FAQ

The law was originally passed in 2016, but it was updated and finally implemented in 2019.

While the law passed in 2016, it did not go into effect immediately. In fact, it was not officially implemented until after the Local Law 152 update in 2019 and the final adoption by the New York City Department of Buildings the same year. However, inspections under the law did not begin until January 1, 2020.

All building owners in New York City must have the Local Law 152 gas inspection with one exception. Buildings in the R-3 group are not required to do so. These are residential buildings that hold two or fewer families. It is estimated that 280,000 buildings throughout NYC will need the Local Law 152 gas line inspection.

The city is following a staggered approach to Local Law 152 gas inspection by doing it in cycles based on districts. The following cycles apply currently:

Districts 1, 3, and 10: Inspections are required from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

Districts 2, 5, 7, 13, and 18: Inspections are required from January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022.

Districts 4, 6, 8, 9, and 16: Inspections run from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.

Districts 11, 12, 14, 15, and 17: Inspections run from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

LL 152 stipulates that building owners must have subsequent inspections conducted every fourth calendar year after the initial inspection. It should be completed no later than December 31 of that year. So, a building that was inspected in 2020 will need another inspection in 2024, then in 2028, and so on. Note that this only applies until 2024 when all buildings will have their inspections due on the anniversary date of their initial inspection every four years. So, if your building was inspected on December 20, 2021, after 2024, that will be your due date moving forward. It’s also important to note that gas inspections cannot be conducted more than 60 days before the official due date.

In New York, a Local Law 152 gas inspection can typically be conducted by the following individuals or entities:

Licensed Master Plumbers: Certified plumbers who hold a valid license issued by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) are authorized to perform gas inspections under Local Law 152.

Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractors: Professionals who are licensed by the DOB as Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractors can also conduct gas inspections as required by Local Law 152.

These licensed professionals have the expertise and qualifications necessary to assess gas systems and ensure compliance with safety regulations. It's important to work with a licensed and qualified individual or company to conduct the gas inspection in compliance with the specific requirements of Local Law 152 in New York.

Yes, any building without a gas piping system is still affected. While you are not required to have an inspection, you will need to file a certification stating that your building contains no gas piping system according to the same schedule listed above. However, you do not need to obtain your certificate from a licensed master plumber. Instead, you must work with a registered design professional.

If you do not submit your Local Law 152 gas inspection form on time, you face penalties. According to the rules adopted, you could be liable for a civil penalty of $5,000. You can challenge the penalty, but must do so within 30 days of the date of your violation and will require that you submit proof that you did in fact file on time.

The reporting and action timeline for LL 152 (Local Law 152) in New York City may involve the following steps:

Inspection Conducted: A licensed Master Plumber conducts the gas piping system inspection in the building, as required by LL 152. The inspection should be completed within the designated time frame (every 4 or 5 years, depending on the building classification and gas piping systems).

Inspection Report Preparation: Once the inspection is completed, the licensed Master Plumber prepares a report detailing the findings of the inspection. The report should include information on the condition of the gas piping system and any identified hazards or violations.

Filing Deadline: The building owner or their authorized representative is responsible for filing the LL 152 report with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). The report must be submitted within 60 days after the inspection was conducted.

Corrective Action: If any hazardous conditions or violations are identified during the inspection, the building owner must take prompt corrective action to address these issues. The specific timeframe for corrective action depends on the severity and nature of the violations. It's crucial to address any hazardous conditions promptly to ensure the safety of the building occupants.

Compliance Certification: Once the LL 152 report is filed with the DOB, and any necessary corrective actions are completed, the building owner will receive a compliance certification. This certification confirms that the gas piping system has been inspected and is in compliance with LL 152 requirements.

It's important to note that the reporting and action timeline may vary depending on the specific circumstances and any updates or amendments to LL 152. Building owners should consult the latest information from the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) or seek guidance from qualified professionals to ensure compliance with the reporting and action requirements.