Natural gas systems are essential to the infrastructure of New York City for cooking, heating, and other utilities. The city implemented Local Law 152 as part of a larger gas safety initiative to improve safety and lower the risk of gas leaks and explosions. Property owners are clearly required by this law to perform routine gas piping inspections and provide the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) with the necessary paperwork.
Whether you own a small residential building or a large mixed-use property, understanding the Local Law 152 NYC gas inspection law is crucial to staying compliant, avoiding fines, and protecting your tenants.
What Is Local Law 152 in NYC?
Local Law 152 of 2016 is part of the New York City gas safety package. It specifically requires that all buildings equipped with gas piping systems must undergo gas line inspections every four years. These inspections must be carried out by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) who is registered with the DOB.
Even if your building doesn’t have any gas piping, you’re still required to submit a certification to the DOB confirming that. Failure to file the GPS‑2 certification by the deadline now carries a flat $5,000 civil penalty per violation, may result from noncompliance with the inspection or failure to submit the required reports.
By detecting possible problems such as leaks, corrosion, and unauthorized alterations in a building’s gas piping system, this gas inspection law seeks to avert dangerous circumstances and mishaps.
Who Is Required to Comply With Local Law 152?
The Local Law 152 compliance requirements apply to:
- All buildings with gas piping systems classified under occupancy groups R-3 or larger.
- Mixed-use buildings, multi-family dwellings, and certain commercial properties.
- Owners of buildings without gas piping must still submit a No Gas Piping Certificate.
The NYC DOB has established a rotating schedule based on community districts, meaning that not all buildings are inspected at once. Property owners must check their assigned schedule and complete inspections by the Local Law 152 deadline for their district.
What Happens During a Local Law 152 Gas Inspection?
During a Local Law 152 gas piping inspection for buildings, the licensed plumber follows a strict protocol defined by the DOB. This includes:
- Visual inspection of all exposed gas piping from point-of-entry to individual apartments and mechanical rooms.
- Checking for corrosion, rust, or visible leaks in piping, joints, and valves.
- Verifying that shutoff valves and regulators are accessible and operational.
- Ensuring that piping systems have not been tampered with or illegally modified.
- Checking clearances between gas lines and combustible materials.
After the inspection, the plumber submits two important documents:
- GPS1 – Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report (within 30 days of inspection).
- GPS2 – Gas Piping System Certification (within 60 days, if no repairs are needed; or within 120 days if corrections are made).
If repairs require more time, the Licensed Master Plumber can request, on the GPS‑1 report, up to 180 days total from the inspection date to complete and file the corrected GPS‑2.
These documents must be submitted directly to the DOB to prove compliance.
What Are the Local Law 152 Inspection Costs in NYC?
The cost of a Local Law 152 gas inspection varies depending on the property’s size, the complexity of its gas piping, and the number of units that need to be inspected. On average, pricing ranges from a few hundred dollars for small buildings to over $1,000 for larger buildings with multiple units.
However, these inspections are significantly more affordable than the fines – or potential hazards – that can result from non-compliance or gas-related incidents. A seamless, open process free of unexpected costs is guaranteed when working with a respectable plumbing business.
How Order A Plumber Helps With Local Law 152 Compliance
Property owners can get full assistance from Order A Plumber, a reputable name in gas inspection services in NYC, as they navigate the Local Law 152 gas inspection procedure. Master plumbers on their staff who are fully licensed and registered by DOB are capable of:
- Perform thorough gas piping inspections
- Identify and document code violations
- Provide detailed reports in accordance with DOB regulations
- Make timely repairs to ensure compliance
- File GPS1 and GPS2 reports on your behalf
In addition to inspections, Order A Plumber also provides emergency leak repair, gas line restoration, and preventative maintenance – making them a full-service solution for Local Law 152 compliance.
Their local knowledge, affordable pricing, and commitment to safety make them a top choice for NYC property owners seeking peace of mind and protection against costly fines.
Don’t Miss the Local Law 152 Deadline
The Local Law 152 deadline for your building depends on your assigned community district and the year your last inspection was completed. Property owners now depend on certified experts like Hire a Plumber over $1,000 for larger buildings with multiple units. To avoid fines, it’s critical to adhere to the schedule. The DOB may impose severe fines and take enforcement action if even one deadline is missed.
If you cannot meet the original due date, you may request a single 180‑day extension via the DOB portal. This extension can cover either completing the initial inspection or finalizing required repairs, as indicated by your LMP on the GPS‑1 form.
For this reason, a lot of property owners now depend on certified experts like Hire a plumber to oversee the entire process, from initial inspection to final submission.
Final Thoughts
Local Law 152 NYC is more than just a regulation – it’s a vital part of keeping New Yorkers safe. With gas lines running throughout buildings both old and new, proactive inspections help catch problems before they turn dangerous.
If you’re unsure of where to start or when your building is due, contact a licensed professional. Companies like Order A Plumber offer dependable, affordable, and fully compliant gas inspection services in NYC, making sure you’re protected from violations – and more importantly, ensuring your building is safe for everyone inside.
FAQs
Q. What is the Local Law 152 gas inspection in NYC?
A. It’s a required gas piping inspection every 4 years for most NYC buildings to ensure gas lines are safe and up to code.
Q. Who is exempt from Local Law 152?
A. One- and two-family homes not part of a larger building, and buildings with no gas piping, are generally exempt.
Q. What is the local law for gas monitoring in NYC?
A. Local Law 152 requires visual inspections of gas piping – not continuous gas monitoring – to spot leaks, corrosion, or unsafe conditions.
Q. How much does a Local Law 152 inspection cost in NYC?
A. It usually costs between $300 and $1,000+, depending on the building size and piping system.
Q. Can I get more than 120 days to complete repairs?
A. Yes – if repairs are needed, the LMP can request up to 180 days total from the inspection date to file the corrected GPS‑2 (instead of the usual 120 days). This must be noted on the GPS‑1 report.