NYC DOB Implements New Compliance Steps for Local Law 154 of 2021

To support Local Law 154 of 2021, which aims to reduce on-site fossil fuel combustion, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) announced new updates in the DOB NOW portal at the beginning of 2024. In line with New York City’s sustainability objectives, this law targets particular building types to lessen the environmental effects of using fossil fuels.

Building owners will now see a new banner on their DOB NOW Property Profile when they submit applications for New Building (NB) projects or specific alterations. The building’s compliance with Local Law 154 of 2021 is indicated by this banner, which forces the applicants to answer additional questions on two crucial sections: the Schedule of Occupancy and the Plans/Work (PW1) tab.

Here are the key details of compliance questions:

1. Plans/Work (PW1) Section:

• Applicants must specify if the building is operated by certain organizations, like NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection or NYC School Construction Authority, or if more than 50% of units are under affordable housing regulations.
• Based on the information entered here, buildings that use fossil fuels will see further compliance prompts.

2. Schedule of Occupancy Section:

• Applicants answer if fossil fuel usage is necessary for certain functions, such as laboratories, hospitals, or manufacturing purposes.
• If they select “Yes,” they must also identify the specific uses of fossil fuel on particular floors (e.g., for hospitals, laundromats, or emergency power).

To ensure clear guidance, the DOB NOW system categorizes buildings based on their occupancy classification and story count. Here are the primary scenarios:

• Residential (R-3) Classification: For R-3 residential buildings (typically 1-2 family houses), the system restricts any fossil fuel use under Local Law 154.
• Non-Residential Buildings with Fewer than 7 Stories: If a building doesn’t fall under R-3 and has fewer than seven stories, fossil fuel usage may be limited unless applicants specify certain use cases.
• Specific Use Requirements: For larger buildings needing fossil fuels, specific uses like manufacturing or hospital facilities must be disclosed, with banners guiding applicants on necessary compliance steps.

Following these rules is crucial for building managers and owners because if they don’t, the DOB won’t accept filings for buildings with active Local Law 154 compliance banners. These updates guarantee openness and contribute to New York City’s transition to a greener future.

Stay tuned for more updates and information on this and other NYC DOB initiatives.

For complete details and requirements, please refer to the official notice from the NYC DOB’s website. Keep yourself informed about the most recent changes and regulations.