Local Law 152 (LL 152) mandates regular gas piping system inspections for buildings in New York City. This law aims to enhance safety by identifying and addressing potential gas leaks and other issues before they become hazardous. It is particularly important for multifamily housing, where more families are at risk.
Building owners must comply with these inspection requirements to ensure the safety and integrity of their gas systems. The exact dates of their inspections depend on their district, and repeat every 4 years. Many people, especially in those first two years, got their inspection completed near the end of the year. Some even got it late. So this year, in an effort to make sure that you’re on top of it, many people are wondering if they can get their LL 152 inspection early – at least earlier than they did the first time.
Scheduled Inspection Cycles
The answer is mostly yes. You can get your LL 152 inspection completed early, no matter how late you completed it the prior year. All that matters is having your inspection completed.
But there is a caveat.
You have to get the inspection completed by a master plumber in the calendar year that is assigned to you. That means that, if your LL 152 inspection is next year, you cannot get it completed this year. Not even December 31st. It has to be completed in the calendar year assigned to you or it does not count towards your LL 152 inspection.
LL 152 outlines specific inspection cycles based on the building’s community district. Inspections must be completed within the designated calendar year for each cycle. We’ve already passed the first cycle once, and this is the first year that we’re on cycle number two, which means that this is the first time that properties in some districts have been tasked with a second inspection:
- Community Districts 1, 3, and 10 – Due by December 31, 2024, and every fourth year thereafter.
- Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13, and 18 – Due by December 31, 2025, and every fourth year thereafter.
- Community Districts 4, 6, 8, 9, and 16 – Due by December 31, 2026, and every fourth year thereafter.
- Community Districts 11, 12, 14, 15, and 17 – Due by December 31, 2027, and every fourth year thereafter.
Adhering to this schedule is required, so if you’re too early, it will not count. But as long as it is your calendar year, you can have it completed any time from January 1st to December 31st.
Early Inspections
With that in mind, while you cannot have your LL 152 inspection completed early, you can still have a gas inspection completed at any time. And there is some benefit to considering gas pipe inspections here and there, even if it is not your district’s year. For example:
- Proactive Safety Measures – Conducting an inspection earlier than required ensures that any potential issues are identified and resolved promptly, enhancing overall safety.
- Avoiding Last-Minute Rush – Early inspections can prevent the stress and potential scheduling conflicts that may arise when trying to meet the deadline during the peak inspection period.
- Flexibility in Scheduling Repairs – If issues are found, building owners have more time to arrange and complete necessary repairs without the pressure of an impending deadline.
Something to remember is that the inspection is not the only part of the LL 152 requirement. You also have to make sure that your property is in compliance with gas safety protocols. If you always wait until it is your calendar year, and always wait until the end of the year to complete the inspection, then making the necessary repairs may be more difficult.
In addition, given the safety implications, being able to spot problems and address them early is ideal. So, while you may not get LL 152 credit for an inspection prior to your district’s year, there is still some very clear value.
Early Inspections During Your Window – Ideal Timing
When it is your year, there is also value to getting your inspection completed on the early end. It gives you more time to address issues, more time to handle any scheduling conflicts that are rare but can arise, and, of course, peace of mind so that you know it is not something you need to worry about as the end of the year gets closer.
It also gives you the opportunity to plan your inspection window to an ideal date. You can look at:
- Historical Maintenance Data – Review the building’s maintenance and inspection history to determine if early inspection aligns with past findings and needs.
- Building Occupancy and Use – Consider periods of lower occupancy or reduced use for scheduling inspections to minimize disruptions.
- Coordination with Other Maintenance Activities – Align the LL 152 inspection with other scheduled maintenance activities to streamline efforts and reduce redundancy.
All of these are more likely to be possible when you schedule early on the year of your district’s inspection. If you wait until the end of the year, the risks that something will be missed or more difficult to deal with increase.
By strategically planning and scheduling LL 152 inspections, building owners can balance the benefits of early action with the necessity of compliance, ensuring a safe and well-maintained gas piping system. If you are ready for your Local Law 152 inspection, make sure you contact Empire Plumbing, today.