Local Law 157 – Natural Gas Alarms

Keeping you up-to-date with the DOB

Local Law 157 of 2016 changed the New York City Housing Maintenance Code and Building Code, mandating the installation of natural gas detectors in residential buildings. The Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued recent updates concerning Natural Gas Alarms that went into effect on 1/1/2024.

What you need to know

New Standards for Installation and Location of Natural Gas Alarms:

• Natural gas alarms must be installed in private dwellings before May 1, 2025. This does not apply to buildings that do not have gas piping or gas service. 
• Requirements for alarms
  • Where a fuel-gas-burning appliance is installed within a dwelling, the gas alarm must be installed in the same room as the appliance.
  • The alarm must be located at least 3 feet, but not more than 10 feet from the appliance, measured horizontally.
  • The gas alarm must be installed on either the ceiling, or a wall. Where installed on a wall, the alarm must be located not more than 12 inches from the ceiling. This does not apply when the manufacturer’s instructions or NFPA 715-2023 require installation in a different location. Alarm installations must be placed in accordance with the manufacturer’s or the NFPA 715 location requirements.
  • The alarm must be labeled with the name of the manufacturer
  • Natural gas alarms must be installed by a New York City Licensed electrical contractor, who obtains all required permits. 
  • Exception: Natural gas alarms that are powered either by battery or by plug-in AC receptacle may be installed by the building owner, building maintenance personnel, or by the dwelling unit occupant.
• The design and installation of natural gas detecting systems and components must be subject to the applicable permit requirements established in the Administrative Code and the New York City Electrical Code.

For more on these new requirements, please click here.

How HLZAE Can Help

 By partnering with us, you can rest assured that your building’s natural gas alarms will be installed correctly and efficiently. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss how our services can be customized to align with your specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. 
 
We look forward to assisting you and ensuring your property’s compliance