Local Law 157 Ordinance

First introduced in 2016, Local Law 157 is a gas safety law issued by the Department of Buildings and applies to all properties classified as residential throughout the Queens / NYC area. This means both homeowners and residential property managers need to comply. Keep reading for the ins and outs of Local Law 157, including:

• What is Local Law 157?
• Who specifically must comply with Local Law 157?
• Gas detector requirements under the law
• How to ensure your building is compliant
• Penalties for non-compliance

A proactive approach is the best way to keep everyone on your property safe while avoiding unintentional non-compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Local Law 157 requires gas detectors in all NYC residential properties with gas lines by May 1, 2025 to improve safety and reduce risks like gas leaks, explosions, and carbon monoxide exposure.
• Homeowners, landlords, and property managers are all responsible for compliance, including installing NFPA-compliant detectors in proper locations and ensuring they are maintained and functional.
• Failing to comply can lead to fines, violations, higher insurance costs, or even gas shutoffs, making proactive inspection, installation, and tenant education essential.

According to Local Law 157, gas detectors must meet and be maintained to certain standards.

• All devices must meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which dictate how the system functions. Look for systems that are advertised as NFPA 715-2023 compliant.
• Gas detectors must be placed on the ceiling or wall (no more than 1 foot from ceiling), between 3 and 10 feet away from gas appliances, furnaces, and water heaters. They should also go near fuel entry points in basements or garages and outside of bedrooms.
• All detectors must be hardwired, plugged in or battery powered. If plugged in or hardwired, they must have a backup battery to remain functional during power outages.
• Detectors must react to common gases, including methane and propane.
• Natural gas detectors must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor with the appropriate permits, unless it's powered by battery or plug-in AC receptacle.

Property owners and managers that have not taken action should do so sooner rather than later. Certain steps can facilitate compliance. If you own property in Queens, it's time to:

• Schedule an inspection. Having your property's gas lines inspected and your detection needs assessed is a great first step towards compliance. A local professional will be able to point out where any detectors must be placed within your home or building according to Local Law 157.
• Install compliant detectors. Confirm before installation that your chosen detectors meet all standards dictated by Local Law 157. Then, have them installed and tested for proper operation.
• Educate tenants and residents. If you manage a property, you have a duty to inform your tenants and residents of this law. This includes explaining the risks related to carbon monoxide poisoning and gas leaks and what to do if the device alerts. At least one adult resident per unit must be informed of these regulations.
• Set a routine maintenance plan. Battery life and sensor function should be detected regularly. Detectors must also be replaced when they expire or are rendered otherwise inoperable.

Non-compliance with Local Law 157 can result in several consequences, both legally and financially.

• Landlords and homeowners may be assessed penalties for missing gas alarms. Additionally, they may face higher insurance premiums.
• If an NYC inspector visits your property and discovers non-compliance, they may issue building violations.
• Enforcement actions can be taken, including stopping work orders and your gas service being shut off.