Navigating local ordinances requires expertise in building compliance, structural safety and energy efficiency standards. New York building owners face stringent regulations enforced across multiple jurisdictions, from city-level building codes to state oversight by the New York Department of State. The New York City Law Department provides a legal framework for municipal regulations, while the NYC Department of Buildings administers critical compliance requirements.
The Falcon Group brings nearly three decades of experience helping property owners understand and comply with these complex regulatory standards. Our team of licensed engineers and certified professionals provides comprehensive support for facade inspections, energy audits, parking structure assessments and emissions compliance throughout New York City.
The Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), also known as Local Law 11, is a crucial regulation in New York City that focuses on the safety of buildings' exterior walls. This law requires buildings over six stories to undergo a facade inspection every five years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). The inspection report must be submitted to the Department of Buildings (DOB). Local Law 11 is a specific section of the NYC Administrative Code (1 RCNY 103-04) that is further detailed in a rule established by the DOB. Compliance with this law is essential to ensure the structural integrity and safety of buildings in the city.
New York Local Law 87 (LL87) mandates energy audits and retro-commissioning for buildings over 50,000 square feet in New York City to be conducted once every ten years.
As a building owner, the key elements of LL87 to be aware of are:
- Energy Audit: An energy audit will identify energy-saving opportunities in your building, including lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
- Retro-commissioning: Retro-commissioning involves optimizing your building's existing systems to improve their performance and reduce energy waste.
- Energy Efficiency Report: You must submit an Energy Efficiency Report (EER) to the Department of Buildings (DOB) by the deadline provided by the DOB. This report must include the results of the energy audit and retro-commissioning study.
WHAT IS LOCAL LAW 88?
Local Law 88 of 2009 (LL88), as amended by Local Laws 132 and 134 of 2016, requires specific NYC building owners to comply with the latest code requirements in lighting and sub-metering. Compliance involves filing with the City and may require building permits, lighting upgrades, and/or the installation of electrical sub-meters in tenant spaces.
WHAT BUILDINGS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY?
- Buildings exceeding 25,000 gross square feet.
- Two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet.
- Two or more buildings in a condominium form of ownership governed by the same board of managers that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet.
WHAT TYPES OF BUILDINGS ARE EXEMPT?
- Single to three family homes.
- Garden-style apartments.
ARE LANDMARKED BUILDINGS EXEMPT?
Landmarked buildings must comply with LL88 if they meet the definition of a covered building under the law.
ARE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS REQUIRED TO COMPLY?
Yes, residential buildings are subject to LL88 if they meet the definition of a covered building.
LL87, LL97 and LL84 are all part of New York City's efforts to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, they differ in terms of their specific requirements and goals.
Here are the key differences between LL87, LL97, and LL84:
LL87: Requires buildings over 50,000 square feet to undergo an energy audit and retro-commissioning study once every ten years.
LL84: Requires owners of buildings larger than 50,000 square feet (or with multiple buildings on the same tax lot that collectively exceed 100,000 square feet) to annually benchmark and report their energy usage to the city.
LL97: Requires buildings over 25,000 square feet to meet increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emissions limits starting in 2024.
Local Law 126 mandates periodic assessment of parking structures within New York City to ensure their safety. Parking structures must be examined by a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI), and a report must be filed with the Department of Buildings (DOB) every six years.
Local Law 126 is outlined in section 1 RCNY 103-13 of the New York City Administrative Code. The details and specific requirements of this law are explained in a rule promulgated by the Department of Buildings (DOB).
In addition to LL87 and LL97, NYC is pushing building owners to prioritize environmental responsibility with the lesser known, Local Law 157. This law mandates that all new and existing residential buildings must ensure the timely detection of gas leaks.
How to comply: Local Law 157 requires all residential buildings to install natural gas detectors by licensed electrical contractors, except for battery-powered or plug-in detectors (where allowed), which can be installed by building owners or occupants.
When to comply: By May 1, 2025.
As professionals in the industry, it’s crucial for us to stay informed and compliant with these regulations and help building owners through the challenges of New York’s Local Laws.
Professional Benchmarking Solutions in New York
Building owners facing LL84 deadlines require accurate data collection and timely submission to avoid penalties. The Falcon Group supports clients throughout New York with comprehensive benchmarking services performed by certified energy professionals. Our team handles the entire process from utility data collection to EPA Portfolio Manager submission.
Our benchmarking services include:
- Data collection and submission: We gather your energy and water consumption data and ensure timely submission through the EPA Portfolio Manager tool.
- Benchmarking analysis: We assess your building's energy performance and provide insights into usage patterns and efficiency opportunities.
- Compliance coordination: We manage deadlines and reporting requirements to help you avoid penalties.
Navigating Local Ordinances of New York With Professional Support
Managing a multifamily residential building in New York requires staying ahead of complex and evolving compliance requirements. The Falcon Group works with building owners and property managers who need reliable solutions to meet regulatory standards.
With nearly three decades of experience serving clients throughout New York, our team understands the technical requirements and deadlines that impact your property. Whether you need support with energy benchmarking, facade inspections, structural assessments or comprehensive compliance planning, our professionals deliver actionable solutions.
We have served over 17,000 clients and bring 1,500+ combined years of engineering and architectural expertise to every project. Our one-stop-shop approach allows building owners to access the specialized services they need under one roof, streamlining the compliance process and reducing coordination challenges.
Schedule Your Consultation for New York Ordinance Compliance
If you own or manage a building in New York, proactive compliance planning protects your investment and helps you avoid costly penalties. The Falcon Group delivers expert guidance on Local Laws 11, 84, 87, 88, 97, 126 and 157.
Our certified professionals bring the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to navigate New York's demanding regulatory environment. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn how we can support your building compliance needs.