Welcome to FacadeOrdinance.com, an informational site maintained by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE). FacadeOrdinance.com contains general information regarding facade ordinances in various cities throughout the United States. It's intended for use by anyone seeking an introduction to facade ordinances.
What is a facade ordinance?
A facade ordinance is a law passed by local authorities requiring the periodic inspection of certain building facades to help ensure public safety.
Which cities have facade inspection ordinances?
Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Jersey City, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and St. Louis currently have ordinances in effect that require periodic inspections of buildings that meet specific requirements. You can access more detailed information about a particular city's facade ordinance by selecting the link from the menu to the right.
Who performs a facade inspection?
Local authorities generally require a facade ordinance inspection be performed under the direction of a licensed architect or licensed professional engineer in the state in which the building resides. For some ordinances, however, this is not a requirement.
How is a facade inspection performed?
National consensus guidelines and procedures for conducting facade inspections are outlined in ASTM E2270, "Standard Practice for Periodic Inspection of Building Facades for Unsafe Conditions.” Published by ASTM International, this model standard reflects best practices for facade inspections and is available for adoption by model building codes, local municipalities, or private owners of multiple buildings. Visit ASTM International to learn more.
Why FacadeOrdinance.com?
FacadeOrdinance.com provides a general overview of selected facade ordinances, including such information as year enacted, ordinance number, and administrative authority contact information. The site also provides the types of buildings that are required to undergo facade inspections and ordinance-specified inspection time frames.
The information provided on FacadeOrdinance.com is general in nature and should not be relied upon as fact. Those requiring specific information on facade ordinances should contact their municipality or e-mail facadeordinance@wje.com.
Visit SeismicOrdinances.com for information regarding specific seismic-related ordinances in various cities throughout California.