All buildings over six stories tall are required to have a NYC façade inspection every five years, according to the NYC Building Code and Local Law 11 & Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) guidelines.  All buildings with a minimum height of 50 feet that were built before 1938 are required to have a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) conduct a façade inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure the building's exterior walls and appurtenances are in a safe condition and to identify any hazards that may pose a risk to the public or building occupants.Building owners can determine if their building requires a FISP inspection by checking their building's certificate of occupancy, which should indicate the type of façade inspection required. If in doubt, it is always recommended to consult with a licensed QEWI or professional engineer to confirm the requirements for your specific building.It is important to note that the NYC Building Code and Local Law 11 are constantly evolving, so building owners should stay informed about changes and updates to these regulations, and be prepared to comply with any new requirements like changes in structural inspection, safety inspection, and building envelope inspection requirements.

Yes, it is legal to fly drones in New York City, but there are some restrictions and regulations that need to be followed. For example, drone flight must be below 400 feet, not within 5 miles of an airport, and not over people or property not involved in the drone operation. Before conducting a drone flight in NYC, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and any additional city or state restrictions.  Drone pilots must be FAA Part 107 certified. 

A drone inspection differs from a traditional facade inspection in several key ways:

Accessibility: Drone inspections allow for a comprehensive examination of the exterior of a building without the need for scaffolding or other equipment, making it easier to access hard-to-reach areas.

Speed: Drone inspections are faster than traditional facade inspections, as the drone can cover more ground in less time. This can save time and money, and minimize disruption to building occupants.

Safety: Drone inspections are generally safer than traditional inspections, as they do not require an inspector to climb a building or be lifted by a crane, reducing the risk of injury.

Cost: Drone inspections are often more cost-effective than traditional inspections, as they eliminate the need for scaffolding and other equipment, and reduce the need for personnel.

Precision: Drone inspections provide a higher level of detail and accuracy, as the drone's camera can capture high-resolution images and video footage of the building's exterior, allowing for a more comprehensive examination of its condition.

Flexibility: Drone inspections can be performed at any time and in any weather conditions, making them a versatile and reliable inspection method.

Overall, drone inspections provide a more efficient, cost-effective, and safe alternative to traditional facade inspections, making them an increasingly popular choice for building owners, architects, engineers, and construction professionals.

Item descriptA drone facade inspection is a comprehensive examination of a building's exterior using a drone equipped with high-resolution cameras. The inspection covers various aspects of the building's exterior, including the walls, windows and doors, roofs and parapets, cornices and decorative elements, balconies and terraces, and fire escapes.

The purpose of the inspection is to identify any potential hazards or issues that may affect the structural integrity or safety of the building. During the inspection, the drone captures detailed images and video footage of the building's exterior, allowing the inspector to thoroughly examine every aspect of the building's facade.

The information gathered during the inspection is used to provide building owners with a report on the condition of their building's exterior, which can inform any necessary repairs, renovations, or upgrades to the building.

By using drones for facade inspections, building owners can ensure the safety and stability of their building while also reducing the time and cost associated with traditional inspection methods.

ion