Local Law 152: Mandatory Gas Inspections in NYC

After several gas explosions in recent years, the Department of Buildings (DOB) has implemented Local Law 152 Article 318, which mandates that gas piping systems for buildings in New York City must be inspected periodically.

In the past, building owners were not required to conduct any kind of review or testing of their systems. However, starting on January 1, 2019, property owners must have their building’s gas lines inspected by a licensed Master Plumber at least once every five (5) years. The process involves a visual inspection as well as a combustible gas detector. After the inspection, the Master Plumber must submit a report to the DOB.

All buildings in New York City are subject to this law except the following:

• Buildings in occupancy group R-3 (single and two-family homes)
• Buildings that contain no gas piping and whose owners have submitted to the commissioner a certificate establishing as such from a registered design professional

According to the law, the initial inspection for a new building is required 10 years after completion.

We recommend you reach out to HLZAE’s Engineering Group to schedule a gas piping pre-inspection. Please feel free to contact Jon Colatrella, Executive Director, MEP/FP Group at jcolatrella@hlzimmerman.com if you have any questions.

Click here to view the full text of the law.