per building and alerts when the window is at risk.
Target: Annual
Parapet Observation Currency
Required annually from 2024 — OxMaint generates the annual parapet observation work order per building and records whether a FISP report filed that year satisfies the requirement.
Target: <14 days
Unsafe Finding to Protective Measure
DOB requires immediate protective measures for Unsafe findings. OxMaint tracks the gap between Unsafe classification date and documented protective measure installation for each finding.
Target: 100%
Contractor Repair Closeout Rate
SWARMP repairs must be completed and documented before end of cycle. OxMaint tracks open vs. closed SWARMP work orders by building and reports the closeout rate to the facilities director monthly.
Target: Portfolio view
Multi-Building Cycle Status
For property managers with multiple high-rise buildings, OxMaint shows sub-cycle assignment, last filing date, next filing deadline, and open SWARMP count per building — in one dashboard.
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The buildings that accumulate FISP violations and end up in front of the DOB tribunal are almost never the ones whose facades are in the worst structural condition. They are the ones whose compliance tracking failed. The building has a QEWI inspection done on time, the report identifies eight SWARMP conditions, and then nobody tracks whether those repairs are completed before the cycle ends — because the SWARMP findings are buried in a 60-page PDF that nobody reads again until the next cycle inspection, at which point they are now Unsafe classifications with immediate remediation obligations. I have seen buildings come into Cycle 10 with 15 to 20 SWARMP-turned-Unsafe conditions that could all have been closed for under $200,000 if they had been addressed during the previous cycle. At the time of forced emergency remediation, the cost was over $1.8 million — plus sidewalk shed rental for 14 months. The technology to track this is trivial. What was missing was a system that automatically converted each SWARMP finding from the inspection report into a discrete tracked work order with a deadline alert and a contractor assignment workflow. That is not a sophisticated technical problem. It is a compliance management problem that a CMMS solves in fifteen minutes of configuration.
Kristopher Andersen, AIA, QEWI
Registered Architect · Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) · 24 years NYC facade inspection and building envelope engineering · Former Principal, structural facade engineering firm specialising in FISP and Local Law 11 compliance · Specialist in high-rise facade repair programme management and CMMS-integrated compliance tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
How does OxMaint track SWARMP findings across a FISP inspection cycle?
Each SWARMP finding from the FISP inspection report is entered in OxMaint as an individual corrective work order — with the finding ID, location (elevation and floor reference), QEWI condition description, photo evidence, required repair scope, and the cycle deadline. The work order is assigned to the relevant contractor with a completion deadline calculated from the FISP filing date. OxMaint sends escalation alerts at 90, 60, and 30 days before the cycle deadline — and automatically flags any SWARMP work order that has not been closed by the deadline as a compliance risk requiring immediate QA review. Start your free trial to configure the SWARMP tracking workflow for your building portfolio.
Can OxMaint track facade compliance for buildings in multiple cities with different local law requirements?
Yes. OxMaint's compliance calendar is configured per building with the applicable local law and cycle — NYC FISP for New York, Chicago's OLIA programme, LA's Facade Inspection programme, or any other municipal requirement. Each building's inspection cycle, filing deadlines, and condition classification standards are set up independently. The portfolio compliance dashboard shows the compliance status of every building across all jurisdictions simultaneously — upcoming deadlines, open SWARMP conditions, overdue filings, and outstanding Unsafe findings — in one view. Book a demo to see the multi-city facade compliance dashboard configured for your portfolio.
How does OxMaint manage contractor assignment and closeout documentation for facade repairs?
Each SWARMP or Unsafe repair work order is assigned to the relevant facade contractor through OxMaint's contractor portal — the contractor sees their assigned jobs, required repair scope, and completion deadline. Upon completion, the contractor submits before-and-after photos, materials used, method description, and a digital sign-off through the portal. The facilities manager reviews the submission before approving closure. The closed repair record — with all contractor-submitted evidence — is stored permanently against the finding ID and is retrievable as part of the building's FISP compliance package for DOB submission or insurance review. Start your free trial to configure the contractor portal for your facade repair programme.
Does OxMaint support the annual parapet observation requirement introduced in 2024?
Yes. OxMaint generates an annual parapet observation work order for every registered NYC building — assigned to the QEWI or qualified inspector, with a completion deadline set to ensure DOB filing obligations are met. If a full FISP report is filed in the same year as the annual parapet observation requirement, OxMaint records the FISP report as satisfying the parapet observation obligation for that year and adjusts the next annual observation trigger accordingly. The parapet observation record — photos, inspector name, date, and findings — is stored against the building's compliance record and is available for DOB review on demand. Book a demo to see the annual parapet observation workflow for your building portfolio.
Compliance Tracking · Facade Safety · Building Envelope · OxMaint
SWARMP Findings Don't Track Themselves. Neither Does the Cycle Deadline.
OxMaint converts every FISP finding into a tracked work order with a contractor assignment, deadline alert, and completion evidence requirement — so the next cycle inspection doesn't find 15 SWARMP conditions that became Unsafe because nobody followed through.
