Facade Ordinance Inspections

Boston is a city full of iconic architecture, from historic brick brownstones to towering glass high-rises. But behind those beautiful facades is a serious responsibility. Building owners have to make sure those exteriors are safe and structurally sound. Boston's facade inspection ordinance makes this a legal must, and it's a big part of keeping the city safe. That's where Building Restoration Services comes in. We're here to help you stay compliant and protect your investment.

The Basics: What Boston Requires

Boston’s facade inspection law (Section 9-9.12 of the City Ordinances) lays out when building exteriors need to be checked:

• Buildings over 70 feet tall need a professional facade inspection every five years

• Vacant buildings bigger than 35,000 cubic feet need an inspection every year

• New or recently renovated buildings don’t need an inspection for ten years after getting a certificate of occupancy

Only a licensed Massachusetts Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (R.A.) with experience in facade safety can oversee these inspections.

Why Facade Inspections Matter

A loose brick or cracked panel might seem minor, but even small problems can turn into big hazards. Falling debris can hurt people, damage property, and lead to expensive lawsuits. In some cases, it’s even caused serious injuries or worse.

By staying on top of inspections and repairs, you:

• Keep people safe

• Make your building last longer

• Avoid daily fines up to $300

• Stay on the right side of city rules

• Protect your building’s value and insurance coverage

Building Restoration Services is all about catching small problems before they become major issues.

What the Inspection Involves

A proper inspection in Boston isn’t just a quick glance from the sidewalk. It includes:

• A full visual check of all exterior walls

• Hands-on inspection of parts of the facade using scaffolds, lifts, or ropes

• Checking things attached to the outside, like balconies and signs

• Making sure water systems like seals and flashing are working

• Taking photos and writing up a report with everything found

After the inspection, we send a signed report and an owner affidavit to the City of Boston. If the facade is labeled Safe, the building gets a certificate valid for five years. If issues are found, the city may require repairs within a set time.

Building Restoration Services takes care of everything, from the inspection itself to handling the paperwork.

Compliance Timelines You Should Know

• Occupied buildings need an inspection every 5 years

• Vacant buildings need one every year

• For new or majorly renovated buildings, the first inspection is due 10 years after move-in

• If something unsafe is found, you must protect the area within 24 hours and start repairs within 10 days

Missing a deadline could cost you big. We help you keep track so you don’t have to worry.

Who Can Do These Inspections?

Only a licensed P.E. or R.A. with facade experience can legally handle these inspections in Boston. That’s why working with Building Restoration Services makes sense. We know the rules, follow the right standards like ASTM E2270, and understand Boston’s building types.

The Three Facade Ratings

Each building facade gets one of the following ratings:

• Safe means no problems found

• Safe with Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP) means it’s safe now but needs fixing soon

• Unsafe means it’s a hazard and needs immediate attention

If your building is labeled Unsafe, we help you set up safety measures, get permits, and move fast on repairs. We also keep the city informed, so nothing slips through the cracks.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply

Skipping your inspection or ignoring issues can lead to real trouble:

• You might get fined up to $300 every day

• The city can issue violations and take legal action

• You could lose your occupancy certificate and have to move people out

• Insurance might be harder to get or more expensive

Building Restoration Services keeps your building safe and compliant so you can avoid all that hassle.

We Mix New Tech with Old-School Know-How

We use drones, high-quality images, and on-site professionals to get a clear picture of your building. But we still do the hands-on part too. That’s required by the city, and it’s how we make sure no detail gets missed.

Whether your building is a brownstone in Back Bay or an office in South Boston, we create a plan that fits.

What’s New in the Law

In 2022, Boston updated its facade inspection rules. Here’s what changed:

• Hands-on inspections are now required every cycle, especially for taller buildings

• SWARMP is now an official status

• Unsafe conditions must be reported and fixed more quickly

• Reports need to be more detailed and include signed affidavits from the owner

Not sure where your building stands? We can review your records and help you figure out what’s next.

We’ve Got You Covered

Here’s what we do:

• Keep track of your deadlines

• Plan and carry out inspections

• Write up reports and take all needed photos

• Handle city filings

• Coordinate with contractors and get permits if needed

We work with building owners, property managers, HOAs, schools, and investors all over the Greater Boston area.

Why Choose Building Restoration Services

Staying on top of Boston’s facade rules isn’t optional. It’s how you keep people safe and protect your property. Building Restoration Services makes that job a whole lot easier.

We know our stuff, respond fast, and care about doing the job right. Whether you need an inspection, a follow-up, or help dealing with the city, we’ve got your back.

Need a facade inspection? Reach out to Building Restoration Services today. Let’s keep your building safe and sound.