Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers, grounded in our own project data and NYC DOB's published rules — not marketing copy.
What is Local Law 11 and does it apply to my building?
Local Law 11 is the NYC law that created FISP, the Facade Inspection and Safety Program. It requires owners of buildings taller than six stories to have a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) examine the exterior walls every five years and file a report with the NYC Department of Buildings. Building height, not building type, determines whether it applies.
What sub-cycle of FISP Cycle 10 is my building in?
Your sub-cycle is determined by the last digit of your building's tax block number. Sub-cycle 10A (blocks ending 4, 5, 6, 9) opened February 21, 2025. Sub-cycle 10B (blocks ending 0, 7, 8) opened February 21, 2026 and is the current active filing window. Sub-cycle 10C (blocks ending 1, 2, 3) opens February 21, 2027.
What do the Safe, SWARMP, and Unsafe classifications mean?
Safe means no repair or maintenance is required and none is expected within the next five years. SWARMP (Safe With A Repair and Maintenance Program) means the facade is currently safe but needs repairs within the next five years to stay that way. Unsafe means a hazardous condition requiring repair within one year, plus immediate public protection such as a sidewalk shed.
What happens if I miss my FISP filing window?
NYC DOB charges $1,000 per month for a late initial report and $5,000 per year for failing to file at all. Filing fees themselves are $425 for an initial or amended filing. Failing to correct a SWARMP condition carries a $2,000 penalty.
How much does facade restoration cost in NYC?
Cost varies significantly by structure size, scaffold count, and scope. Rather than quote a single number that would be misleading, we point to real project scale for context: our Kips Bay Complex project involved 8 structures and 80,000 LF of sealant/caulk replacement, while a single-building job like 48 Bleecker Street involved roughly 1,300 SF of roof recovery and 5,000 SF of stucco replacement. Contact us for a scoped assessment specific to your building.
What's the difference between facade repair and facade replacement?
Facade repair addresses specific damaged areas — spalling brick, failed sealant, deteriorated lintels or shelf angles. Facade replacement removes and rebuilds larger sections of the exterior wall system. Most Local Law 11-driven restoration work is repair-scale; full replacement is reserved for facades where the underlying structure has failed.
How long does a full building facade restoration take?
Timeline depends on structure count and scaffold logistics more than square footage alone. Our Peter Cooper Village project spans 21 building structures with up to 168 suspended scaffolds operating simultaneously — a job of that scale runs in phases over an extended period. A single-building facade restoration is a much shorter, contained project. We provide a specific timeline as part of every project assessment.
What is the difference between roof repair and roof replacement?
Roof repair addresses specific damaged areas — leaks, punctures, or localized wear. Roof replacement removes the existing roofing system and installs a new one. We conduct a full inspection first to determine which is appropriate.
Does Royce CM offer a warranty?
Yes — warranties of up to 30 years, depending on the specific project and materials used.
Does Royce CM handle parking garage structural repair?
Yes. We handle Local Law 126 compliance and parking structure repair, from concrete and structural repairs to waterproofing and deck restoration. See our 14 53rd Street (completed) and 330 West 45th Street (active) projects for real examples.
What's the difference between suspended scaffolding and rope access?
Suspended scaffolding (swing stages) supports sustained facade repair work over an extended period. Rope access uses trained technicians on ropes for targeted inspection and light repair work, typically faster to mobilize for FISP inspection-only scopes. We match the access method to the building and the scope.