The Department of Buildings just released a slew of updates focused on new regulations starting in 2022, and end-of-year reminders. Here’s your roundup:
Local Law 152 Extensions Official This Year
The Gas Piping Inspections Deadline for Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13, and 18 (previously due December 31st of this year) has been officially extended to June 30, 2022. This is the same extension timeframe last year’s Community Districts were given.
Property owners in the above districts now have 6 additional months to file the first inspections for their gas piping systems (or certifications for lack of a system). Failure to submit by the extended due date can result in a civil penalty of $5,000, per the latest Service Notice.
The “PVT” Process Is Changing – Are You Ready?
If you read our update from Sierra Consulting Group, you’ll know that the DOB has been working on changes to the periodic elevator inspection process. Changes became official in October, and are set to go into effect in 2022. Here’s what you need to know:
- Periodic elevator inspections are now the responsibility of property owners. They must be performed by approved elevator agencies on behalf of owners
- Inspections will no longer be performed by private elevator agency directors/inspections acting on behalf of the DOB
- This is in addition to existing Category 1 annual and Category 5 5-year requirements, as applicable
- Per the DOB, “Periodic inspections must be performed between January 1 and December 31 of each year, at least 90 days from the date of any Category 1 testing or previous periodic inspection.”
- Approved elevator agencies performing the inspections cannot be affiliated with the agency performing maintenance on the device
- Witnessing agencies are not required to witness these inspections (unlike Cat 1/5)
Read the DOB’s Service Notice for a full update here.
Local Law 26 Penalties – Have You Filed?
Starting in 2022, owners who fail to file an “acceptable report” certifying that sprinklers were installed in their buildings (per Local Law 26 of 2004) will be subject to civil penalties. Here’s what that looks like:
- To avoid penalties, ensure filings have been submitted to the DOB at this email: NYCDOBLL26@buildings.nyc.gov
- Penalties for failure to file will be $5,000 per year starting 1/1/22, and ending on the filing date of an acceptable report
- In addition, starting in February, $1,000 per month will be assessed in late fees, ending on the filing date of an acceptable report
If you receive a violation:
- Per the DOB, “The Department will dismiss any DOB violation for failure to file the sprinkler report when an acceptable report has been submitted and stamped Approved by DOB and proof of payment of the civil penalty is received.”
Check out the Service Notice for details on paying civil penalties, challenging a penalty, or requesting a full waiver.
OATH – DOB Summons Tips & Don’t Forget Amnesty!
The Department of Buildings has been busy hosting webinars around OATH Summonses – specifically, how to deal with them. You can find these resources and more on their YouTube channel, including parts One and Two of the Administrative Enforcement Unit series.
Additionally, the Amnesty program is coming to an end soon – December 20th, to be specific. No extension has been announced yet, so make sure you take advantage of this ASAP. It’s unknown when the next program for significantly reduced penalties will be offered.
Check out our Blog for details on how to take advantage of OATH Amnesty.
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