Buildings, Condo & Co-op Plumber and Electrician Licensing, Work, Permits & NYC Local Law

Under New York City (NYC) law, plumbing and electrical work in all buildings require licensed professionals and relevant permits. It is the building owner's responsibility to hire licensed professionals where and as applicable. This article will provide a short general guide to compliance with local laws and licensing requirements in relation to the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB).

Plumbing and Plumber Licensing Requirements

Under the NYC Building Code, a licensed plumber is required for performance of all plumbing work and alterations that rise above minor and routine maintenance and might create a public health, safety and fire hazard or impact on the building structure. Ordinary and common maintenance work that should fall within the plumber licensing exception includes:

• Fixing and changing leaky faucets and showerheads (without changing stop valves)
• Replacing a pipe under a sink that does not involve the trap
• Replacing a sink or toilet that does not involve the trap

Electrical and Electrician Licensing Requirements

Under the NYC Electrical Code, all electrical work must be conducted by a licensed electrician. This is important to understand since many owners and building managers will typically not contract a licensed electrician to perform minor and routine maintenance work such as changing light switches, light fixtures, and sometimes outlet replacements. Building owners should be aware that, even if the work appears minor, such conduct is technically a violation of the NYC Electrical Code and subject to fines.

Residential building owners must install and maintain protective caps and covers over electrical outlets in the public and common areas of the building. An exception for electrical outlets applies if they are tamper-resistant receptacle.

How to Confirm Plumber and Electrician Licensing, Registration & Insurance

The New York City Department of Buildings licenses and administrates the qualifying examinations for Master Electricians, Special Electricians and Master Plumbers and also issues respective electrical and plumbing permits. The NYC DOB Skilled Trades Licensees / General Contractors / Registrant Search tool is a publicly available database which can be used to confirm and obtain licensing information for a master plumber and electrical firm. Information provided includes basic details as well as the contractor's general liability, workers' compensation and disability insurance.

You can also review your building's information and status of permits, applications and outstanding violations using online resources such as the Buildings Information System (BIS) and DOB NOW Public Portal.

Relevant NYC Plumbing Code, NYC Electrical Code, and NYC Administrative Code

• Admin. Code, §27-2046.3: Safety devices for certain electrical outlets required
• Admin. Code, §27-3017: Electrical work by unlicensed persons; false representations
• Admin Code, §27-3025: Adding New York City amendments to article 406 of the 2008 National Electrical Code
• Admin. Code, §28-105.4.2: Minor alterations and ordinary repairs
• Admin. Code, §28-105.4.4: Ordinary plumbing work
• Admin. Code, §28-201.2.1: Specified immediately hazardous violations
• Admin. Code, §28-401.2: General requirements for all licenses
• NYC Plumbing Code §101.2
• NYC Plumbing Code §202