GPS1 vs GPS2: What NYC Building Owners Need to Know

If you own or manage a building in New York City, you’ve likely heard the terms GPS1 and GPS2 in connection with Local Law 152 gas piping inspections. These two forms are closely related, but they serve very different purposes, and misunderstanding the difference is one of the most common reasons buildings receive violations.

Here’s a straightforward explanation of what GPS1 and GPS2 are, how they work together, and why both matter.

What Is GPS1?

GPS1 is the Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report.

This is the inspection report itself. It is created after a required Local Law 152 gas piping inspection is performed and documents what the inspector observed in the building.

The GPS1 report includes:

Confirmation that an inspection took place
Details of the exposed gas piping inspected
Whether any unsafe or hazardous conditions were found
Notes on conditions that require correction, if applicable

The GPS1 is prepared by the inspecting professional, typically an NYC Licensed Master Plumber.

Important:
GPS1 is not the document that satisfies DOB filing requirements on its own. It is a supporting inspection report.

What Is GPS2?

GPS2 is the Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification.

This is the official certification filed with the NYC Department of Buildings to demonstrate compliance with Local Law 152.

The GPS2 filing certifies one of the following:

The gas piping system was inspected and no conditions requiring correction were found
Unsafe or hazardous conditions were found and have been corrected
Unsafe conditions were found and will be corrected within the allowed timeframe
The building does not contain gas piping (in applicable cases)

GPS2 is the filing that DOB tracks. If GPS2 is missing, incomplete, or not properly recorded, the building can be flagged as Failure to File, even if an inspection occurred.

How GPS1 and GPS2 Work Together

Think of it this way:

GPS1 = the inspection report
GPS2 = the certification that proves compliance

The GPS1 supports the GPS2, but only GPS2 is required to be on file with DOB for compliance purposes.

This distinction is critical. Many owners assume that because an inspection was done and a GPS1 exists, they are compliant. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Common GPS1 / GPS2 Mistakes That Lead to Violations

We frequently see violations issued because:

The inspection was completed, but GPS2 was never filed
GPS2 was filed, but did not properly attach to the building record
The filing confirmation email was overlooked or lost
The owner assumed the plumber “handled everything” without verifying the filing
A no-gas building never submitted a no-gas GPS2 certification

In these cases, the issue is usually administrative, not safety-related.

Do You Need to Upload GPS1 to DOB?

In most situations:

GPS1 is kept for records
GPS2 is what DOB requires for compliance

GPS1 may be requested if DOB audits a filing or if clarification is needed, but it is not typically required to be uploaded when filing or challenging a violation.

What If Unsafe Conditions Are Found?

If the GPS1 identifies unsafe or hazardous conditions:

Repairs must be completed within the timeframe allowed by DOB
An updated GPS2 certification must be submitted once corrections are made

Failure to follow up with a corrected GPS2 can result in violations and penalties.

Why Understanding GPS1 vs GPS2 Matters

Misunderstanding these forms can lead to:

DOB violations
Civil penalties
Delays in refinancing, selling, or insuring a building
Unnecessary stress and last-minute scrambling

Knowing the difference helps you stay proactive and compliant.

How Keep My Gas Can Help

At Keep My Gas, we help NYC building owners and property managers:

Understand GPS1 and GPS2 requirements
Confirm whether filings were properly submitted
Locate missing documentation
Resolve Local Law 152 violations
Stay compliant moving forward

If you’re unsure whether your GPS2 was filed correctly or if you’ve received a violation notice, reach out to us and we’ll help guide you in the right direction.