Not everybody knows this, but in 2016, Local Law 152 was passed in New York City. Drafted in the wake of two natural-gas explosions, this piece of legislation mandates that the gas piping in all buildings be inspected at least once every four years. Failure to have this inspection performed has serious consequences for the property owner, including a $10,000 fine, stoppage of gas service, and potentially loss of insurance coverage.
This new and important regulation is part of the New York Plumbing Code that can not be ignored. The deadlines for inspections are coming up fast, with properties in Community Districts 1, 3, and 10 (all boroughs) having inspections due no later than June 30, 2021.
What’s Involved in a Local Law 152 Inspection?
A Local Law 152 inspection must be performed by a New York City Licensed Master Plumber, or a qualified individual working under that Licensed Master Plumber’s supervision. In order to prepare the required Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report the entire gas piping system is thoroughly inspected. All findings are recorded for the building owner or board to review. This report will include a list of conditions requiring correction, frayed or worn piping components that affect safe and reliable operation, non-code compliant installations or illegal connections, the detection of combustible gas and any other conditions determined to be unsafe. This inspection also checks to ensure appropriate gas detection technologies are in place.
if everything is fine, the paperwork is filed and the property owner has nothing to worry about. If problems are found, they can fall in one of two categories: Unsafe/Hazardous and Deficient. Unsafe/Hazardous conditions result in an immediate interruption of gas service until the situation can be resolved. This is for reasons of public safety. Deficient conditions aren’t immediately hazardous, but do need to be repaired within 120 days, another inspection performed and paperwork filed with the DOB.
If your building doesn’t have gas piping, you are required to certify existing conditions, with the assistance of a registered architect or certified engineer. Failure to certify by the appropriate deadline also carries a $10,000 fine. Certain buildings are exempt from the need to have gas piping inspections performed
