What is FISP?
New York City’s Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) requires all buildings greater than six stories to undergo an exterior wall inspection by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) every five years.

Who can be a QEWI?
A QEWI must be a Registered Architect (RA) or licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in good standing with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED), and must have at least seven years of relevant experience with facades over six stories.

FISP Inspection Classifications
After examining the exterior walls and appurtenances, the QEWI files an electronic report in DOB NOW: Safety and assigns one of three classifications:

• SAFE – No repairs needed to remain safe for the next five years.

• SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program) – Safe now but requires repair within 1–5 years to prevent becoming unsafe.

• UNSAFE – A hazardous condition requiring immediate protective measures and repair within one year.

Unsafe Conditions
If a building is classified UNSAFE, the QEWI must specify public protection (e.g., sidewalk shed or fencing), which the owner must install immediately.
Unsafe conditions must be corrected within 30 days, with an amended report submitted within 15 days of completion. If repairs take longer, the QEWI may request a time extension of up to 90 days, provided the site is secured. Additional extensions may be granted for unforeseen circumstances or extensive repairs.
A filing fee applies for each extension, which must be renewed until all Unsafe conditions are resolved.