Cornice resources
Field guides to NYC building compliance
Working knowledge for owners, managers, brokers, and board members. No legalese — just what the law says, what it costs to ignore, and how to fix it.
Compliance Basics
Due Diligence: Red Flags in a Building's History
Buying a building in NYC without checking its compliance history is like buying a used car without checking the Carfax. Learn the exact process of pulling due diligence on a building, how to spot the major red flags, and how pulling a Cornice report instantly does the heavy lifting for you.
2026-05-31 · 9 min read
Compliance Basics
The Ultimate NYC Real Estate Compliance Glossary
When a property owner gets a piece of mail with a terrifying acronym, it usually means something expensive has happened. This comprehensive glossary breaks down every major agency, violation code, and compliance term you need to know to safely navigate NYC real estate.
2026-05-31 · 15 min read
Local Laws
NYC Local Laws explained — LL11, LL26, LL84, LL87, LL97, LL126, LL152
Each NYC Local Law has its own cycle, deadlines, and penalty schedule. This is a comprehensive working reference to help keep your portfolio compliant — detailing what each law actually requires, which trade you need, what it costs to comply, and what it costs to ignore.
2026-05-15 · 12 min read
Local Laws
Local Law 97 — the carbon caps that change everything in 2030
LL97 sets greenhouse-gas emissions caps for buildings over 25,000 sqft. The 2024–2029 cap is the easy one; 2030–2034 nearly halves it. Understand what's coming and how to plan electrification + envelope upgrades without panicking.
2026-05-14 · 10 min read
Compliance Basics
How to file corrections for NYC violations
Different agencies use different filing systems. A DOB violation closes via DOB NOW + a trade-licensed pro. An ECB summons closes through OATH. HPD closes via electronic certification. FDNY closes through a re-inspection + letter. This is the order of operations for each.
2026-05-12 · 8 min read
Hearings & Penalties
Attending OATH hearings — what to expect, what to bring, what wins
OATH (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings) handles billions of dollars of NYC civil penalties annually. Owners win when they show up with photos, sworn statements, and the right cure documentation. Owners lose when they don't show.
2026-05-10 · 7 min read
Landmarks
Landmark Preservation Commission — what it is, how to qualify, and why it can be a gift
If your building is in a NYC historic district or designated as an individual landmark, every exterior change requires a Certificate of Appropriateness from LPC. That sounds painful — but landmark status comes with property-value premiums, tax incentives, and protection from inappropriate neighbors.
2026-05-08 · 9 min read
Local Laws
FISP / Local Law 11 — the facade inspection that protects pedestrians
FISP turned 25 in 2023. After several deaths from falling facade material, NYC requires every building over 6 stories to be inspected close-up every 5 years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector. Miss the cycle and the penalties compound monthly.
2026-05-05 · 8 min read
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