Are New Buildings Exempt from Local Law 152?
Sometimes, but not always.
Under NYC Local Law 152, certain newer buildings with gas piping systems may qualify for a 10-year exemption from the initial gas piping inspection requirement.
However, eligibility depends entirely on the building’s Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) date.
When Does the 10-Year Exemption Apply?
A building may qualify for the exemption if:
- The building has a gas piping system
- The earliest CO or TCO was issued after December 6, 2016
In these cases:
The first required Local Law 152 inspection is due in the 10th year following DOB approval for occupancy.
The 10-year period is calculated from:
- The earliest CO date, OR
- The earliest TCO date
whichever came first.
What Happens After the First Inspection?
After the initial inspection is completed, the building enters the standard Local Law 152 inspection cycle.
This means:
- Future inspections follow the normal subcycle schedule
- The next required inspection could occur in less than four years depending on the assigned cycle
What If the CO or TCO Was Issued On or Before December 6, 2016?
If the earliest CO or TCO was issued:
On or before December 6, 2016
then the building does not qualify for the 10-year exemption.
The building must instead comply with the standard Local Law 152 inspection schedule.
Why This Confuses Building Owners
Many owners assume:
- “Newer building” automatically means exempt
However:
- The exemption is based specifically on the earliest CO/TCO date
- Temporary Certificates of Occupancy count
- DOB records control eligibility
Why It’s Important to Verify Your Status
Misunderstanding exemption eligibility can lead to:
- Missed inspection deadlines
- Failure to File violations
- Civil penalties
If you are unsure whether your building qualifies, it’s important to confirm before assuming you are exempt.
How Keep My Gas Can Help
We help building owners:
- Determine exemption eligibility
- Review CO/TCO dates
- Confirm inspection deadlines
- Stay compliant with Local Law 152
Not Sure If Your Building Qualifies?
If you’re unsure whether your building falls under the 10-year exemption, we can help review your situation and determine your next required inspection date.
