NYC Retaining Wall Inspections

Effective January 1, 2014, Local Law 37/08 requires NYC property owners with a retaining wall or part of a retaining wall at least 10 feet high and facing a public right of way (i.e. sidewalk or entrance) must submit a condition assessment report of the wall to the Department of Buildings every 5 years.  Failure to file the report will result in violations and fines.

Retaining walls must be assessed by a Qualified Retaining Wall Inspector (QRWI).  QRWIs are licensed Professional Engineers with experience in retaining wall design and forensic engineering, and approved by the NYC Department of Buildings to perform retaining wall assessments.  The assessments are performed on a 5 year cycle.  The third filing cycle started January 1, 2024.  

‍

The retaining wall assessment will designate the wall with one of four ratings:

• Safe: The wall is fully functional and no action is required.
• Safe with Minor Repairs or Maintenance: The wall is safe but requires minor repair or routine maintenance within the next 5 years.
• Safe with Repairs and/or Engineering Monitoring: The wall is safe but requires repairs within the next 5 years, and regular monitoring of the wall to further investigate distress observed in the wall.
• Unsafe: The wall is unsafe and a hazard to people or property.  An unsafe rating requires immediate notification to the NYC Department of Buildings and action to protect the public.