Upcoming NYC Periodic Inspection Deadlines and Regulatory Compliance Requirements

Property owners and managers in New York City must stay proactive in meeting crucial regulatory deadlines to ensure compliance with city laws. Missing these deadlines not only risks violations and fines but can also lead to serious life safety hazards. Below is a comprehensive guide to key periodic inspections in NYC, outlining their requirements and highlighting upcoming regulatory deadlines.

Periodic Gas Piping System Inspections (Local Law 152)

• Requirement: Buildings, except those classified as occupancy group R-3 (one- and two-family homes), must undergo gas piping system inspections every four years.

• Deadline: Buildings in Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13, and 18 in all boroughs must complete inspections by December 31, 2025.

  • Inspection Scope: Licensed Master Plumbers must inspect exposed gas piping from the point of entry into the building to tenant spaces, documenting conditions that could lead to leaks or unsafe situations.

Low-Pressure and High-Pressure Boiler Inspections

• Requirement: All boilers in NYC must undergo annual inspections, with filings due each year.

• Inspection Cycle: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. Inspection reports are due within fourteen calendar days from the date of performing the inspection and no later than January 14 of the following.

  • Inspection Scope: Covers boiler safety controls, efficiency testing, and compliance with NYC Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes.

Elevator Inspections and Tests

• Requirement: NYC requires annual inspections and periodic Category 1 and Category 5 tests on elevators and escalators.

• Upcoming Deadlines:

  • Category 1 Annual Tests: Due by December 31, 2025. Reports must be submitted within 21 days after the test date to avoid late fees.

  • Category 3 Test: Water hydraulic elevators every three years from the date of installation. Reports must be submitted within 21 days after the test date.

  • Category 5 Full Load Tests: Due every five years from the date of installation. Reports must be submitted within 21 days after the test date.

  • Inspection Scope: Safety components, operational conditions, hoist ropes, braking systems, and compliance with ASME A17.1 codes.

Periodic Inspections of Parking Structures (Local Law 126)

• Requirement: All parking structures must undergo condition assessments every six years by a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI).

• Upcoming Deadline: Buildings in sub-cycle B must file reports by December 31, 2025.

  • Inspection Scope: Includes structural integrity assessments for slabs, columns, walls, and waterproofing conditions to prevent deterioration.

Façade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP) (Local Law 11/98)

• Requirement: Buildings over six stories must have their façades inspected every five years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI).

• Current Cycle: Cycle 9 follow-up filings due February 20, 2025.

• Sub-Cycle 10A: Begins February 21, 2025 for blocks ending in 4, 5, 6, and 9 and ends February 21, 2027.

  • Inspection Scope: Includes a hands-on close-up inspection of façades along with an evaluation of exterior walls, balconies, and appurtenances.

Retaining Wall Structural Inspections (Local Law 37/08)

• Requirement: Owners of retaining walls greater than ten feet high along public rights-of-way must have them inspected every five years.

• Upcoming Deadline: Reports for the current cycle must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

• Inspection Scope: Licensed engineers evaluate structural stability, material condition, and signs of distress such as bulging or cracking.

Annual Parapet Observations (Local Law 126/21)

• Requirement: Owners of buildings five stories and higher must have parapets inspected annually by a qualified professional.

• Upcoming Deadline: First required observation filings began in 2024. Annual inspections must be completed by December 31, 2025.

• Inspection Scope: Visual evaluation of parapet conditions, including structural integrity, weathering effects, and potential hazards.

Upcoming NYC Regulatory Compliance Deadlines

Local Law 97: Carbon Emissions Reduction Compliance

• Requirement: Buildings over 25,000 square feet must comply with carbon emissions limits or face penalties.

• Upcoming Deadline: Compliance reporting for 2024 emissions is due by May 1, 2025.

  • Key Considerations: Building owners must track energy consumption and, if necessary, implement efficiency upgrades to avoid fines.

Local Law 87: Energy Audits and Retro-Commissioning

• Requirement: Buildings over 50,000 square feet must conduct energy audits and retro-commissioning every ten years.

• Upcoming Deadline: Properties with tax block numbers ending in 5 must submit reports by December 31, 2025.

• Key Considerations: Identifying opportunities for energy savings through system upgrades and operational improvements.

Local Law 31: Lead-Based Paint Inspections

• Requirement: Residential buildings constructed before 1960, and those built between 1960 and 1978 with known lead hazards, must undergo comprehensive lead-based paint testing using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology.

• Upcoming Deadline: August 9, 2025 – Completion of lead-based paint testing required.

• Key Considerations: Building owners must hire certified inspectors to perform XRF testing. Any identified lead hazards must be addressed to ensure compliance and avoid potential violations.

Local Law 157: Natural Gas Detectors Installation

• Requirement: All dwelling units must have natural gas detectors installed to enhance occupant safety.

• Upcoming Deadline: May 1, 2025 – Required natural gas detectors must be installed.

• Key Considerations: While no filing is required, enforcement may occur through inspections. Building owners and property managers should ensure compliance to avoid potential fines and safety risks.

Annual Water Tank Inspection

• Requirement: Buildings with water tanks must conduct annual inspections and submit reports to city agencies.

• Deadline: January 15, 2026 – Deadline to submit the 2025 annual water tank inspection report.

• Key Considerations: Inspection reports must be filed with both the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Owners should work with qualified inspectors to ensure compliance.

  
  

Fire and Emergency Preparedness Guide, Checklist and Notices

• Requirement: Residential building owners must distribute fire safety guides and checklists to tenants.

• Upcoming Deadline: March 28, 2025 – Deadline for distributing NYC Apartment Building Emergency Preparedness Guide to tenants.

• Key Considerations: Building owners and managers must ensure all tenants receive the required fire safety materials to comply with NYC regulations.

Stay Compliant and Avoid Violations

With multiple inspection and compliance deadlines approaching, property owners and managers should take proactive steps to schedule required inspections and file necessary reports in advance. Partnering with experienced engineering professionals can help ensure compliance while maintaining the safety and efficiency of NYC buildings.

For expert assistance with inspections and compliance filings, contact our team today.