"Local Law What?" A Guide to the Most Important NYC Local Laws

New York City isn't just about tall buildings, it's also about keeping them safe, efficient, and green through a set of rules called local laws. With over a million buildings in the city, each following its own mix of these laws, it can be tough for unit owners, managers, and board members to keep up.

This guide breaks down the most important NYC local laws in simple terms. We'll show you how to follow the rules, protect your condo or co-op building, and keep owners and residents happy. By getting to know these laws better, you'll be able to keep your building well run, healthy and compliant - steer clear of any legal headaches.

‍Key NYC local laws for residential buildings

1. Local Law 152: Gas Inspection
2. Local Law 11: Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP)
3. Local Law 147: Smoking Policy
4. Local Law 195: Fire Protection/Evacuation Plan
5. Local Law 55: Indoor Health Hazards
6. Local Law 97: Buildings Emissions Law
7. Local Law 154: Construction on a Residential Building
8. Local Law 87: Energy Audits and Retrofitting
9. Local Laws 92 and 94: Sustainable Roof Zones
10. BCL 727: Preventing Conflict of Interest‍

Local Law 152: Gas inspection

• This law aims to prevent dangerous gas leaks, keeping residents.
• This law requires a Licensed Master Plumber to inspect all gas pipes in your building every four years.
• You must report the inspection results to the city within 30 days of the inspection.
• If problems are found, you have 120 days to fix them and provide proof of the repairs. 
• Here’s more on what every board should know about local law 152

 Local Law 11: Facade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP)

• LL11 requires exterior wall inspections every five years for buildings over six stories tall.
• These facade inspections are aimed at finding cracks, loose bricks or other hazards which could injure people and the building. 
• After the inspection, a detailed report that includes photos and documentation of any issues, must be filed with the cityIf problems are discovered, the building is required to promptly make the necessary repairs to ensure public safety. 
• More information on Local Law 11 and what you need to know here.

Local Law 147: Smoking policy

• Buildings are required to create and distribute a clear policy outlining where smoking is allowed and prohibited.
• The goal of this law is to protect residents from the dangers of secondhand smoke 
• The policy must cover all areas including apartments, balconies, common areas, and outdoor spaces.
• Board members or management must provide this smoking policy to all residents and include it in the paperwork when selling condo or co-op units.

 Local Law 195: Fire Protection/Evacuation plan

• Buildings are required to create a detailed fire safety and evacuation plan for their property.
• This plan must include the locations of fire exits, designated meeting points, and procedures for alerting residents in the event of a fire.
• The fire safety and evacuation plan must be provided to all residents and prominently displayed in common areas of the building.
• Regular maintenance and testing of the building's fire alarm and sprinkler systems is mandated to ensure they are fully functional.

Local Law 55: Indoor Health Hazards

• Requires annual inspections of all units for pests (like mice and roaches) and mold.
• You must respond promptly to any resident complaints
• Safe and integrated pest management techniques must be used for any pest problems.
• For mold issues larger than 10 square feet, you must hire a licensed mold assessor and remediator.

 Local Law 97: Buildings Emissions Law

• This law sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions for buildings over 25,000 square feet.
• Buildings are required to meet increasingly strict emissions targets, with major reductions mandated by 2030 and 2050. Learn more about the deadlines and avoiding penalties here, 
• Building owners may need to upgrade heating, cooling, or lighting systems to improve overall energy efficiency and comply with the law. Our comprehensive guide to Local Law 97 can provide more information on the requirements.
• Regular energy audits are recommended to help identify areas for improvement and ensure the building remains in compliance. 
• Regular energy audits are recommended to help identify areas for improvement and ensure the building remains in compliance. For more tips on addressing Local Law 97, see: 5 Tips for Discussing Local Law 97

 Local Law 154: Construction on a Residential Building

• Boards or management are required to notify all residents before starting any major construction or repair work in the building.
• A detailed plan outlining how the residents will be protected during the construction process must be shared. 
• This safety plan should address key concerns such as controlling dust, minimizing noise, and ensuring residents can safely access their apartments.
• The Department of Buildings must be notified prior to beginning any substantial construction project. Here’s a comprehensive overview of Local Law 154, be sure to check out our in-depth blog post on the topic.

 Local Law 87: Energy Audits and Retrofitting

• Buildings over 50,000 square feet are required to undergo a comprehensive energy audit every 10 years.
• This is to assess the building's overall energy usage and identify potential areas for improvement.
• Based on the findings, the building may need to undergo "retro-commissioning" to optimize the performance of its systems and infrastructure.
• The building owner must file a detailed report with the city outlining the assessment's findings and any planned upgrades or retrofitting projects. Here’s to get more guidance on preparing for local law 87. 

Local Laws 92 and 94: Sustainable Roof Zones

• Condo and co-op buildings are required to include sustainable roofing features like solar panels or a green roof when replacing their entire roof.
• If solar panels are not feasible, the building may need to install a reflective roof material instead to help reduce heat absorption.
• These sustainable roofing systems are designed to cool the building and the surrounding urban environment, which can potentially lead to lower energy costs.
• There are often tax incentives or rebates available to encourage building owners to adopt these eco-friendly roofing solutions.‍

 BCL 727: Preventing Conflict of Interest

• Requires co-op board members to disclose any business dealings they have with the building.
• This information must be shared annually with all apartment owners to ensure transparency.
• The disclosure should include details about the nature of the business and any financial arrangements.

This law helps prevent board members from unfairly profiting from their position and maintains trust.These laws are all about keeping your condo or co-op building safe, efficient, and a great place to live. From gas inspections to eco-friendly roofs, each regulation helps make New York City better for everyone. Staying on top of these laws isn't just about avoiding fines – it's about creating a home where your residents feel safe and comfortable. Want some help navigating all the Local Laws? Daisy is always here to help boards govern more easily and improve your building.