What is Local Law 152
Local Law 152 was passed by the NYC Council in 2016 as part of a gas safety package. Local Law 152 specifically requires that NYC building owners have their building gas piping inspected periodically.
Local Law 152 of 2016 is located here.
The November 13, 2019 NYC Department of Buildings service update can be found here.
When Does LL152 Go Into Effect
Local Law 152 went into effect January 1, 2019. However, full implementation of the law (i.e. commencement of inspections) could not go into effect without the adoption of rules by the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB). DOB issued final rules on September 23, 2019. While these rules became effective November 2, 2019, due to the provisions of the rules, no inspections can begin until January 1, 2020.
Who Must Comply
All Buildings
Owners of all buildings except those in occupancy group R-3 (2 families or less). The estimated total amount of buildings affected is approximately 280,000 in NYC.
Inspection Filing Process
LL152 inspections must occur within the calendar year denoted in the Inspection Cycle for those applicable buildings.
Within 30 days of the inspection, the licensed master plumber (LMP) must provide to the building owner a Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report (GPS1).
Within 60 days of the inspection, the OWNER must submit to DOB a Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification (GPS2) signed and sealed by the LMP who conducted or supervised the inspection. GPS2 submission is to be completed by the Building Owner on the NYC Department of Buildings GPS2 submission portal. There is no filing fee. According to DOB, no login will be required but DOB reiterated that the law and rule state that the owner must submit the GPS2 form that has been completed by the LMP.
If the Inspection Certification submitted to DOB indicates that conditions requiring correction were identified in the Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report submitted to the owner, the owner must submit to DOB, within 120 days of the inspection, an Inspection Certification signed and sealed by the LMP who conducted the inspection, stating that the conditions have been corrected.
If the Inspection Certification submitted to DOB indicated that additional time was needed to correct the condition(s) identified in the Inspection Report, the owner must submit, within 180 days of the inspection, an Inspection Certification signed and sealed by an LMP stating that all conditions have been corrected.
Correction of conditions identified in the Inspection Report must be performed in compliance with the NYC Construction Codes, including obtaining any required work permits.
All reports and certifications must be kept on file by the inspection entity and the building owner for 10 years.
What Must Be Inspected?
LL152 requires all exposed gas piping from point of entry of gas piping into the building, including building services meters, and all gas piping in public spaces, hallways, corridors, and mechanical and boiler rooms. This does not include gas piping within apartments.
Hazardous Conditions
What happens if an unsafe or hazardous condition is observed?
If an inspection reveals any unsafe or hazardous condition(s), the LMP must immediately notify the building owner, the utility providing gas service to the building, and DOB. The building owner must take immediate action to correct the condition(s) in compliance with the New York City Construction Codes and any required permits.
LMPs should immediately report such conditions by calling 311 or by contacting the DOB Plumbing Enforcement Unit during regular business hours at (212) 393-2557.
Failure to file an Inspection Certification before the applicable due date may result in a civil penalty of $10,000.
Recordkeeping
Building owners are required to retain the inspection reports for 10 years and the LMP who conducted the inspection should maintain reports for 10 years as well.
Civil Penalities
Failure to file an Inspection Certification before the applicable due date may result in a civil penalty of $10,000.00.
FAQ
Can You Complete A Pre-Inspection?
There is NO SUCH THING as a “pre-inspection” for an active gas piping system. If a licensed master plumber, or their employee, encounters any condition that can pose a hazard, they are obligated to take the required actions. If you plumber ignores a potentially hazardous condition, they are subject to both disciplinary actions against their license and criminal charges in the event there is a gas related incident related to
their actions or inactions.
My building was already inspected by the Utility. Why do I need a LL 152
inspection also?
Many NYC buildings have already been inspected by the Utilities. The PSC has mandated that the Utilities conduct these inspections throughout NYC. The Utility inspects all of the exposed piping inside of a building up to a gas meter, wherever it is located. In some buildings, the Utility inspections may actually be more comprehensive than that required by LL 152.
Some buildings have already been inspected more than once, as the PSC requires certain districts to be inspected annually and others every other three years. If the DOB accepts the USDOT qualification as the qualification for LL152 and aligns other parts of the inspection process with the PSC requirements, then your building may only be subject to only ONE periodic inspection every five years.
Is An Air Pressure Test Required?
No. A pressure test of the gas piping system nor is interruption of gas service to the building required to complete the inspection. It is imperative that the inspector is provided full access to all areas of the building where there
is exposed gas piping.
If I am inspecting my piping and smell gas, or think I find a leak, what should I
do?
If you think you smell gas, you should leave the area and call 911. The fire department will respond and call in the Utility. These first responders are specially trained to look for possible gas leaks. It is also recommended that you DO NOT use your cell phone, flashlight or any other electronic devices in an area where you think there may be a gas leak. Do not turn on any lights or operate any electrical appliances in that area.
Request An Inspection
These inspections must be completed by a qualified gas piping system inspector, which means:
A licensed master plumber (LMP); or
An individual working under the direct and continuing supervision of an LMP meeting the following requirements:
At least 5 years of full-time experience working under the direct and continuing supervision of an LMP; and
Has successfully completed a 7-hour training program acceptable to DOB.