NYC Local Law 152 requires periodic inspections of gas piping systems in New York City, a law that was originally passed as part of a larger set of regulations surrounding gas line safety.
Back in 2016, the Department of Buildings (DOB) introduced Local Law 152 requiring regular inspections of gas piping systems in all buildings. An update to the law was made last year whereby the DOB finalized the rules, including the frequency of required inspections, scope of inspections, qualifications of inspectors, and more. These requirements are in effect now.
View Local Law 152 of 2016 here.
View Local Law 152: Updated Requirements for Boards and Buildings – Click Here
Click Here To See 2023 Deadlines for Community Districts in all boroughs
That amendment states that beginning January 1, 2020, gas piping systems in all buildings, except for buildings classified in occupancy group R-3, must be inspected by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) at least once every four years according to a four-year-cycle schedule.
Frequency of NYC Local Law 152 Inspections
Inspections must be performed and submitted every four years. There are varying due date cycles for each NYC borough:
- Community Districts 1, 3, and 10 in all boroughs: January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020
- Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13, and 18 in all boroughs: January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
- Community Districts 4, 6, 8, 9, and 16 in all boroughs: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022
- Community Districts 11, 12, 14, 15, and 17 in all boroughs: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
You can look up your building’s district here.
If your building does not contain a gas piping system, you still need to take action, filing a Certification stating your building does not contain a gas piping system. You will have to do this every four years, following the above cycle.
According to the code, occupancy group R-3 includes “buildings or portions thereof containing no more than 2 dwelling units,” such as convents and monasteries with under 20 occupants, group homes, and one- and two-family dwellings. Not sure of your property classification? Find it on your Certificate of Occupancy.
Getting Your Gas Piping System Inspected
To comply with Local Law 152, you need to have your building inspection conducted by a licensed and insured master plumber.
Tidal Plumbing is a NYC Licensed Master Plumber #2435 and NYS Certified Backflow Tester #12387. All our plumbers are licensed and insured for your peace of mind.
Once the inspection has been performed, an Inspection Certification will be submitted to the building owner within 30 days, who will then submit it to the DOB within 60 days from the inspection date. Failure to file on time will result in the need for the inspection to be performed again.
Failure to file an Inspection Certification prior to the due date could cost you $10,000.00 in civil penalties.
Unsafe or Hazardous Conditions
If the inspection reveals unsafe or hazardous conditions within the building, the inspector must notify the building owner, the utility company that provides gas service to the building, and the DOB. The building owner is required to immediately repair the issue as per the NYC Construction Code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)
1. How much is a local law 152 inspection?
The cost of a Local Law 152 inspection can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the property, the complexity of the inspection, and the specific requirements of the local law. Typically, the cost for a basic visual inspection can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. If additional testing or analysis is required, such as for a pipe integrity test, the cost can increase accordingly. It is important to note that while the cost of the inspection may seem like an unnecessary expense, it is a required by law and failure to comply can result in fines and penalties. It is recommended to obtain quotes from multiple licensed and experienced inspection companies before making a decision. Need one? Click Here To Get Yours.
2. What are the requirements for a local law 152 inspection?
Local Law 152 in New York City requires owners of buildings with gas piping systems to undergo periodic inspections to ensure the safety of the gas system. They require all exposed gas lines from point of entry of gas piping into a building, including building service meters, up to the individual tenant spaces are to be inspected. Buried piping does not require inspection.
The following are the requirements for a Local Law 152 inspection:
1. Inspection frequency: Buildings must undergo a gas piping inspection at least once every four years.
2. Licensed professional: The inspection must be conducted by a licensed master plumber or licensed professional engineer.
3. Inspection report: The inspection report must be submitted to the Department of Buildings (DOB) within 60 days of the inspection date.
4. Corrective action: If any hazardous conditions or violations are found, corrective action must be taken and the DOB must be notified.
5. Record-keeping: Records of the inspection and any necessary repairs must be kept on file and made available for inspection by the DOB. Need an inpsection? Click Here
3. What is NYC Local law 152 filing?
NYC Local Law 152 is an annual gas piping inspection requirement for buildings in New York City with gas piping systems. The law requires building owners to have their gas piping systems inspected and certified by a licensed master plumber aka LMP. This is to ensure that the gas piping systems are in good condition and not posing a risk to the safety and health of building occupants.
The inspection includes a visual examination of the gas piping system to identify leaks, corrosion, or other defects, and a pressure test to ensure the system is operating within acceptable pressures. Building owners are required to file a report of inspection with the Department of Buildings no later than December 31st of the year the inspection is due. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in penalties and fines ($10,000).
Contact Us
Contact Tidal Plumbing NYC
To learn more about Local Law 152 and what it means for you in New York City, please contact us at 718-505-9300 or email us at [email protected]. We can set you up on a schedule with reminders so you never forget this important date every four years.
