If your building is six stories or more, Local Law 11 (FISP) compliance is mandatory. Every five years, your board must inspect the façade and complete necessary repairs—often involving scaffolding, sidewalk sheds, and extensive exterior construction.
But for condo and co-op boards, the legal challenges go far beyond hiring a contractor. You’ll need to negotiate and manage:
- Construction contracts with fair, protective terms
- Access license agreements with neighboring property owners under RPAPL § 881
- Liability, insurance, and restoration clauses that shield the board from costly exposure
At Kushnick Pallaci PLLC, we guide NYC condo and co-op boards through every legal step of the façade repair process—from contract review to litigation prevention—so your board can stay compliant, protected, and in control.
🔹 Construction Contracts: Don’t Sign a One-Sided Proposal
Many contractors present standard “owner-friendly” forms—but those often leave the board exposed. We help boards review, negotiate, and revise façade construction agreements that:
- Clearly define the scope of work based on your engineer’s FISP report
- Establish deadlines and penalties for delay
- Set procedures for change orders and extras
- Require proper insurance coverage naming the board and building
- Include indemnity and defense provisions in case of accidents or claims
- Prevent lien claims by requiring waivers and contractor payment certifications
Before your board signs anything, we help ensure the contract protects your building and your residents.
🔹 License Agreements & RPAPL § 881: When You Need Access to a Neighbor’s Property
Most Local Law 11 repairs in NYC involve scaffolding, netting, or swing stages that extend beyond your property line. If your building is in close quarters with a neighbor (as many are in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens), you may need to:
- Negotiate a temporary access license agreement with the adjacent owner
- Petition the court under RPAPL § 881 if the neighbor refuses access
We draft, review, and negotiate custom license agreements and represent your board in court to ensure timely access and prevent costly project delays.
Our license agreements address:
- Access scope and schedule
- Insurance and indemnification
- Damage prevention and restoration
- Fees, compensation, and renewal terms
- Safety and DOB compliance
🔹 Why Boards Choose Kushnick Pallaci PLLC
We have decades of experience representing condo and co-op boards in NYC construction matters. Unlike general counsel who may not understand façade regulations, we focus specifically on:
- Construction contracts
- NYC Building Code and DOB regulations
- License/access agreements
- Lien law and trust fund protections
- Construction dispute resolution
We don’t just identify risks—we solve problems and keep your project moving.
🔗 Related Legal Services:
- Construction Contract Negotiation
- License Agreements & RPAPL 881
- Mechanic’s Lien Claims & Defense
- Construction Litigation & Disputes
📍 Serving Co-Ops and Condos Throughout NYC:
We regularly advise boards in:
- Manhattan – Upper West Side, Midtown, Harlem, Financial District
- Brooklyn – Park Slope, Williamsburg, Carroll Gardens, Fort Greene
- Queens – Astoria, Forest Hills, Long Island City
- The Bronx – Riverdale, Pelham Parkway
- Staten Island – North Shore and Tottenville areas
No matter the borough, we offer responsive legal guidance for façade repair compliance and construction risk management.
📞 Schedule a Legal Review Before You Sign
If your board is planning Local Law 11 repairs or responding to a DOB “Unsafe” violation, don’t proceed without legal protection. We’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your building, residents, and board members.
Call Kushnick Pallaci PLLC today at (631) 752-7100 or
👉 Visit www.nyconstructionlaw.com
to schedule a review of your construction contract or license agreement.