What is Local Law 152 Inspections?

Local Law 152 requires that certain buildings undergo gas piping inspections on a rotating schedule. NYC Local Law 152 helps reduce the risk of fires and explosions for NYC tenants and residents.

Licensed Master Plumbers are an integral part of this process. Here are a few things to keep in mind about this important city requirement:

In 2016 the Department of Buildings introduced a new law that requires a majority of NYC buildings to have their gas piping systems inspected on a regular basis. This is known as Local Law 152 and it is implemented by the DOB to ensure that buildings are safe for occupancy and free from any potential hazards.

The law mandates that every four years, on a set schedule, all buildings that have gas piping must have an inspection by a DOB licensed Master Plumber. This is to prevent the risk of dangerous leaks or fires that can cause harm to building occupants, neighbors, maintenance staff, and city first responders.

During an inspection, the LMP will look for any conditions that are hazardous and require immediate attention. These include conditions like theft or diversion of service, which is when the lines bypass the building services meter and go straight to the gas appliances in the home. This creates a safety issue as the lines may not be sized properly to withstand the pressure of the gas.

If a condition is found that is unsafe or hazardous, the LMP will note it in the report and notify the DOB. This information must be submitted within 30 days of the inspection via a DOB form GPS1. Corrections to these conditions must be completed by the LMP and verified that they are in compliance with NYC Construction Codes. This includes the proper sizing of pipes, the proper use of hangers and supports, and the use of the correct materials for each installation.

There are a few exceptions to the law that apply for certain buildings. If the building is designated as occupancy group R-3, which is typically applied to both coop and condos that contain two or fewer families living in them and less than 20 occupants total, it is exempt from LL152. However, a certification must still be submitted by a registered design professional documenting that the building does not have a gas piping system. This is required in order to be exempt from LL152 inspections and certifications.

LL152 requires the inspection of all buildings that have exposed gas piping and are not classified in occupancy group R-3 (two family or less). Every four years, building owners must submit a GPS1: Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report and a GPS2: Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certificate to the DOB. Currently, the NYC Department of Buildings has organized these reports by community district to make compliance easier for building managers.

A certified inspector must review the building’s gas piping systems to determine whether they meet LL152 guidelines. If there are any deficiencies, the inspector will recommend corrective work and provide a copy of the report to the building owner, the utility providing gas, and the DOB. If corrective work is not completed by the due date, a penalty may be issued to the building owner.

The inspection must be performed by a certified individual with a gas work qualification, supervised by a Licensed Master Plumber. To qualify, an individual must complete a DOB-approved 7-hour periodic gas piping inspector qualification course. Licensed Master Plumbers are qualified to conduct LL152 inspections and submit forms GPS1 and GPS2.

Once an LL152 inspection has been completed, a Certificate of Inspection must be filed with the DOB within 120 days of the initial inspection. In extenuating circumstances, an extension of 60 days can be granted. Buildings that stay current on their maintenance with their plumbing and boiler specialists typically have no problem passing LL152 inspections. This is because they are working together to keep small problems from becoming big ones that would require costly repairs.

If a building is unable to complete the necessary corrections by the due date, an extension can be requested. Currently, it’s understandable that some building owners need extra time to perform the repairs, given the ongoing parts shortage, difficulty finding workers, and unpredictable Covid surges. However, extensions can only be granted if they are requested at the time of filing the GPS1 form.

If you have not yet had your LL152 inspection and are overdue, contact us now to schedule a service call. It’s better to take care of this now rather than wait until you receive a DOB violation.

When your building passes its Local Law 152 inspection, you will receive an Inspection Certificate. This is a proof that the gas piping in your building is safe and ready to operate as intended. If the inspector finds any problems with the piping, you will have 120 days to correct them before your next inspection. If you need more time to make repairs, you will need to request an extension from the DOB.

If you do not receive your Inspection Certificate within the 120-day window, you will be issued a penalty by the DOB. In most cases, a plumber will be able to help you resolve the issue so that you can comply with the law and avoid penalties.

The DOB created Local Law 152 in 2016 to reduce the risk of gas leaks in NYC buildings by requiring periodic inspections of exposed piping systems. This is to ensure the safety of occupants and prevent any illegal connections or conditions that do not meet code.

Local Law 152 requires that all buildings have their gas piping inspected at least once every four years. This includes piping in boiler rooms, amenity spaces, common areas, rooftop mechanical rooms and any publicly-accessible areas.

There are some buildings that will not be required to perform LL152 inspections, such as buildings that belong to occupancy group R-3, which is defined as “buildings or portions of buildings that contain no more than two dwelling units and have fewer than 20 occupants.” Buildings like convents and monasteries with 1-2 family dwellings fall under this classification.

In order for a building to pass its Local Law 152 inspection, the entire system must be free of leaks and other issues such as corrosion. Atmospheric corrosion is a major problem for gas pipes because it can cause critical problems such as the leaking of gases from joints or seals. Regular maintenance of gas piping can help prevent atmospheric corrosion, including the use of rust-inhibit paints and keeping all gas piping well-ventilated to reduce the risk of leaks and other dangerous conditions.

A professional plumbing and heating company will be able to inspect your building’s gas piping, submit forms GPS1 and GPS2 and attend to any issues that may need attention to ensure your building passes its inspection in time to avoid any penalties from the DOB. Harris Plumbing & Heating has years of experience helping NYC buildings with their LL152 inspection needs, and we can help you make sure your building is in compliance with this important New York City safety regulation. Contact us to learn more about our LL152 services and schedule your inspection today!

The goal of Local Law 152 is to reduce the risks associated with exposed gas piping while eliminating illegal connections and conditions that don’t meet codes. To accomplish this, building owners must get their gas piping systems inspected by a licensed master plumber and submit certifications to the NYC Department of Buildings at four-year intervals.

The city divides buildings into groups based on their community districts, and each group has its own due dates. If you don’t deliver your LL152 report by the deadline, you could face a $10,000 penalty from the DOB.

Luckily, the DOB allows you to challenge a penalty so long as you have substantial proof that the violation did not occur. You must file an appeal within 30 days of receiving the penalty notice.

It’s important to note that inspection fees do not include repair costs. The DOB may require you to make necessary repairs if your LL152 inspection uncovers hazardous conditions, like corroded or deteriorated pipes. Your master plumber can help you understand what the cost will be and give you an accurate estimate for the work.

In addition to inspecting your gas piping system, a master plumber can also help you comply with other NYC building regulations. One of these is a requirement to hard-pipe your dryers in all laundry rooms. This will help prevent fire hazards and ensure your building is safe for everyone inside. This can be accomplished with or without a permit depending on how you go about it. If you decide to use a plumber to do the work, they must be a licensed master plumber (LMP).

Your LMP can help you decide if filing an Alteration Type 2 permit is necessary for your building. If it isn’t, your master plumber can just hard-pipe the dryers and you will meet LL152 requirements.

A reputable LMP can also conduct a survey of your gas piping system and identify any issues that need to be addressed before the next inspection. This can save you money and time in the long run by preventing expensive repairs down the road.