Façade Ordinance Inspections

Facade Ordinances were introduced in response to incidents involving falling debris from high-rise buildings, which posed serious risks to pedestrians and property. Following events in 1999 and 2000, the regulations were strengthened to mandate more rigorous evaluations and ongoing maintenance. Regular inspections give building owners the insight needed to identify and resolve façade issues before they become costly or hazardous.

Understanding Façade Safety Requirements Across Chicago, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee

Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee require regular façade inspections through local ordinances that address exterior building conditions and appurtenances. Having performed inspections for many clients and buildings in these cities, our team of licensed professionals understands how these regulations help identify deterioration early and reduce the risk of falling debris or structural failure.

Chicago Inspection Requirements & Categories

Buildings subject to the Façade Ordinance must submit one of two reports:

  • Ongoing Report (Short Form) – A visual review conducted from surrounding streets and sidewalks, with hands-on inspections required in certain cases.
  • Critical Examination – A close-up, hands-on assessment of all public way elevations to identify potential hazards and deterioration.
Note: These are minimum requirements. A licensed professional may recommend more frequent inspections based on observed conditions.

Buildings are classified into one of four categories based on facade attachment methods, which determine the frequency of required inspections:

Category I

Critical Exams every 12 years, Ongoing Reports every 6 years

Category II

Critical Exams every 8 years, Ongoing Reports every 4 years

Category III

Critical Exams every 4 years, Ongoing Reports every 2 years

Category IV

Critical Exams every 8 years, Ongoing Reports every 4 years

The “Short Form Only” Program

The most recent update to the ordinance introduced the Short Form Only Program, allowing qualifying buildings to submit Ongoing Reports every two years instead of undergoing full Critical Exams. This streamlined process benefits buildings with well-maintained facades, reducing inspection costs while maintaining compliance.

Chicago

The Chicago Façade Ordinance applies to buildings over 80 feet in height. Originally passed in 1996 and last updated in 2016, the ordinance mandates exterior inspections by a licensed architect or engineer.

Inspection Types:

  • OSHA-Compliant Roof Anchors: Visual inspection yearly; full recertification every 10 years.

  • Water Tanks: Inspection required every 2 years.

  • Fire Escapes: Every 5 years.

  • Exposed Metals (e.g., flagpoles, signage, steel balconies, canopies): Every 5 years.

  • Sidewalk Vaults: Every 3 years; annually in Chicago’s Central Business District.

  • Energy Benchmarking: Required annually, with third-party verification every 3 years.

Philadelphia 

The City of Philadelphia requires periodic inspections of building façades and appurtenances to protect public safety and maintain the integrity of its urban landscape. Buildings that are six stories or taller, or have any appurtenance exceeding 60 feet in height, are subject to mandatory evaluations by a licensed professional. These inspections are part of the city’s broader effort to prevent structural hazards and support long-term building performance.

Philadelphia’s façade inspection mandate covers:

Additional Requirements:

Milwaukee

In Milwaukee, building façades are subject to a Critical Examination every 5 years.

Additional Requirements:

  • Fire Escapes: Every 5 years.
  • OSHA-Compliant Roof Anchors: Annual visual checks; recertification every 10 years.

Our Expertise in Façade Inspections

Klein & Hoffman has extensive experience conducting Façade Ordinance inspections, having examined over 600 buildings and submitted more than 3,000 reports across Chicago, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. Our team collaborates closely with building owners and property managers to maintain compliance and protect occupants and pedestrians from facade-related risks.

Comprehensive Inspection
& Repair Planning

In addition to conducting inspections, Klein & Hoffman works with access contractors to facilitate close-up assessments when necessary. Our findings can also be leveraged to develop repair scopes, create construction documents, and solicit competitive bids for repair work, supporting cost-effective and timely facade maintenance.

 

Partner with Us

Whether you’re maintaining compliance in Chicago, Philadelphia, or Milwaukee, our team brings clarity and technical expertise to the process. Reach out today to schedule an inspection or discuss how we can support your exterior evaluation and repair planning needs. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our facade evaluation services.

Contact

Rhocel Bon

Senior Associate I

Brian Mathus

Associate V

Thomas Gabel

Associate Principal

Caitlin Maggiano

Associate Principal, Manager

Justin M. Spivey

Associate Principal

Interested in learning more about Ordinance Inspections with Klein & Hoffman?

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