MAYOR GIULIANI SIGNS BILL NUMBER 97-A, AMENDING LOCAL LAW 10 OF 1980 REQUIRING INSPECTIONS OF ALL BUILDING FACADES
MAYORAL BILL STRENGTHENS BUILDING INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
REMARKS BY MAYOR RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI AT PUBLIC HEARING ON LOCAL LAWS
The first bill before me is Introductory Number 97-A, which was introduced at my request by Council Member Spigner and a number of his colleagues. This legislation amends Local Law 10 of 1980, which requires the inspection of the front wall of buildings greater than six stories in height.
Introductory Number 97-A would require building owners to have all facades on buildings over six stories in height inspected every five years by a licensed architect or engineer. If an unsafe condition is found, an inspector would be required to immediately notify the Department of Buildings and an owner would have 30 days to correct any unsafe condition. The only exemption to the inspection requirement would be for exterior walls that are 12 inches or less from the exterior wall of an adjacent building.
In light of the City's recent experience with 540 Madison Avenue in Manhattan, this legislation clarifies the obligations of owners to periodically inspect all exterior walls, including side and rear walls, of their buildings. The purpose of this bill is to ensure the safety of the public, including pedestrians and individuals inside buildings, as well as adjacent property from damage caused by falling portions of exterior walls.
For the reasons previously stated, I will now sign the bill.
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