Montana
Facade Inspection (Local Law 11, FISP and City Ordinances)
Mandatory facade inspections and reports by licensed engineers or architects under NYC FISP and other city facade ordinances.
What the work involves
Several US cities require periodic facade inspections of taller or older buildings by a licensed engineer or architect, who files a report classifying conditions and repairs. New York City's Facade Inspection Safety Program (formerly Local Law 11) applies to buildings over six stories on a five-year cycle, with close-up inspection from scaffolding at intervals along street facades. Other programs include Chicago (buildings 80 ft or taller), Boston (over 70 ft, every five years), Philadelphia (six or more stories, every five years), Pittsburgh (most buildings other than R-3, every five years), Cincinnati (five stories or 60 ft and over 15 years old), Columbus (20 years or older facades within 10 ft of a public way, every five years), Cleveland (five stories or 75 ft and 30 years or older, every five years), Detroit (five or more stories, every five years), Milwaukee (five or more stories and 15 years or older) and San Francisco (five or more stories, every ten years after the initial deadline). St. Louis also has a facade ordinance; published summaries of its thresholds conflict.
Local conditions we plan for
- Seismic hazard in western Montana (Intermountain Seismic Belt)
- Wildfire
- Snow loads and deep frost
- Landslides and riverine flooding (2022 Yellowstone flood)
Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC adopted at the state level (ICC adoption chart, April 2026).
When you need it
- Building is covered by a city facade ordinance
- Inspection cycle deadline approaching
- Loose masonry, cracked terra cotta or falling debris
- City issued an unsafe facade violation
- Sidewalk shed has been up for a long time
Frequently asked questions
How much does facade Inspection (Local Law 11, FISP and City Ordinances) cost?
Across the US, facade Inspection (Local Law 11, FISP and City Ordinances) usually costs $3,000 to $75,000 per building per cycle. Estimate. Fees depend on height, facade area, access method (drone, rope access, scaffold) and required probes; repair costs are separate and can be much larger.
How long does facade Inspection (Local Law 11, FISP and City Ordinances) take?
Plan on Weeks to months, depending on access and filing deadlines from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.
Do I need a licensed PE for facade Inspection (Local Law 11, FISP and City Ordinances)?
In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.
How do I verify an engineer's license in Montana?
Engineers practicing in Montana are licensed by the Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. You can confirm a license number and its status in the board's public license search before you sign a contract.
Which building code applies in Montana?
2021 IBC/IRC adopted at the state level (ICC adoption chart, April 2026). Cities and counties can add local amendments, which is one reason to hire an engineer who works in your area.
What site problems do engineers see most in Montana?
Common issues include seismic hazard in western Montana (Intermountain Seismic Belt), wildfire, snow loads and deep frost and landslides and riverine flooding (2022 Yellowstone flood).