If you own or manage a building in New York City, Local Law 152 requires periodic inspections of all exposed gas piping. Non-compliance can lead to fines, violations, and even gas service shutoffs. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant and keep your building safe.
What Is Local Law 152?
Enacted by the NYC Department of Buildings, Local Law 152 requires that all buildings (except those classified as R-3 occupancy, such as one- and two-family homes) have their gas piping systems inspected by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) at least once every four years. The law was passed in response to gas-related incidents across the city and is designed to proactively identify leaks, corrosion, and illegal connections before they become dangerous.
Who Needs to Comply?
Local Law 152 applies to virtually all building types in NYC, including:
- Multi-family residential buildings (3+ units)
- Commercial and office buildings
- Mixed-use properties
- Hotels and hospitality buildings
- Schools and institutional facilities
Building owners are responsible for scheduling and paying for the inspection, regardless of whether they use gas appliances in common areas or individual units.
What Does the Inspection Cover?
A qualified Licensed Master Plumber will inspect all exposed gas piping from the point of entry to each gas appliance. The inspection includes checking for:
- Gas leaks using specialized detection equipment
- Corrosion or deterioration of piping
- Improper connections or illegal modifications
- Missing or damaged shutoff valves
- Compliance with current NYC building codes
After the inspection, the LMP files a Gas Piping Periodic Inspection Certification with the NYC DOB. If conditions are found that pose an immediate hazard, they must be reported to the utility company and corrected promptly.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Failure to complete the required inspection by your building’s deadline can result in DOB violations and civil penalties. Fines can reach up to ,000 per year of non-compliance. In severe cases, Con Edison or National Grid may shut off gas service to the building until the inspection is completed and any hazardous conditions are corrected.
How Karl’s Can Help
At Karl’s Plumbing Heating & Cooling, our Licensed Master Plumbers have been performing Local Law 152 gas inspections for buildings across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Long Island. We handle everything from scheduling the inspection to filing the certification with the DOB.
If issues are found during the inspection, our team can perform the necessary gas line repairs and violation removal to bring your building into compliance quickly.
Don’t wait for a violation notice. Request your Local Law 152 inspection or call us at (800) 721-3200.
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