Façade Inspection Ordinance

The ordinance requires licensed professionals to perform a combination of close-up and remote observations to evaluate the condition of the exterior wall system. Close-Up Examination Representative areas of each elevation facing a public street, sidewalk, alley, or park must be physically examined using appropriate access methods such as swing stages, aerial lifts, scaffolding, or rope access. These hands-on evaluations allow the design professional to identify deterioration that may not be visible from the ground. Remote Observation Remaining facade areas are evaluated using visual observations from grade, optical equipment, drones, or other approved methods to document the overall condition of the building envelope. Inspection findings commonly include: Masonry cracking and spalling Concrete deterioration Bulging or displaced facade elements Sealant deterioration Water infiltration indicators Cornice and coping conditions Attachment locations for balconies, fire escapes, canopies, marquees, and flagpoles

The Milwaukee Facade Inspection Ordinance, established under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Section 275-32-13, is a city-mandated public safety program requiring periodic inspections of high-rise building facades. The ordinance is intended to identify and address exterior wall deterioration before it poses a hazard to building occupants, pedestrians, or adjacent public areas. Administered by the Commercial Enforcement Division of the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS), the program requires building owners to submit periodic facade inspection reports prepared by a licensed architect or registered professional engineer. Following the inspection, the building facade is classified into one of three conditions: Safe: No structural deficiencies or maintenance conditions affecting public safety were identified. Safe with a Repair and Maintenance Program: Deterioration or maintenance deficiencies were observed that require repairs within a defined timeframe to maintain safe conditions. Unsafe: Conditions present an immediate hazard and must be reported promptly to the Department of Neighborhood Services. Temporary public protection and emergency stabilization measures may be required until repairs are completed.

The ordinance applies to commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings that meet both of the following criteria: Five stories or more in height. More than 15 years old, based on the initial certificate of occupancy. For ordinance purposes, basements, parking levels, penthouses, attics, mezzanines, and balconies are excluded when determining the number of stories.

Inspection frequency is determined by the building's exterior wall construction and attachment methods. TABLE Building Category Construction Type Inspection Frequency Category I Non-corrodible metal reinforcement or attachments Every 12 years Category II Corrosion-resistant or protected metal Every 8 years Category III Corrodible metal anchors or fasteners exposed to the elements Every 5 years Category IV Adhesive bond systems or traditional masonry headers Every 8 years All required reports must be submitted to the Department of Neighborhood Services by December 1 of the applicable compliance year.

Meeting the requirements of the Milwaukee Facade Inspection Ordinance often involves more than completing an inspection. Building owners may need assistance determining inspection requirements, coordinating specialized access, interpreting findings, planning repairs, and maintaining compliance over the life of the building. Walker provides engineering, architectural, and restoration consulting services to support each phase of the process. Inspection Planning and Compliance Guidance — We evaluate your building's construction, inspection history, and ordinance requirements to develop an efficient inspection approach and compliance schedule. Specialized Access Methods — Our licensed architects and engineers utilize rope access, swing stages, aerial lifts, drones, and other access methods appropriate for the building and inspection scope, helping minimize disruption while providing the close-up evaluations required by the ordinance. Repair Design and Construction Support — When deficiencies are identified, we prepare repair documents, assist with contractor procurement, and provide construction administration services to help owners address deficiencies and maintain compliance. Long-Term Building Envelope Consulting — Facade inspections provide valuable information beyond ordinance compliance. We help owners prioritize repairs, evaluate long-term building performance, and incorporate inspection findings into ongoing maintenance and capital planning. Fire Escape Certification Coordination — We can also coordinate Milwaukee's required fire escape stability inspections to help owners streamline compliance activities and reduce administrative effort.