Boston Facade Ordinance
Boston’s Facade Ordinance requires periodic inspections of building exteriors to ensure public safety and structural integrity. Owners of properties exceeding 70 feet in height must have the facades evaluated by a qualified professional engineer or registered architect every five (5) years and submit paperwork to the City to receive a Wall Certificate. Non-compliant wall certificate are subject to a $300 daily fee until compliance or a path towards compliance is provided.
How We Can Help
Hals Consulting supports property owners and managers with detailed facade evaluations that meet the City of Boston’s requirements. Generally, buildings between under 120 feet tall can be reasonably inspected from the ground with binoculars or from adjacent roofs. Buildings over 120 feet should be inspected with other means for more accurate assessment of facade conditions. Hals Consulting can inspect taller buildings using a variety of options, whether through rope access, aerial lift, swing staging, or in-house using drone (aka UAS). Our drone imaging service is cost effective and allows for precise, close-range documentation particularly useful for tall or complex buildings where traditional access can be challenging.
Our Approach
- All work is overseen by a licensed structural engineer.
- We identify fall hazards, damage, or other unsafe conditions and provide prompt communication.
- We prepare professional documentation suitable for city paperwork submission.
- Our work includes limited complementary building envelope condition assessment, including building components such as roofing membranes, sealants, windows, and other non-hazardous cladding issues. We can also provide a comprehensive assessment including cost estimating and conceptual repair design.
- If utilizing drone, imaging will be provided and can be used for marketing or other purposes.
- Hals Consulting can provide full service design, bid, and construction phase services for emergency or long-term repairs.
Additional Resources
The Boston Facade Ordinance is managed by the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department.
Facade Ordinance
The facade ordinance is outlined in Sections 9-9.12 of the Boston Building Code – Inspection of Exterior Walls and Appurtenances of Buildings Requiring Periodic Inspection
Boston Building Code 9-9.12Inspectional Services Department (ISD)
The facade ordinance is managed by the Boston Inspectional Services Department
Address: 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA
Boston Inspectional Services
Telephone: 617.635.5300
Contact Us Today
Please contact us with any questions or project needs and we will get back to you shortly. Hals Consulting serves clients ranging from building owners, developers, attorneys, building managers, and contractors. Each project request will be assessed individually to develop a scope that fits your needs.