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
SMALL BUILDINGS
Policies and requirements for buildings that are less than 25,000 square feet.
- LL85: Energy Conservation Code
Local Law 85 requires building designs to comply with New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) for any renovation or alteration project. The most recent iteration of the energy code went into effect on May 12, 2020, which no longer exempts renovations affecting less than half of the building system.
- LL92 and LL94: Green Roofs and Solar PV
Local Laws 92 and 94 require all new buildings and 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 some combination of the two.
- LL154: All-Electric Buildings
Local Law 154 (LL154), also known as the “All-Electric Law,” sets strict carbon limits that effectively ban gas- and oil-fired appliances, such as stoves and boilers, in new buildings and major renovations. The law encourages the use of electricity as the sole power source for buildings, enabling them to run on cleaner fuels as the city expands its use of renewable energy. Buildings with up to seven stories need to comply by 2024 and all other buildings need to comply by 2027.
NYC Building Laws
LARGE BUILDINGS
Policies and requirements for buildings that are 25,000 square feet or larger.
- LL33 and LL95: Building Energy Grades
Local Law 33 (amended by Local Law 95) requires building owners to publicly display Building Energy Efficiency Ratings at building entrances starting in October 2020. 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 due
- Extension: The deadline for 2022 was extended to May 31.
- October 1: New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) releases building grades
- October 31: Buildings are required to publicly display new building grades
Local Law 33 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.
- May 1: Annual energy and water usage data due
- LL84: Energy and Water Benchmarking
Local Law 84 requires annual benchmarking data to be submitted by May 1. Local Law 84 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 requires building designs to comply with New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) for any renovation or alteration project. The most recent iteration of the energy code went into effect on May 12, 2020, which no longer exempts renovations affecting less than half of the building system.
- LL87: Energy Audit
Local Law 87 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
Local Laws 88, 132, and 134 require all buildings exceeding 25,000 gross square feet to upgrade all lighting in commercial buildings and common areas of residential buildings by 2024. Sub-meters 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.
- LL92 and LL94: Green Roofs and Solar PV
Local Laws 92 and 94 (LL92 and LL94) require all new buildings and buildings undergoing major roof renovations to be covered with solar panels, a green roof, or some combination of the two.
- LL97: Building Emissions Cap
Local Law 97 requires buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet to meet ambitious carbon emissions limits, starting in 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030 and beyond. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) provides guidance on compliance and reporting for LL97. The GHG Emission Calculator estimates a building's carbon penalty as a result of non-compliance with LL97. Annual utility information and building characteristics are used to generate emissions thresholds and potential penalties for each compliance period (2024–2029, 2030–2034, 2035, and beyond).
In September 2023, DOB published a new set of proposed rules to guide the ongoing implementation of LL97. These rules clarify how the law will be enforced, outline pathways to mitigate penalties, create a new credit for early electrification work, and describe reporting requirements for affordable housing and houses of worship.
- LL154: All-Electric Buildings
Local Law 154 (LL154), also known as the "All-Electric Law", sets strict carbon limits that effectively ban gas- and oil-fired appliances, such as stoves and boilers, in new buildings and major renovations. The law encourages the use of electricity as the sole power source for buildings, enabling them to run on cleaner fuels as the city expands its use of renewable energy. Buildings with up to seven stories need to comply by 2024 and all other buildings need to comply by 2027.
NYC Building Laws
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Policies and requirements for new construction projects in NYC.
- LL33 and LL95: Building Energy Grades
Local Law 33 (amended by Local Law 95) requires owners of buildings exceeding 25,000 square feet to publicly display the Building Energy Efficiency Rating. Labels include the 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 1st: Annual energy and water usage data is due.
- Extension: The deadline for 2022 was extended to May 31.
- October 1st: New York City Department of Buildings releases building grades
- October 31st: New building grades must be publicly displayed
Local Law 33 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.
- May 1st: Annual energy and water usage data is due.
- LL84: Energy and Water Benchmarking
Local Law 84 requires annual benchmarking data to be submitted. Local Law 84 applies to all buildings exceeding 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 and filed annually by May 1.
- LL85: Energy Conservation Code
Local Law 85 (LL85) requires building designs to comply with New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) for any renovation or alteration project. The most recent iteration of the energy code went into effect on May 12, 2020, which no longer exempts renovations affecting less than half of the building system.
- LL92 and LL94: Green Roofs and Solar PV
Local Laws 92 and 94 require all new buildings and buildings undergoing major roof renovations to be covered with solar panels, a green roof, or some combination of the two.
- LL97: Building Emissions Cap
Local Law 97 requires buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet to meet ambitious carbon emissions limits, starting in 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030 and beyond. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) provides guidance on compliance and reporting for LL97. The GHG Emission Calculator estimates a building's carbon penalty as a result of non-compliance with LL97. Annual utility information and building characteristics are used to generate emissions thresholds and potential penalties for each compliance period (2024–2029, 2030–2034, 2035, and beyond).
In September 2023, DOB published a new set of proposed rules to guide the ongoing implementation of LL97. These rules clarify how the law will be enforced, outline pathways to mitigate penalties, create a new credit for early electrification work, and describe reporting requirements for affordable housing and houses of worship.
- LL154: All-Electric Buildings
Local Law 154 (LL154), also known as the “All-Electric Law,” sets strict carbon limits that effectively ban gas- and oil-fired appliances, such as stoves and boilers, in new buildings and major renovations. The law encourages the use of electricity as the sole power source for buildings, enabling them to run on cleaner fuels as the city expands its use of renewable energy. Buildings with up to seven stories need to comply by 2024 and all other buildings need to comply by 2027.
NYC Accelerator offers free assistance with LL154 for new construction and major renovation projects. Learn more.
NYC Building Laws
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Policies and requirements for buildings designated as affordable housing.
- LL33 and LL95: Building Energy Grades
Local Law 33 (amended by Local Law 95) requires owners of buildings exceeding 25,000 square feet to publicly display the Building Energy Efficiency Rating. Labels include the 1-100 ENERGYSTAR ® 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.
- Extension: The deadline for 2022 was extended to May 31.
- October 1: New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) releases building grades.
- October 31: New building grades must be publicly displayed.
Local Law 33 also applies to 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.
- May 1: Annual energy and water usage data is due.
- LL84 and LL133: Energy and Water Benchmarking
Local Law 84 requires annual benchmarking data to be submitted. Local Law 84 is applicable for all buildings exceeding 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 tenants on how to make their buildings more efficient. Energy and water consumption data must be collected and reported using ENERGY STAR ® Portfolio Manager. The benchmarking report must be filed annually by May 1.
- LL85: Energy Conservation Code
Local Law 85 requires building designs to comply with New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC) for any renovation or alteration project. The most recent iteration of the energy code went into effect on May 12, 2020, which no longer exempts renovations affecting less than half of the building system.
- LL87: Energy Audit
Local Law 87 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
Local Laws 88, 132, and 134 require all buildings exceeding 25,000 gross square feet to upgrade all lighting in commercial buildings and common areas of residential buildings by 2024. In all non-residential tenant space exceeding 5,000 square feet, sub-meters must be installed. Monthly statements must be provided to tenants showing amounts for electricity measured and charged.
- LL92 and LL94: Green Roofs and Solar PV
Local Laws 92 and 94 require all new buildings and buildings undergoing major roof renovations to be covered with solar panels, a green roof, or some combination of the two.
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will determine a separate compliance pathway for certain types of affordable housing from November 2019 through November 2024 while it studies the impacts on affordability, however, not all affordable housing will be exempt.
- LL97: Building Emissions Cap
Local Law 97 requires buildings larger than 25,000 gross square feet to meet ambitious carbon emissions limits, starting in 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030 and beyond. The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) provides guidance on compliance and reporting for LL97. The GHG Emission Calculator estimates a building's carbon penalty because of non-compliance with LL97. Annual utility information and building characteristics are used to generate emissions thresholds and potential penalties for each compliance period (2024–2029, 2030–2034, 2035, and beyond).
Affordable or rent-regulated housing and houses of worship may qualify for alternate or delayed compliance with LL97. These alternative compliance pathways are outlined in Article 321 of the law. Affordable housing building owners may choose the prescriptive pathway and implement applicable energy conservation measures (ECMs) by December 31, 2024, and submit a one-time report to the DOB by May 1, 2025. Alternatively, buildings can choose to demonstrate that their building emissions are below the 2030 limit by 2024 if certain qualifications are met. These qualifications include buildings where more than 35% of units are rent-regulated, HDFC cooperatives, and buildings with HUD project-based assistance. Buildings must submit an Energy Compliant Buildings Report to the DOB to demonstrate compliance by May 1, 2025.
Buildings with at least one rent-regulated unit where up to 35% of units are rent-regulated must meet the applicable emissions limits starting in 2026 and then subsequent limits beginning in 2030. Certain income-restricted housing is not required to meet the applicable emissions limits until 2035 and then must meet subsequent limits.
Buildings on land owned by New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) are required to make efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a portfolio-wide basis by 40% by 2030 and by 80% by 2050. NYCHA developments in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) programs are also required to comply.
September 2023 Update: DOB published a new set of proposed rules to guide the ongoing implementation of LL97. These rules clarify how the law will be enforced, outline pathways to mitigate penalties, create a new credit for early electrification work, and describe reporting requirements for affordable housing and houses of worship.
The updated prescriptive pathway compliance rules under Article 321 specify which prescriptive energy conservation measures (PECMs) buildings must implement in 2024 and provide inspection and documentation requirements. They also establish penalties for non-compliance and outline opportunities for penalty mitigation, including mediated resolutions.
- LL154: All-Electric Buildings
Local Law 154 (LL154), also known as the "All-Electric Law," sets strict carbon limits that effectively ban gas- and oil-fired appliances, such as stoves and boilers, in new buildings and major renovations. The law encourages the use of electricity as the sole power source for buildings, enabling them to run on cleaner fuels as the city expands its use of renewable energy. Buildings in which half of units are designated as affordable housing will be delayed in required compliance have additional time to comply, with low-rise buildings starting in 2026 and high-rise buildings in 2028.