NYC FISP Reporting Categories
Safe
The building is in good repair and does not have any maintenance items or unsafe conditions.
Unsafe
If the Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) determines that an urgent situation exists, he/she must immediately notify, in writing, both the property owner and the NYC DOB. The QEWI must file a FISP3 form (Notification of Unsafe Conditions), followed by an Unsafe FISP report. This will trigger a violation and a representative from the DOB may inspect the unsafe conditions within 24 hours of the notification. A sidewalk shed must be immediately installed below the unsafe area of the building. Repairs are to be executed and completed within 30 days and the amended FISP report must be filed within two weeks of the completed repair work.
The reality is, however, that unless the scope is very limited, more than 30 days will be needed to solicit a proposal, hire a professional to develop construction documents, file and secure a construction permit from the DOB, bid out the project and complete construction. In this case, the QEWI will file a FISP1 form (Initial Extension of Time) in order to avoid an ECB violation and costlier fines. The extension of time is limited to 90 days and requires a significant amount of paperwork. Each time the request is made for a 90-day extension, the documentation has to be resubmitted.
Unsafe conditions may include, but are not limited to:
Bulging masonry
Loose brick and stonework
Leaning parapet walls and cornices
Cracking terra cotta
Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP)
Under FISP, conditions that need remedial work, but are not considered to be unsafe, are classified as Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP). This classification requires that the owner correct all SWARMP conditions within the period of time identified in the FISP report. If the corrections are not made before the next cycle’s filing, they are automatically deemed Unsafe in the succeeding cycle.