Local Law 11: Deadlines for East Village Buildings

Own or manage a seven-plus-story building in the East Village? Your Local Law 11 clock is already ticking, and missing a deadline can trigger sidewalk sheds, fines, and rushed repairs. We know you want clear answers and a plan that fits your building’s operations. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly who must file, how Cycle 10 deadlines work, how to find your sub-cycle, and what to expect if conditions are flagged. Let’s dive in.

What Local Law 11 requires

Local Law 11, now administered as the Façade Inspection & Safety Program, requires a “critical examination” of exterior walls and appurtenances every five years for buildings greater than six stories. A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector, or QEWI, performs the exam and files the report through DOB NOW: Safety. You will receive a classification of Safe, Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program, or Unsafe. You must follow the repair schedule tied to your classification and file amended reports after repairs. See the Department of Buildings overview of FISP requirements and filing procedures for details at the City’s facade program page.

• Learn the program basics and filing steps on the City’s facade filings page: DOB FISP overview
• For a plain-language explainer of classifications and report mechanics, see this industry summary: LocalLaw11.com

Cycle 10 deadlines at a glance

Cycle 10 runs from February 21, 2025 through February 21, 2030. The City splits filings into three two-year windows by sub-cycle. Your deadline depends on the last digit of your Block number.

• Sub-cycle 10A includes blocks ending in 4, 5, 6, or 9. Filing window: Feb 21, 2025 to Feb 21, 2027. The DOB notice confirms the 10A mapping and due date: DOB Cycle 10A announcement
• Sub-cycle 10B generally includes blocks ending in 0, 7, or 8. Window: Feb 21, 2026 to Feb 21, 2028. See a commonly used grouping reference: Cycle 10B grouping
• Sub-cycle 10C generally includes blocks ending in 1, 2, or 3. Window: Feb 21, 2027 to Feb 21, 2029. See a commonly used grouping reference: Cycle 10C grouping

Newer or vertically enlarged buildings may have initial report dates tied to the first Temporary Certificate of Occupancy. If that applies, check your TCO date to see if your initial report falls into Cycle 10 or defers to Cycle 11. See the industry guidance here: LocalLaw11.com

Does Local Law 11 apply to your East Village building?

If your building is greater than six full stories by DOB definition, it is subject to FISP. Many East Village walkups and apartment buildings meet this threshold, while lower-rise buildings under six stories do not. Story counts depend on whether levels are considered a basement or a cellar under DOB rules, so verify your Certificate of Occupancy or DOB BIS profile before assuming you are exempt. Review the City’s facade program page for definitions and who must file: DOB FISP overview

How to find your exact filing date

Use this quick checklist to identify your deadline for Cycle 10.

1. Confirm you are subject to FISP. Check the building’s Certificate of Occupancy or DOB BIS to confirm it is greater than six stories. See the City’s facade program for eligibility: DOB FISP overview

2. Look up your Borough Block and Lot. Use the City’s property tools to find your BBL and Block number. Start here: ACRIS property lookup

3. Map the last digit of your Block number to your sub-cycle:

• Ends in 4, 5, 6, or 9: Sub-cycle 10A, file by Feb 21, 2027. Confirmed here: DOB Cycle 10A notice
• Ends in 0, 7, or 8: Sub-cycle 10B, file by Feb 21, 2028. Reference: Cycle 10B grouping
• Ends in 1, 2, or 3: Sub-cycle 10C, file by Feb 21, 2029. Reference: Cycle 10C grouping

4. Cross-check City resources. The DOB maintains diagrams and a FISP Universe Map that serve as the final reference. Start at the compliance hub: DOB facade compliance

5. File through DOB NOW: Safety. Your QEWI must prepare and submit all reports through the City portal. Program instructions are here: DOB FISP overview

What happens if you are late or have Unsafe items

If a prior cycle listed an item as SWARMP and it was not completed by the next filing, it must be reported as Unsafe in the next cycle. That often triggers immediate public protection, such as sidewalk sheds, and faster enforcement. Any Unsafe condition must be reported, protection installed right away, and corrected within 90 days from DOB notification unless an approved extension is in place. See technical guidance here: LocalLaw11.com

Costs and penalties can add up quickly. The DOB lists filing fees and civil penalties, including an initial report filing fee that is commonly set at about $425, an extension request fee of about $305, a late filing penalty that accrues monthly, and a failure to file penalty that can be assessed annually. Review the current schedules here: DOB facade fees and penalties

Practical timeline and budgeting

Expect a straightforward sequence: hire a QEWI, complete the on-site critical examination, then have your QEWI file the technical report in DOB NOW. If the classification is Safe, your filing completes. If it is SWARMP, schedule and complete repairs by the QEWI’s date. If it is Unsafe, install public protection and begin repairs immediately, with the 90-day correction rule and any extensions managed by your team. For a process overview, see this explainer: LocalLaw11.com

Typical cost drivers vary by building. QEWI fees depend on size and complexity. Access and protection, such as scaffold and sidewalk sheds, can be major line items. Construction costs vary widely by material and scope, from parapets to full facade work. Do not forget City fees and potential penalties listed on the DOB page: DOB facade fees and penalties

Special situations in Cycle 10

If your building shows No Report Filed status from prior cycles, the DOB introduced an early filing option in Cycle 10 for certain properties in sub-cycles 10B and 10C. Filing early during 10A may stop accrual of specific sanctions once you meet eligibility and pay required penalties. Owners with long overdue filings should review program details and act quickly: LocalLaw11.com

East Village planning tips

• Start early. Scaffold, QEWI availability, and repair lead times can stretch longer in busy seasons.
• Pull your records now. Certificate of Occupancy, prior FISP reports, and any open permits will help your QEWI.
• Prioritize SWARMP items. Unfinished SWARMP becomes Unsafe in the next cycle, which can mean immediate public protection and tighter timelines.
• Coordinate street impacts. Sidewalk sheds and protection require planning around retail, entries, and deliveries.
• Align with your real estate plans. If you are preparing a sale or rental, coordinate FISP milestones with listing and marketing timelines.

Ready to align your Local Law 11 schedule with a sale, rental, or property management plan in the East Village? The Maison International Team can help you build a clear timeline that supports your goals and connects you with the right next steps.

FAQs

Who must file Local Law 11 in the East Village?

• Buildings greater than six full stories must file a facade report every five years through DOB NOW, as outlined on the City’s FISP program page.

How do I find my Local Law 11 deadline for Cycle 10?

• Look up your Block number, take the last digit, and map it to sub-cycle 10A, 10B, or 10C, then confirm on the DOB facade compliance resources.

What are the Cycle 10 sub-cycle dates and groups?

• 10A covers blocks ending in 4, 5, 6, or 9 with filings due by Feb 21, 2027, 10B covers 0, 7, or 8 due by Feb 21, 2028, and 10C covers 1, 2, or 3 due by Feb 21, 2029.

What happens if prior SWARMP items were not fixed?

• They must be reported as Unsafe in the next cycle, which can trigger sidewalk sheds and faster enforcement until corrected.

How fast must Unsafe conditions be corrected?

• Public protection is typically required immediately and Unsafe conditions must be corrected within 90 days from DOB notification unless an approved extension is granted.

What are the typical fees and penalties?

• Expect a filing fee for the report, a fee for extensions, a monthly late filing penalty, and a potential annual failure to file penalty as detailed on the DOB fees and penalties page.