New York City (NYC) Local Law 152 (LL152) of 2016, Gas Piping and Systems Inspection, is a part of the City's efforts to ensure gas piping safety in buildings. While inspection can be routine, findings of unsafe or hazardous conditions can result in a gas disconnection to your building which can last for an extended time. The following is intended to help building owners and condo and co-op boards understand, prepare for and address LL 152 gas piping inspections.
Local Law 152 of 2016 mandates periodic inspections of gas piping systems in New York City (NYC) buildings, with an exception for single and two-family homes. The NYC Department of Buildings Frequently Asked Questions on Local Law 152 of 2016 covers frequent questions on who is subject to LL152 requirements as well as many related issues.
Each NYC "community district" has its own specific schedule for inspection every 4 years (an inspection "cycle".) To determine your inspection deadline, use the NYC Building's LL152 Date Ranges for Inspection chart to identify your community district and respective cycle for reporting.
If you require more information about your building, search the NYC DOB online building information databases. The Buildings Information System is a publicly available and searchable database for viewing historical building data. DOB NOW is the NYC DOB's self-service online database and tool to submit applications, make payments, and manage many building-related tasks.
The piping inspection must be conducted by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP), who ideally has experience with LL152 reporting requirements. Inspections include exposed gas piping (including in public hallways, boiler rooms, and other areas), as well as signs of pipe corrosion, illegal connections, leaks, and similar problems. The LMP will file a report with the DOB. There is a ten-year requirement to maintain records related to inspection reports and any corrective work performed.
If the LMP discovers gas piping leaks or unsafe conditions, the plumber must immediately notify the NYC DOB and the gas utility company. The property owner is required to take corrective action immediately.
In circumstances where gas piping replacement may be required, cost of correction and time without a gas supply can be substantial. Replacement of gas piping work is an invasive and extensive undertaking. Building owners may need to consider financing or the use of reserve funds. Co-op and condo boards should also consider assisting residents with obtaining alternative cooking products (such as electric countertop burners) should the gas line need to be disconnected for many months.
As mentioned above, the Buildings Information System and DOB NOW are online databases which should be checked periodically to understand and be aware of compliance and project status, requirements, and needs of your building.
Understand Local Law 152
Local Law 152 of 2016 mandates periodic inspections of gas piping systems in New York City (NYC) buildings, with an exception for single and two-family homes. The NYC Department of Buildings Frequently Asked Questions on Local Law 152 of 2016 covers frequent questions on who is subject to LL152 requirements as well as many related issues.
Ascertain Inspection Due Date
Each NYC "community district" has its own specific schedule for inspection every 4 years (an inspection "cycle".) To determine your inspection deadline, use the NYC Building's LL152 Date Ranges for Inspection chart to identify your community district and respective cycle for reporting.
If you require more information about your building, search the NYC DOB online building information databases. The Buildings Information System is a publicly available and searchable database for viewing historical building data. DOB NOW is the NYC DOB's self-service online database and tool to submit applications, make payments, and manage many building-related tasks.
Licensed Master Plumber to Perform Inspection and File Report
The piping inspection must be conducted by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP), who ideally has experience with LL152 reporting requirements. Inspections include exposed gas piping (including in public hallways, boiler rooms, and other areas), as well as signs of pipe corrosion, illegal connections, leaks, and similar problems. The LMP will file a report with the DOB. There is a ten-year requirement to maintain records related to inspection reports and any corrective work performed.
Unsafe or Hazardous Conditions Must be Addressed Immediately
If the LMP discovers gas piping leaks or unsafe conditions, the plumber must immediately notify the NYC DOB and the gas utility company. The property owner is required to take corrective action immediately.
In circumstances where gas piping replacement may be required, cost of correction and time without a gas supply can be substantial. Replacement of gas piping work is an invasive and extensive undertaking. Building owners may need to consider financing or the use of reserve funds. Co-op and condo boards should also consider assisting residents with obtaining alternative cooking products (such as electric countertop burners) should the gas line need to be disconnected for many months.
Check Gas Piping Compliance Information and Reports
As mentioned above, the Buildings Information System and DOB NOW are online databases which should be checked periodically to understand and be aware of compliance and project status, requirements, and needs of your building.
- Real Estate Law
- Real Property Law
- Jurisdiction
- New York
