Back in 2016, the DOB introduced Local Law 152 which required regular inspections of gas piping systems in all buildings. Now, three full years later, the DOB has finalized the rules of this law, including the frequency of required inspections, qualifications of inspectors, the scope of the inspections, and a whole lot more. These requirements go into effect as soon as January 1, 2020.

Read on for all you need to know about Local Law 152.

What is Local Law 152?

Local Law 152 requires periodic inspections of gas piping systems.  The law was originally passed as part of a larger unit of laws and regulations surrounding gas line safety.

Do all buildings need to comply with Local Law 152?

All building gas piping systems must be inspected periodically as per Local Law 152. The only exception is gas piping systems classified in occupancy group R-3. As per the DOB’s building code, occupancy group R-3 applies to buildings or portions of buildings that have two dwelling units or less with fewer than 20 occupants, such as group homes, and 1-2 family dwellings. Your building’s Certificate of Occupancy will help you identify its occupancy group. Easily view your CO by logging into your Jaffa account.

When are the gas inspections due?

Inspections for the gas piping systems are being organized by Community District, with the first cycle start date beginning on January 1, 2020. After the initial inspection, inspections must be performed and submitted to the DOB every four years.

The due date cycles for the four groups of Community Districts are as follows:

• 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 on the city’s website. Or if you are subscribed to Jaffa’s services, you can access all this information right on your Jaffa portal under you Building Vitals

Going forward, periodic inspections will be due every four years on the anniversary of the previous inspection, beginning on January 1, 2024. Inspections can be submitted early, but they cannot be conducted more than 60 days before the official due date. To view a list of due dates for your portfolio, please log into your Jaffa account and select Inspections > LL152.

When are inspections due for new buildings?

Buildings approved for occupancy after December 31, 2019, must complete and submit a gas piping inspection during the 10th year after the DOB issues a Certificate of Occupancy for the building.

Subsequent inspections must follow the above schedule based on the building’s District.

My building does not have a gas piping system. Do I still need to comply with Local Law 152?

If your building doesn’t have a gas piping system, you’ll need to file a Certification from a registered design professional stating that your building does not contain a gas piping system. You’ll need to follow the same 4-year cycle detailed above for this certification.

How do I go about getting my gas piping system inspected?

In order to comply with Local Law 152, you’ll need to have the inspection conducted by a qualified gas piping system inspector who is working on behalf of the building owner. A qualified inspector must be a licensed master plumber, or be working under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed master plumber who has met additional training requirements.

How do I submit my Inspection Certification?

The qualified vendor will perform the inspection and submit an Inspection Certification to the building owner within 30 days. The owner must then submit the certification to the DOB no later than 60 days after the inspection date. If you fail to file an Inspection Certification within 60 days of your building’s inspection date, the inspection will need to be performed again.

If corrections are necessary, they must be fulfilled and submitted within 120 days from the initial inspection date. If more time is required, you can request an extension of 60 days from the DOB.

Keep all reports and certifications on file for 10 years after the inspection date. You’ll need to have them on hand for the DOB upon request.

What are the penalties for noncompliance with Local Law 152?

The law states: Failure to file an Inspection Certification before the applicable due date may result in a civil penalty of $10,000.00.

If you’re hit with a penalty for noncompliance with Local Law 152, you can challenge the penalty by submitting satisfactory proof of a timely and acceptable filing within 30 days from the date of violation.

What if there are unsafe or hazardous conditions?

If the inspections reveal any unsafe or hazardous conditions as listed here, the inspector is required to notify the building owner, the utility company providing gas service to the building, and the DOB. The building owner must take immediate action to correct these conditions as per the NYC Construction Code.

How can I make sure not to miss my inspection due date?

We get it; with all the regulations and deadlines you need to keep up with throughout the year in order to be compliant with NYC law, you’re getting stressed just thinking about this latest one. No worries, though; we’ve got you covered!

The Jaffa team is proud to introduce the LL152 Inspection Portal now available on our site to allow for easy tracking of Local Law 152. Never be late for an inspection date again!