Update: Get the Details on New Gas Safety Regulations

Late last year we blogged about the city releasing a slew of local laws for gas line regulation. As a follow-up, we’ve compiled the basics for each law, including links to the regulations themselves. Buckle up, because this update is packed with critical details.

Here’s the breakdown:

Local Law 151

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Key Date – January 1, 2018

 Starting 1/1/18, the DOB will perform a final inspection on all permitted gas piping system work.

  • Performed by the department in the presence of the permit holder, the registered design professional of record/the superintendent of construction
  • Any defects found must be noted and corrected
  • The DOB will keep final inspection records going forward

Local Law 152

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Key Date – January 1, 2019
 Starting 1/1/19, gas piping systems (except those in Group R-3 buildings) will be periodically inspected at least once every five years (and conducted as set forth by the commissioner).

  • Exception – buildings with no gas piping, where the owner has submitted acceptable proof to the department
  • If, in the future, New York State public service commission requires a different frequency other than five years, the DOB commissioner may match that frequency
  • Inspections must be completed by a licensed master plumber or someone “under the direct and continuing supervision” of a licensed master plumber
  • The DOB will promulgate rules and instructions regarding report submission in the future
  • The city will require owners to send inspection reports to the building’s utility company (if the utility company accepts these electronic submissions at no cost to the owner)
  • The final step in the process is a Certification, granted from the licensed master plumber

Local Law 153

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Key Date – May/June 2017
 Starting around June 2017, owners must provide notice to their tenants outlining procedures in the event of a gas leak

  • This notice would be included with the lease or lease renewal form, and posted in a common area of the dwelling
  • Content of the notice would be approved by the department
  • In the event of a gas leak, tenants would be instructed to call 911 and then the utility provider, whose contact information would be included on the notice
  • The HPD commissioner may promulgate rules around this notice and posting before the effective date
    • Given this detail, it’s possible any violations for failure to comply may be issued via HPD

Local Law 154

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Key Date – February/March 2017
 Starting late winter 2017, utility companies/building owners must each notify the DOB if gas is shut off due to safety concerns and not restored within 24 hours.

  • The DOB commissioner may promulgate rules outlining how the department is notified

Local Law 155

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Key Date – December 1, 2017

 A designated agency will create a report every three years relating to gas risk identification and enforcement across the city

Local Law 156

Read Law

Key Date – July 1, 2017

 Gas plants/corporations are required to submit annual asset reports before July 1st, beginning in 2017

Local Law 157

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Key Date – Possibly May 1, 2018 (Stay Tuned!)
 Reviews natural gas detecting device requirement alongside carbon monoxide/smoke detector requirements, in place after the DOB promulgates rules standardizing the same

  • This law repeals sections 27-2045, 27-2046, 27-2046.1 and 27-2046.2 of the administrative code and replaces a new 27-2045, including a paragraph about the installation of natural gas detecting devices
  • The DOB is required to establish standards for installation/location of these detectors within 180 days of passage (180 days from December 6, 2016). Owners/managers must then comply with requirements as of May 1st of the first year that commences after the DOB rules are adopted
    • Possibly May 1, 2018, as the rules have not yet been released in 2017
    • HPD also regulates carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, so this requirement may be enforced by both agencies

Local Law 158

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Key Date – March/April 2017
 Establishes a temporary fuel gas violation resolution program – penalties will be waived for certain owners who promptly resolve infractions

Local Law 159

Read Law

Key Date – March/April 2017
 Specific violations related to gas piping law will be deemed immediately hazardous (Class 1) and subject to additional penalties if uncorrected

If you’re currently performing any type of gas line work, consult with your contractor and vendors to review these new regulations and determine the impact on your properties. We’ll keep you posted when the DOB, HPD, or any other agencies promulgate specifics to enforce these new requirements.

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About the Author

Kristen Hariton

Kristen Hariton is the Vice President, Product Engagement at SiteCompli, focused on exploring new solutions and innovations in property operations tech. When she's not sharing the latest industry trends, changes, and updates, she's planning her next adventure to Walt Disney World.