Passed in 2016 as a way to safeguard NYC residents from major gas piping system damage, including fires, explosions, and gas leaks, Local Law 152 went into effect in 2020. With consistent visual inspections enforced by local and federal law, fewer multi-unit or multifamily properties experience uncomfortable gas piping incidents.
If you’re an NYC resident, chances are your property is of a certain age. Residences like them tend to have exposed gas piping. This isn’t only a liability, but something that requires many guidelines to be considered safe by law. In this guide, our skilled plumbers will break down the basics of Local Law 152 and ensure your property stays in compliance year-round.
What Is Local Law 152?
Local Law 152 is a community law put in place by the New York City Council that requires buildings with exposed gas piping to be professionally inspected every four years.
Gas line or piping inspections, especially those enforced by law, cannot be moved or held off. In fact, residents who do not obtain one can face a civil penalty of up to $10,000.00. This is because piping systems are fragile entities, with major components, such as pipes, fittings, valves, and gas meters, being particularly susceptible to combustion. If you know that your system is due for a full service inspection, contact a Boris Mechanical licensed master plumber.
Who Does The Law Apply To?
If your building (not just your unit) has more than two working gas lines, it needs to acquire a system periodic inspection certification via a master plumber. This is especially true for older buildings with boiler rooms, as these are a crucial component of a building’s complete piping system.
You automatically qualify if your building is a multi-family or multi-family complex. Make sure to review New York City construction codes for a more detailed breakdown of what specific entities qualify a building as multi-family. Your community district additionally determines which aspects of the law apply to your building, as some complexes may have stricter guidelines than others.
Exemptions for No Gas Piping
Buildings that do not have exposed piping do not fall under Local Law 152’s jurisdiction and therefore do not have to obtain the inspections under that code. However, the registered design professional or registered architect in charge of the building’s construction will need to submit a certification to the Department of Buildings (DOB) stating that there is no exposed gas piping present.
If you’re unsure that your building has gas piping, especially the kind that Local Law 152 regulates, ask your building owner or manager.
What gets inspected under Local Law 152?
Your master plumber from Boris Mechanical will start at the point at which gas enters your building. In most NYC residences, this is the boiler or mechanical room. While NYC construction codes differ by borough, most will have one of these central access points.
Then, they’ll work their way to the outer outlets in the buildings, with all exposed gas piping in shared areas (hall or alleyways), the second to go under review. Piping in individual units is not covered under Local Law 152. This law goes as far as to inspect public rooftops if piping in this area is exposed.
When Are Inspections Required?
The first cycle of inspections took place in 2020 when the law initially went into effect. Since then, each building that falls under its jurisdiction has been required to obtain an inspection every four years, making the second cycle begin in 2024.
Because these dates are determined by the Community District, you need to speak with yours directly to pinpoint the specific date for your building. For example, buildings in the 1, 3, and 10 districts of NYC were due for their cyclical inspection in 2024, while others might not take place until early 2025 or 2026.
How much does the inspection cost?
Inspection costs can range from $1,000 to upwards of $10,000.
Can I submit/obtain my inspection early?
Yes, you can obtain and submit an inspection to the DOB early, although they cannot obtain one 60 days before the outlined due date. Again, do not just assume that your building has the same one as others. Speak to your Community District or contact the DOB for your specific deadline.
How long do I have to make repairs?
120 days from your building’s inspection date for minor issues, an additional 60 days for a total of 180 days can be requested to address larger issues. If gas service is interrupted, repairs must be completed and certified prior to the re-establishment of gas service.
Do I need to shut off all of my gas outlets before an inspection?
No, NYC residents do not need to shut off their gas ahead of an inspection. However, the master plumber conducting the inspection might do this during the service. Be prepared to not use one or more of these outlets during or directly following your inspection.
What if the Utility shuts off my gas due to the discovery of a leak, hazardous or abnormal operating condition?
You’ll need a Licensed Master Plumber to make any required repairs. The plumber will:
- File for a permit with the DOB
- Pressure test the system to find any leaks
- Make required repairs
- Pressure test the system to confirm system integrity after repairs
- Arrange for and be present at a DOB physical inspection, which will include a pressure test
- Obtain gas authorization, complete any required utility paperwork, and arrange for gas turn-on
Note: This is the same process used by our master plumbers in the event that your gas DOES need to be shut off during an inspection.
Does the plumber who identifies hazardous conditions during an inspection need to be the plumber who makes the repairs?
No, you can use any properly qualified plumber to make the repairs. However, the repairs must be certified by the plumber who performed the original inspection.
What happens once my building has been inspected?
Within 30 days of your inspection, the licensed master plumber is on the job will give your Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report (GPS-1) to your building owner or manager, initiating the formal submission process. Then, the said owner will formally submit the document to the New York City Department of Buildings within 60 days of the inspection.
The process in which this flows depends on the condition of your building when inspected, as buildings with evidence of unsafe or hazardous conditions upon their initial inspection will have to wait for repairs to be submitted. You must take immediate action and get the necessary repairs, or the building may be susceptible to civil penalties.