NYC Building Laws
NYC Building Energy Laws
Understand how local energy laws impact the buildings you own or serve and work with NYC Accelerator to chart a path toward compliance.
Staying on Top of NYC Building Regulations
NYC has passed several laws to significantly cut carbon emissions from buildings and improve the quality of life and health of our communities. These laws require building owners to measure, report on, and reduce their building’s energy use and carbon emissions.
NYC Accelerator is here to help. Our team of experts can walk you through what laws apply to your building and help you develop a plan to reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and avoid future penalties.
NYC Building Laws
LARGE BUILDINGS
Policies and requirements for buildings that are 25,000 square feet or larger.
- LL32: No. 4 Oil Phaseout
Local Law 32 (LL32) of 2023 prohibits the use of fuel oil number 4 (No. 4 oil) in City buildings as of July 1, 2025, and in all new and existing buildings buildings starting July 1, 2027. As of June 30, 2024, the Department of Buildings (DOB) no longer issues or renews permits for No. 4 oil. Failure to comply with this mandate could result in penalties of up to $10,000 for property owners.
This law promotes cleaner air for residents and reduces carbon emissions by eliminating the most polluting fuel still being used in NYC.
- LL33 and LL95: Building Energy Grades
Local Law 33 (LL33), amended by Local Law 95 (LL95), requires building owners to publicly display Building Energy Efficiency Ratings at building entrances. These ratings include a 1-100 ENERGY STAR® score and a corresponding letter grade to give New Yorkers a snapshot of the building's energy performance.
Annual Deadlines:
- May 1: Annual energy and water usage data is due
- October 1: New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issues building grades each year
- Within 30 days after October 1: Buildings are required to display the new building grade near each public entrance until October 1st of the following year
LL33 also applies to facilities with two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, facilities with two or more buildings in a condominium form governed by the same board of managers that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, and city buildings exceeding 10,000 gross square feet.
- LL84: Energy and Water Benchmarking
Local Law 84 (LL84) requires annual benchmarking data to be submitted by May 1. LL84 applies to all buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet, facilities with two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, or two or more buildings in a condominium form governed by the same board of managers that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, or city buildings exceeding 10,000 gross square feet.
This law brings transparency for energy and water usage and informs building owners and occupants on how to make their buildings more efficient. Energy and water consumption data must be collected and reported using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.
- LL85: Energy Conservation Code
Local Law 85 (LL85) requires new buildings and renovations or alterations made to existing buildings designs comply with New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) for any renovation or alteration project. The 2025 NYCECC is now in effect for new construction, renovations, and alterations.
- LL87: Energy Audit
Local Law 87 (LL87) requires all buildings exceeding 50,000 gross square feet to conduct an energy audit every 10 years. The energy audit ensures building systems are running efficiently and allows for tuning if necessary, while informing building owners of potential energy efficiency projects (retro-commissioning).
- LL88, LL132, and LL134: Lighting and Submetering
Local Laws 88 (LL88), Local Law 132 (LL132), and Local Law 134 (LL134) require all buildings exceeding 25,000 gross square feet to upgrade all lighting in commercial buildings and common areas of residential buildings by January 1, 2025. Submeters must be installed in all non-residential tenant space exceeding 5,000 square feet. Monthly statements must be provided to tenants showing amounts for electricity measured and charged.
In 2025, DOB granted certain extensions to LL88 requirements. For those that received extensions, all LL88 measures must be completed by May 1, 2026.
- LL92 and LL94: Green Roofs and Solar PV
Local Laws 92 (LL92) and Local Law 94 (LL94) of 2019 require all new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major roof renovations — where the entire existing roof deck or roof assembly is being replaced — to be entirely covered with solar panels, a green roof or a combination of the two. Exceptions apply to certain areas of roof space competing for other uses like mechanical equipment and fire access pathways.
- LL97: Building Emissions Law
Local Law 97 (LL97) requires buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet to meet ambitious carbon emissions limits as of 2024. Buildings subject to the law's Article 320 path must meet strict annual carbon limits that increase over time in 2030 and beyond, driving towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
Buildings subject to the law's Article 321 pathway — predominantly certain types of affordable housing, multifamily buildings with more than 35% rent regulated units, and houses of worship — must choose to complete a one-time checklist of 13 prescriptive energy conservation measures (PECMs) or meet the law's 2030 carbon limits for that property.
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) LL97 GHG Reduction website provides detailed guidance on compliance and reporting for LL97, including which pathway each building must comply with. The law has been updated over time with additional rules and guidance, which can be found at the DOB website.
- LL154: All-Electric Buildings
Local Law 154 (LL154), also known as the “All-Electric New Buildings Law,” sets limits on the combustion of onsite fossil fuels in new buildings and gut renovations. The law effectively bans gas- and oil-fired appliances, such as stoves and boilers. LL154 phases in requirements generally by building height, with buildings under 7 stories needing to comply as of 2024, and buildings with 7 or more stories required to comply beginning July 2027. There are some exceptions or altered timelines for domestic hot water and buildings with at least 50% affordable housing units.
NYC Building Laws
SMALL BUILDINGS
Policies and requirements for buildings that are less than 25,000 square feet.
- LL32: No. 4 Oil Phaseout
Local Law 32 (LL32) prohibits the use of fuel oil number 4 (No. 4 oil) in City buildings as of July 1, 2025, and in all new and existing buildings buildings starting July 1, 2027. As of June 30, 2024, the Department of Buildings (DOB) no longer issues or renews permits for No. 4 oil. Failure to comply with this mandate could result in penalties of up to $10,000 for property owners.
This law promotes cleaner air for residents and reduces carbon emissions by eliminating the most polluting fuel still being used in NYC.
- LL85: Energy Conservation Code
Local Law 85 (LL85) requires new buildings and renovations or alterations made to existing buildings designs comply with New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) for any renovation or alteration project. The 2025 NYCECC is now in effect for new construction, renovations, and alterations.
- LL92 and LL94: Green Roofs and Solar PV
Local Laws 92 (LL92) and Local Law 94 (LL94) of 2019 require all new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major roof renovations — where the entire existing roof deck or roof assembly is being replaced — to be entirely covered with solar panels, a green roof or a combination of the two. Exceptions apply to certain areas of roof space competing for other uses like mechanical equipment and fire access pathways.
- LL154: All-Electric Buildings
Local Law 154 (LL154), also known as the “All-Electric New Buildings Law,” sets limits on the combustion of onsite fossil fuels in new buildings and gut renovations. The law effectively bans gas- and oil-fired appliances, such as stoves and boilers. LL154 phases in requirements generally by building height, with buildings under 7 stories needing to comply as of 2024, and buildings with 7 or more stories required to comply beginning July 2027. There some exceptions or altered timelines for domestic hot water and buildings with at least 50% affordable housing units.
NYC Building Laws
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Policies and requirements for new construction projects in NYC.
- LL32: No. 4 Oil Phaseout
Local Law 32 (LL32) prohibits the use of fuel oil number 4 (No. 4 oil) in city buildings as of July 1, 2025, and in all new and existing buildings buildings starting July 1, 2027. As of June 30, 2024, the Department of Buildings (DOB) no longer issues or renews permits for No. 4 oil. Failure to comply with this mandate could result in penalties of up to $10,000 for property owners.
This law promotes cleaner air for residents and reduces carbon emissions by eliminating the most polluting fuel still being used in NYC.
- LL33 and LL95: Building Energy Grades
Local Law 33 (LL33), amended by Local Law 95 (LL95), requires building owners to publicly display Building Energy Efficiency Ratings at building entrances. These ratings include a 1-100 ENERGY STAR® score and a corresponding letter grade to give New Yorkers a snapshot of the building's energy performance.
Annual Deadlines:
- May 1: Annual energy and water usage data is due
- October 1: New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issues building grades each year
- Within 30 days after October 1: Buildings are required to display the new building grade near each public entrance until October 1st of the following year
LL33 also applies to facilities with two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, facilities with two or more buildings in a condominium form governed by the same board of managers that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, and city buildings exceeding 10,000 gross square feet.
- LL84: Energy and Water Benchmarking
Local Law 84 (LL84) requires annual benchmarking data to be submitted by May 1. LL84 applies to all buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet, facilities with two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, or two or more buildings in a condominium form governed by the same board of managers that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, or City buildings exceeding 10,000 gross square feet.
This law brings transparency for energy and water usage and informs building owners and occupants on how to make their buildings more efficient. Energy and water consumption data must be collected and reported using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.
- LL85: Energy Conservation Code
Local Law 85 (LL85) requires new buildings and renovations or alterations made to existing buildings designs comply with New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) for any renovation or alteration project. The 2025 NYCECC is now in effect for new construction, renovations, and alterations.
- LL92 and LL94: Green Roofs and Solar PV
Local Laws 92 (LL92) and Local Law 94 (LL94) of 2019 require all new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major roof renovations — where the entire existing roof deck or roof assembly is being replaced — to be entirely covered with solar panels, a green roof or a combination of the two. Exceptions apply to certain areas of roof space competing for other uses like mechanical equipment and fire access pathways.
- LL97: Building Emissions Law
Local Law 97 (LL97) requires buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet to meet ambitious carbon emissions limits as of 2024. Buildings subject to the law's Article 320 path must meet strict annual carbon limits that increase over time in 2030 and beyond, driving towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
Buildings subject to the law's Article 321 pathway — predominantly certain types of affordable housing, multifamily buildings with more than 35% rent regulated units, and houses of worship — must choose to complete a one-time checklist of 13 prescriptive energy conservation measures (PECMs) or meet the law's 2030 carbon limits for that property.
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) LL97 GHG Reduction website provides detailed guidance on compliance and reporting for LL97, including which pathway each building must comply with. The law has been updated over time with additional rules and guidance, which can be found at the DOB website.
- LL154: All-Electric New Buildings
Local Law 154 (LL154), also known as the “All-Electric New Buildings Law,” sets limits on the combustion of onsite fossil fuels in new buildings and gut renovations. The law effectively bans gas- and oil-fired appliances, such as stoves and boilers. LL154 phases in requirements generally by building height, with buildings under 7 stories needing to comply as of 2024, and buildings with 7 or more stories required to comply beginning July 2027. There are some exceptions or altered timelines for domestic hot water and buildings with at least 50% affordable housing units.
NYC Building Laws
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Policies and requirements for buildings designated as affordable housing.
- LL32: No. 4 Oil Phaseout
Local Law 32 (LL32) prohibits the use of fuel oil number 4 (No. 4 oil) in city buildings as of July 1, 2025, and in all new and existing buildings buildings starting July 1, 2027. As of June 30, 2024, the Department of Buildings (DOB) no longer issues or renews permits for No. 4 oil. Failure to comply with this mandate could result in penalties of up to $10,000 for property owners.
This law promotes cleaner air for residents and reduces carbon emissions by eliminating the most polluting fuel still being used in NYC.
- LL33 and LL95: Building Energy Grades
Local Law 33 (LL33), amended by Local Law 95 (LL95), requires building owners to publicly display Building Energy Efficiency Ratings at building entrances. These ratings include a 1-100 ENERGY STAR® score and a corresponding letter grade to give New Yorkers a snapshot of the building's energy performance.
Annual Deadlines:
- May 1: Annual energy and water usage data is due
- October 1: New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issues building grades each year
- Within 30 days after October 1: Buildings are required to display the new building grade near each public entrance until October 1st of the following year
LL33 also applies to facilities with two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, facilities with two or more buildings in a condominium form governed by the same board of managers that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, and city buildings exceeding 10,000 gross square feet.
- LL84 and LL133: Energy and Water Benchmarking
Local Law 84 (LL84) requires annual benchmarking data to be submitted by May 1. LL84 applies to all buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet, facilities with two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, or two or more buildings in a condominium form governed by the same board of managers that together exceed 100,000 gross square feet, or city buildings exceeding 10,000 gross square feet.
This law brings transparency for energy and water usage and informs building owners and occupants on how to make their buildings more efficient. Energy and water consumption data must be collected and reported using ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager.
- LL85: Energy Conservation Code
Local Law 85 (LL85) requires new buildings and renovations or alterations made to existing buildings designs comply with New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) for any renovation or alteration project. The 2025 NYCECC is now in effect for new construction, renovations, and alterations.
- LL87: Energy Audit
Local Law 87 (LL87) requires all buildings exceeding 50,000 gross square feet to conduct an energy audit every 10 years. The energy audit ensures building systems are running efficiently and allows for tuning if necessary, while informing building owners of potential energy efficiency projects (retro-commissioning).
- LL88, LL132, and LL134: Lighting and Submetering
Local Laws 88 (LL88), Local Laws 132 (LL132), and Local Laws 134 (LL134) require all buildings exceeding 25,000 gross square feet to upgrade all lighting in commercial buildings and common areas of residential buildings by January 1, 2025. Submeters must be installed in all non-residential tenant space exceeding 5,000 square feet. Monthly statements must be provided to tenants showing amounts for electricity measured and charged.
In 2025, DOB granted certain extensions to LL88 requirements. For those that received extensions, all LL88 measures must be completed by May 1, 2026.
- LL92 and LL94: Green Roofs and Solar PV
Local Laws 92 (LL92) and Local Law 94 (LL94) of 2019 require all new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major roof renovations — where the entire existing roof deck or roof assembly is being replaced — to be entirely covered with solar panels, a green roof or a combination of the two. Exceptions apply to certain areas of roof space competing for other uses like mechanical equipment and fire access pathways.
- LL97: Building Emissions Law
Local Law 97 (LL97) requires buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet to meet ambitious carbon emissions limits as of 2024. Buildings subject to the law's Article 320 pathway must meet strict annual carbon limits that increase over time in 2030 and beyond, driving towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
Buildings subject to the law's Article 321 pathway — predominantly certain types of affordable housing, multifamily buildings with more than 35% rent regulated units, and houses of worship — must choose to complete a one-time checklist of 13 prescriptive energy conservation measures or meet the law's 2030 carbon limits for that property.
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) LL97 GHG Reduction website provides detailed guidance on compliance and reporting for LL97, including which pathway each building must comply with. The law has been updated over time with additional rules and guidance, which can be found at the DOB website.
- LL154: All-Electric New Buildings
Local Law 154 (LL154), also known as the “All-Electric New Buildings Law,” sets limits on the combustion of onsite fossil fuels in new buildings and gut renovations. The law effectively bans gas- and oil-fired appliances, such as stoves and boilers. LL154 phases in requirements generally by building height, with buildings under 7 stories needing to comply as of 2024, and buildings with 7 or more stories required to comply beginning July 2027. There are some exceptions or altered timelines for domestic hot water and buildings with at least 50% affordable housing units.