NYC DOB Update: New On-Site Fossil Fuel Combustion Rules for Buildings Starting 2024
The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued a new service notice about Local Law 154, affecting on-site fossil fuel combustion for buildings. Set to begin on January 1, 2024, this law requires specific buildings to limit fossil fuel use to improve energy efficiency and sustainability across NYC. This update will impact new constructions and buildings with existing elements under certain conditions, with specific guidelines for compliance and notable exemptions.
Starting in 2024, all new buildings under seven stories, as well as those with retained existing elements, must follow Local Law 154. An important exception applies to buildings that only use fossil fuels for service hot water. Additionally, certain building types, like Group R-3 (one- and two-family homes), will not need to meet these requirements.
Local Law 154 sets staggered compliance dates for different building categories. The dates and building types include:
- December 31, 2024: Applies to projects by the NYC School Construction Authority.
- December 31, 2025: Affordable housing less than seven stories, with the exception of fossil fuel combustion for service hot water.
- July 2, 2027: Applies to all other buildings seven stories or more that are not classified as affordable housing.
- December 31, 2027: Affordable housing seven stories or more must comply by this date.
DOB has emphasized that applications submitted through its DOB NOW portal after the respective dates will not receive approval if they fail to meet the new standards.
Certain buildings and uses are exempt from Local Law 154’s restrictions. Exemptions include:
- Facilities generating electricity or steam, managed by regulated utilities.
- NYC Department of Environmental Protection buildings used for sewage or food waste treatment.
- Specific spaces in buildings where fossil fuel usage is critical, such as hospitals, laboratories, laundromats, crematoria, commercial kitchens, and emergency or standby power facilities.
To assist property owners and developers, the NYC DOB will post a detailed service notice in its DOB NOW system. This notice will clarify any changes and outline steps for compliant building projects. Further guidance can be found on the NYC DOB’s Building Electrification page, which provides additional resources for those affected by the new regulations.
Stay tuned for more updates and information on this and other NYC DOB initiatives.
If you have questions about how Local Law 154 affects your building project or need help navigating DOB NOW, visit the NYC DOB’s website. 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.
