What every board should know about Local Law 152

That dreaded question, “You smell gas?” 

We all know it. Gas leaks are a code red nightmare situation, particularly when it comes to our homes and the safety of your family. That’s why New York City instated Local Law 152. Introduced in 2016, the law mandates routine building gas piping inspections to ensure your pipes are in good working order, letting you rest easy knowing everyone in your building is safe. Your building doesn’t have gas piping? Don’t check out quite yet. You may still be required to comply. 

So, here’s everything every condo or co-op board member should know about Local Law 152. 

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How to comply

Every four years based on your building’s community district (check here if you’re unsure what year that is for you), a licensed master plumber (LMP) - or a qualified individual working under the direct supervision of an LMP - must complete a gas piping inspection of your building, inside and out. During said inspection, the LMP will look for conditions that affect the safety and operations of your building, test for any detection of combustible gas, ensure all installations are up to code, verify gas detectors (acceptable devices can be found here), and more. 

Within thirty days of that inspection, the LMP will deliver a Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report (GPS1) to your board. 

• If everything looks good: Breathe easy! Then, submit an Inspection Certification (GSP2) signed and sealed by the LMP to the Department of Buildings (DOB) submission portal within 60 days of the inspection, and be sure to keep the report on file for 10 years. Don’t overlook this step as you could face a $10,000 fine for missing the deadline. 
• If there are deficient conditions: Don’t fret! Yes, there may be a few things that need some attention, but they have not been deemed unsafe or hazardous. You’ll have 120 days to make the required repairs then submit a signed and sealed GSP2 to the DOB. Need more time? You can submit a petition for a 60-day extension.
• If there are unsafe or hazardous conditions: This is pretty urgent. Your LMP must immediately notify your board and building owners, the building’s gas provider, and the DOB. Then, you’ll need to take the necessary steps to immediately correct the issues before submitting a GSP2 signed and sealed by your LMP to the DOB. Examples of hazardous conditions include the detection of combustible gas, excessive piping or cracks, and illegal installations. 

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Don’t have gas piping? ‍

Maybe your building uses electric heat pumps? There are still certain steps you’ll need to take to comply. While you’re not required to have an LMP fill out a GSP1, you’ll need to submit a GSP2 signed by a registered architect or professional engineer indicating there’s no gas piping on the property. Keep in mind, the same inspection deadlines and potential fines as above apply here as well. 

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What about brand new buildings?

A new buildings that has just completed a certified gas piping inspection and submitted either a certificate of occupancy or official letter of completion from the DOB can wait ten years before it begins its official inspection cycle. 

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How we can help

Local Law 152 oversight can be costly, or worse, dangerous. And complying does require quite a bit of attention to detail. Having a property management company you can trust to advise you and manage the entire process from start to finish can make your life as a board member that much easier. 

That’s where Daisy comes in. We leverage data-driven maintenance planning and automated compliance trackers to keep buildings up to code on all local laws, including Local Law 152. 

Have questions about your building? We’re happy to help. Let’s chat!