Local Law 154 was enacted in 2021, but for many New York City buildings, compliance is only now coming due. Aimed at curbing building emissions, LL 154 phases out the use of fossil fuels in new construction by prohibiting the onsite combustion of fuels that emit more than 25kg CO2/MMBtu. This includes individually owned or used appliances like cooking ranges and clothes dryers.
The law applies to buildings that submit applications for New Buildings or Alt-CO New Buildings with Existing Elements to Remain (alterations that must be filed as New Buildings).
Exceptions for certain types of onsite combustion include buildings used by a regulated utility for energy generation and laboratories, laundromats, and crematoria within otherwise compliant buildings. More details about exceptions are available on the DOB’s website.
Compliance Dates That Have Already Passed
Compliance dates are based on the filing date of the initial GC application.
Buildings in the following categories have LL 154 compliance dates that have already passed. Any new construction on these types of buildings will be denied construction approvals and permits if the building application is not compliant with LL 154:
- One- and two-family homes (Group R-3) and all occupancies less than 7 stories tall (excluding Service Hot Water): January 1, 2024
- NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) projects: December 31, 2024
Upcoming Compliance Date
Affordable Housing (defined by the NYC Department of Buildings as buildings with “50% or more of the units are subject to a regulatory agreement, restrictive declaration, or similar instrument with a federal, state, or local governmental entity or instrumentality for the creation or preservation of affordable housing”) with fewer than seven stories must be compliant with LL 154 as of December 31, 2025. This requirement does not include Service HW.
Future Compliance Dates
- All occupancies not otherwise covered, including Service HW: July 2, 2027
- Affordable Housing that is seven stories or taller, including Service HW: December 31, 2027
For more details and answers to frequently asked questions, see the DOB’s dedicated LL 154 FAQ page.
