NYC Local Law 152 Plumbers

What Is Local Law 152?

What is the purpose of Local Law 152?

Local Law 152 of 2016 is a law passed by the New York City Council in 2016, which requires periodic inspection of gas piping systems in certain buildings. The purpose of the law is to ensure the safety of gas piping systems and reduce the risk of gas leaks and fires. The law applies to certain types of buildings, including multiple dwellings buildings, mixed-use buildings, and commercial buildings, and requires building owners to hire a qualified professional to conduct regular inspections of their gas piping systems. The law also includes penalties for non-compliance and a process for appealing penalties. The main goal is to enhance safety of the building, tenants and the community in general.

What are the requirement for periodic inspection of gas piping systems

Local Law 152 of 2016 requires that certain types of buildings in New York City have their gas piping systems inspected on a periodic basis. The law applies to multiple dwelling buildings, mixed-use buildings, and commercial buildings. The law requires these buildings to have their gas piping systems inspected by a qualified professional, who must be licensed by the New York City Department of Buildings.

The frequency of the inspections is defined by the type of building, the age of the building and the type of gas piping systems. For example, multiple dwelling buildings and mixed-use buildings must be inspected every five years, while commercial buildings must be inspected every three years.

The inspection process includes a visual examination of the gas piping systems, including the main and branch lines, risers, and all other gas piping components. The inspector must also check for leaks and test the pressure in the gas piping systems. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector must submit a report to the Department of Buildings and the building owner, which must be kept on file for at least three years.

It is important to note that the building owner is responsible for ensuring that the inspection is conducted, submitting the report to the appropriate authorities and maintaining the gas piping systems in good working condition. Building owners who do not comply with the law can face penalties and fines.

Local Law 152 Compliance Requirements

Type of buildings and systems that are covered by the law

Local Law 152 of 2016 applies to certain types of buildings and systems in New York City. These include:

• Multiple dwelling buildings: any building that contains three or more dwelling units, such as apartments or condos.
• Mixed-use buildings: any building that contains both commercial and residential space.
• Commercial buildings: any building that is used for commercial, industrial, or institutional purposes, such as office buildings, warehouses, and schools.

The law applies to gas piping systems in these buildings, including main and branch lines, risers, and all other gas piping components. The law applies to both natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to the law, such as single-family homes, buildings that are not connected to gas piping systems, and buildings that are already subject to regular gas piping system inspection as part of an ongoing maintenance program. The Department of Buildings has the authority to determine whether a building is subject to the law or not.

Local Law 152 deadlines for compliance

Local Law 152 of 2016 requires certain types of buildings to have their gas piping systems inspected on a periodic basis, with different deadlines for compliance depending on the type of building. The deadlines for compliance are as follows:

• Multiple dwelling buildings and mixed-use buildings: These buildings must have their gas piping systems inspected every five years. The first inspection must be conducted by July 1, 2018 or within 60 days of the date the building was first required to comply with the law, whichever is later. Subsequent inspections must be conducted every five years thereafter.
• Commercial buildings: These buildings must have their gas piping systems inspected every three years. The first inspection must be conducted by July 1, 2018 or within 60 days of the date the building was first required to comply with the law, whichever is later. Subsequent inspections must be conducted every three years thereafter.

It’s important to note that building owners must schedule their inspections well in advance to avoid missing the deadlines and to ensure compliance. Building owners who do not comply with the law can face penalties and fines.

Processes and procedures for the inspection of gas piping systems

Under Local Law 152 of 2016, the process and procedures for the inspection of gas piping systems in certain types of buildings in New York City include the following steps:

1. Hiring a qualified professional: Building owners must hire a qualified professional who is licensed by the New York City Department of Buildings to conduct the inspection. The inspector must have a valid license and must have completed a training course approved by the Department of Buildings.
2. Scheduling the inspection: Building owners must schedule the inspection well in advance to ensure compliance with the deadlines set by the law. The inspector will visit the building and conduct a visual examination of the gas piping systems, including the main and branch lines, risers, and all other gas piping components.
3. Checking for leaks: The inspector must check for leaks in the gas piping systems, using appropriate tools and techniques. Any leaks found during the inspection must be repaired immediately.
4. Testing the pressure: The inspector must test the pressure in the gas piping systems to ensure that it is within the acceptable range. If the pressure is too high or too low, the inspector must report it to the building owner and the Department of Buildings.
5. Submitting the inspection report: Once the inspection is complete, the inspector must submit a report to the Department of Buildings and the building owner. The report must include the results of the inspection, including any leaks or pressure issues found, and any recommendations for repairs or upgrades. The report must be kept on file for at least three years.
6. Maintaining the gas piping systems: Building owners are responsible for maintaining the gas piping systems in good working condition and must conduct any necessary repairs or upgrades as soon as possible.

It’s important to note that the building owner is responsible for ensuring that the inspection is conducted, submitting the report to the appropriate authorities and maintaining the gas piping systems in good working condition. Building owners who do not comply with the law can face penalties and fines.

Responsibilities of Building Owners

What are the responsibilities of building owners for compliance?

Under Local Law 152 of 2016, building owners have several responsibilities for compliance with the law’s requirements for the inspection of gas piping systems in certain types of buildings in New York City. These include:

• Building owners are responsible for hiring a qualified professional who is licensed by the New York City Department of Buildings to conduct the inspection. The inspector must have a valid license and must have completed a training course approved by the Department of Buildings.
• Building owners are responsible for scheduling the inspection well in advance to ensure compliance with the deadlines set by the law. The inspector will visit the building and conduct a visual examination of the gas piping systems, including the main and branch lines, risers, and all other gas piping components.
• Once the inspection is complete, building owners are responsible for submitting the inspection report to the Department of Buildings and keeping a copy of the report on file for at least three years.
• Building owners are responsible for maintaining the gas piping systems in good working condition. If any leaks or pressure issues are found during the inspection, building owners must conduct the necessary repairs or upgrades as soon as possible.
• Building owners are responsible for ensuring that their building comply with the law, including the deadlines for inspection.
• Building owners who do not comply with the law can face penalties and fines, it is important for the building owner to be aware of the compliance requirements and deadlines to avoid non-compliance.

It’s important to note that building owners must be proactive in ensuring compliance with the law and must take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of their gas piping systems. Building owners should also be aware of the penalties for non-compliance and seek assistance if they have any questions or concerns about the inspection process.

How to hire a qualified professional to perform the gas line inspection

Under Local Law 152 of 2016, building owners are required to hire a qualified professional who is licensed by the New York City Department of Buildings to conduct the inspection of gas piping systems. Here are some tips on how to hire a qualified professional for this purpose:

• Check for a valid license: Building owners should verify that the professional they are hiring is licensed by the New York City Department of Buildings. This can be done by checking the Department of Buildings website or by contacting the Department of Buildings directly.
• Look for experience: Building owners should look for a professional with experience in conducting gas piping system inspections. Professionals with experience in the field are more likely to identify potential issues and provide accurate recommendations for gas line repairs or upgrades.
• Seek references: Building owners should ask for references from previous clients and check the professional’s reputation in the industry. This can provide insight into the quality of the professional’s work and customer service.
• Ask for a detailed inspection report: Building owners should ask the professional to provide a detailed inspection report, including the results of the inspection, any leaks or pressure issues found, and any recommendations for repairs or upgrades. This report should be kept on file for at least three years.
• Get a quote: Building owners should ask the professional for a quote on the gas line inspection cost and compare it to other quotes to ensure that they are getting a fair price.
• Review the contract carefully: Building owners should review the contract with the professional carefully before signing it, to ensure that they understand the scope of the work, the cost, and the timeline.

By following these tips, building owners can be confident that they are hiring a qualified professional who will conduct a thorough inspection of their gas piping systems and provide accurate and useful information on the condition of their gas piping systems.

What is the process for submitting inspection reports to the appropriate authorities?

Building owners are responsible for submitting the inspection report to the appropriate authorities after the inspection of gas piping systems is complete. Here is a general overview of the process for submitting the inspection report:

1. Inspection completion: Once the inspection is complete, the qualified professional who conducted the inspection will prepare a report that includes the results of the inspection, any leaks or pressure issues found, and any recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
2. Submitting the report: The building owner must submit a copy of the inspection report to the Department of Buildings within 30 days after the completion of the inspection. The report must be submitted electronically through the NYC Buildings eFiling system, by mail or in person. The building owner must also retain a copy of the report for at least three years.
3. Confirmation of receipt: The Department of Buildings will confirm receipt of the report, and the building owner should keep this confirmation as proof of compliance.
4. Follow up on recommendations: Building owners should follow up on the recommendations made in the report and conduct the necessary repairs or upgrades in a timely manner to maintain the gas piping systems in good working condition.

It’s important to note that building owners should be aware of the deadlines for submitting the inspection report and to ensure that the report is complete and accurate. Any false or misleading information in the report is considered as a violation and can lead to penalties and fines. Building owners who are unsure of the process for submitting the inspection report or who have any questions about the inspection process should contact the Department of Buildings for assistance.

Penalties for Non-compliance

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Building owners who do not comply with the law’s requirements for the inspection of gas piping systems can face penalties for non-compliance. These penalties can include fines, penalties, and even criminal charges in some cases. Here is a general overview of the penalties for non-compliance:

• Fines: Building owners who do not comply with the law’s requirements for the inspection of gas piping systems can be fined by the Department of Buildings. The fines can be substantial and can increase for each day that the building remains out of compliance.
• Civil Penalties: Civil penalties may also be imposed for non-compliance, and the amount of the penalty will depend on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first-time or repeat violation.
• Stop Work Orders: If a building owner does not comply with the law, the Department of Buildings may issue a stop work order, which prohibits the owner from making changes or repairs to the gas piping systems until the building is brought into compliance.
• Criminal Charges: In some cases, building owners who do not comply with the law may face criminal charges, such as reckless endangerment, if the non-compliance results in an accident or injury.
• Revocation of Building Permits: The Department of Buildings may revoke building permits if the building owner does not comply with the law.

Building owners who have any questions or concerns about the inspection process or who are unsure of how to comply with the law should contact the Department of Buildings for assistance.

What is the process for appealing penalties?

Building owners who have been assessed penalties for non-compliance have the right to appeal those penalties. Here is a general overview of the process for appealing penalties:

1. Request a hearing: Building owners have the right to request a hearing with the Environmental Control Board (ECB) within 30 days of receiving the notice of violation. The request can be made online or by mail.
2. Prepare for the hearing: Building owners should prepare for the hearing by gathering any evidence or documentation that may support their case. This may include proof that the building was in compliance with the law, or that the violation was not their fault.
3. Attend the hearing: Building owners must attend the hearing in person or through their representative. They will have the opportunity to present their case and any evidence or documentation they have gathered.
4. Decision of the hearing officer: After the hearing, the hearing officer will make a decision and issue an order. The order may dismiss the violation, reduce the penalty, or uphold the penalty.
5. Appeal the decision: Building owners have the right to appeal the decision of the hearing officer to the Environmental Control Board within 30 days of the decision.
6. Administrative appeals: If the building owner is not satisfied with the decision of the Environmental Control Board, they may have the right to appeal the decision to the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) depending on the nature of the penalty.

It’s important to note that the process of appealing penalties can be complex and time-consuming, and building owners may want to consider hiring a lawyer to assist them in the process. They should also be aware of the deadlines for appealing penalties and gather all necessary documentation to support their case.

Resources for Compliance

What are available resources for compliance?

Building owners have access to several resources to help them comply with the law’s requirements for the inspection of gas piping systems. Here are some resources available to building owners:

• Department of Buildings website: The Department of Buildings website contains information on the law’s requirements for the inspection of gas piping systems, as well as forms, guidelines, and other resources that building owners can use to comply with the law.
• Building owner’s guide: The Department of Buildings has published a guide for building owners that provides detailed information on the law’s requirements, the inspection process, and the penalties for non-compliance. This guide can be found on the Department of Buildings website.
• NYC Buildings eFiling system: The NYC Buildings eFiling system is an online platform where building owners can submit their inspection reports electronically. The platform also allows building owners to check the status of their reports, schedule inspections, and pay fines.
• Technical assistance: The Department of Buildings also provides technical assistance to building owners who have questions or need help complying with the law. Building owners can contact the Department of Buildings by phone or email for assistance.
• Professional Organizations: Building owners can also seek help from professional organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) which provide resources and guidelines for gas piping systems inspections.

It’s important to note that building owners should take advantage of these resources to ensure compliance with the law and to avoid penalties for non-compliance. Building owners should also stay up-to-date with

Are there available incentives and assistance for completing gas piping systems inspections?

Under Local Law 152 of 2016, building owners may have access to incentives and assistance for completing gas piping systems inspections. Some of these incentives and assistance include:

• Financial assistance: Building owners may be eligible for financial assistance to help with the cost of the inspection. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) offers a program called “Gas Leak Repairs” that provides financial assistance to building owners to repair gas leaks. The program offers grants, loans, and rebates to building owners.
• Energy efficiency incentives: Building owners may also be eligible for incentives and rebates for energy-efficient upgrades to their gas piping systems. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers a variety of programs that provide incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, such as the “Natural Gas Efficiency Program” and the “Multi-Family Performance Program”
• Technical Assistance: Building owners may also be eligible for technical assistance for completing the gas piping systems inspections. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) offers a program called “Weatherization Assistance Program” which provides free technical assistance and weatherization services to low-income building owners, including gas piping systems inspections.
• Tax incentives: Building owners may also be eligible for tax incentives for upgrading their gas piping systems. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance offers a variety of tax incentives for energy-efficient

Conclusion

Key things to remember about Local Law 152

• Local Law 152 of 2016 requires certain types of buildings in New York City to have their gas piping systems inspected on a periodic basis, with different deadlines for compliance depending on the type of building.
• Building owners must hire a qualified professional who is licensed by the New York City Department of Buildings to conduct the inspection.
• Building owners are responsible for scheduling the inspection well in advance, submitting the inspection report to the Department of Buildings, and maintaining the gas piping systems in good working condition.
• Building owners who do not comply with the law can face penalties and fines, such as fines, civil penalties, stop work orders, and even criminal charges in some cases.
• Building owners have the right to appeal penalties assessed for non-compliance through a hearing process.
• Building owners have access to several resources such as the Department of Buildings website, building owner’s guide, NYC Buildings eFiling system, technical assistance, and professional organizations, to help them comply with the law.
• Building owners may also have access to incentives and assistance such as financial assistance, energy efficiency incentives, technical assistance and tax incentives to help with the cost of inspections and upgrades.

Why should you schedule regular gas line inspections?

It is important for building owners to be aware of the compliance deadlines set by Local Law 152 of 2016 and to schedule inspections well in advance to ensure compliance. The deadlines for compliance are as follows:

• Multiple dwelling buildings and mixed-use buildings: These buildings must have their gas piping systems inspected every five years. The first inspection must be conducted by July 1, 2018 or within 60 days of the date the building was first required to comply with the law, whichever is later. Subsequent inspections must be conducted every five years thereafter.
• Commercial buildings: These buildings must have their gas piping systems inspected every three years. The first inspection must be conducted by July 1, 2018 or within 60 days of the date the building was first required to comply with the law, whichever is later. Subsequent inspections must be conducted every three years thereafter.

It’s important to note that regular inspections are critical for ensuring the safety of gas piping systems, and to identify and repair any potential issues before they become a safety hazard. Building owners should schedule the inspections well in advance to avoid missing the deadlines and to ensure compliance. Building owners who do not comply with the law can face penalties and fines, and could potentially put the safety of the building’s occupants at risk.