Understanding Local Law 92: A Comprehensive Guide for New Yorkers


Dear New Yorkers,

I am delighted to present to you a comprehensive guide on Understanding Local Law 92. Whether you are a tenant, landlord, or simply someone interested in the laws that govern our beloved city, this article aims to provide you with a clear and detailed understanding of Local Law 92.

Local Law 92, also known as the “Cooling Tower Registration and Annual Certification” law, was enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of cooling tower systems within New York City. Cooling towers are commonly found in large buildings and are responsible for the regulation of temperature in HVAC systems.

To begin, let’s explore the key aspects of Local Law 92:

1. Registration: Building owners are required to register their cooling towers with the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). This registration includes providing important information such as the tower’s location, type, and other relevant details.

2. Certification: Annual certification is mandatory for all cooling towers. Building owners must engage a qualified professional to inspect and certify the tower’s compliance with safety standards. This certification must be submitted to the DOB on an annual basis.

3. Maintenance: Proper maintenance of cooling towers is essential to prevent the growth and spread of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella. Building owners must implement a comprehensive maintenance plan that includes regular cleaning, disinfection, and testing of water samples.

4. Record Keeping: Building owners are required to maintain records relating to the inspection, maintenance, and repair of cooling towers. These records must be kept for a minimum of five years and made available for inspection by the DOB upon request.

5. Enforcement: Failure to comply with Local Law 92 can result in penalties and fines. The DOB has the authority to conduct inspections, issue violations, and take enforcement actions against non-compliant building owners.

Understanding Local Law 92 is crucial for all parties involved to ensure the safety and well-being of our city’s residents. By complying with the law’s requirements, building owners can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

In conclusion, Local Law 92 is a vital piece of legislation that sets out regulations for the registration, certification, maintenance, and record-keeping of cooling towers in New York City. By adhering to these requirements, we can all contribute to a safer and more efficient built environment.

Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with Local Law 92. Should you have any further questions or require legal advice specific to your situation, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified professional.

Understanding Local Law 92 in New York: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Local Law 92: A Comprehensive Guide for New Yorkers

As a resident of New York City, it is important to be familiar with the local laws that govern your daily life. One such law that has gained significant attention is Local Law 92. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key aspects of Local Law 92, its purpose, and what it means for New Yorkers.

What is Local Law 92?

Local Law 92, officially known as the “Cool and Green Roof Requirements,” was passed by the New York City Council in 2019. The law mandates certain buildings to install green roofs, solar panels, or a combination of both, in an effort to reduce the urban heat island effect and promote energy efficiency.

Who does it apply to?

Local Law 92 applies to all newly constructed buildings, existing buildings undergoing major roof renovations, and existing buildings that choose to replace their roofs.

What are the requirements of Local Law 92?

  • All applicable buildings must install a green roof, solar panels, or a combination of both.
  • The total area of the green roof or solar panels should cover a specific percentage of the available roof space, based on the building type.
  • Each building must comply with the specific requirements outlined in the law, including insulation and drainage guidelines.
  • The installation must be performed by certified professionals to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Why was Local Law 92 enacted?

The primary goal of Local Law 92 is to reduce the urban heat island effect, which refers to the increased temperature in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas. Green roofs and solar panels help absorb heat, reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality.

What are the benefits of Local Law 92?

  • Improved energy efficiency, resulting in reduced energy costs for building owners and occupants.
  • Enhanced air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier environment.
  • Increased resilience to extreme weather events by mitigating the impacts of urban heat islands.
  • Creation of green spaces, promoting biodiversity and improving the overall aesthetic appeal of the city.

How can I comply with Local Law 92?

If you are a building owner or manager, it is crucial to understand your obligations under Local Law 92. You may need to consult with a licensed professional who specializes in green roof and solar panel installations to ensure compliance with the law’s requirements.

Understanding Local Law 92 and 94 Bulletin: An Overview of NYC Energy Efficiency Requirements

Understanding Local Law 92: A Comprehensive Guide for New Yorkers

Local Law 92 is a significant piece of legislation in New York City that aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. It is important for both building owners and occupants to understand and comply with the requirements of this law.

What is Local Law 92?

Local Law 92, also known as LL92, was enacted by the New York City Council to address the city’s energy consumption and environmental impact. The law mandates the installation of green roofs or solar panels on certain types of buildings.

Applicability of Local Law 92

LL92 applies to new buildings, existing buildings undergoing major roof alterations, and roof replacements. The law pertains to buildings that measure over 2,000 square feet and have less than 50% of their roof area already covered by a green roof or solar panel system.

Benefits of Green Roofs and Solar Panels

The installation of green roofs can provide numerous benefits to building owners and occupants. Green roofs help reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and absorb stormwater runoff. They can also extend the lifespan of a roof by protecting it from weathering and temperature extremes.

Solar panels, on the other hand, harness sunlight to generate clean energy. By installing solar panels, building owners can significantly reduce their reliance on traditional fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Compliance with Local Law 92

To comply with LL92, building owners must submit an Energy Efficiency Report to the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) every ten years. This report should include a statement of compliance, indicating either the installation of a green roof or solar panel system, or an exemption from the requirement.

Understanding Local Law 92 and 94 Bulletin: An Overview of NYC Energy Efficiency Requirements

The Local Law 92 and 94 Bulletin provides an overview of the energy efficiency requirements in New York City. It covers both LL92 and LL94, which requires the installation of bird-friendly materials on windows in certain buildings to prevent bird collisions.

Applicability of Local Law 94

LL94 applies to new buildings, major alterations, and certain window replacements. It is aimed at reducing bird mortality caused by collisions with buildings. The law requires the use of materials that make windows more visible to birds, such as patterned glass, etched glass, or window films.

Complying with Local Law 94

Building owners must include details of bird-friendly materials used in their Energy Efficiency Reports submitted to the DOB. Compliance with LL94 can also be achieved through the use of building design practices that minimize the risk of bird collisions, such as exterior shading devices or interior window treatments.

The Importance of Compliance

It is crucial for building owners to understand and comply with Local Law 92 and 94 to contribute to the city’s efforts in reducing energy consumption and protecting wildlife. Non-compliance may result in penalties and fines, as well as reputational damage.

In conclusion, Understanding Local Law 92: A Comprehensive Guide for New Yorkers is essential for building owners and occupants to ensure compliance with energy efficiency requirements. It is important to familiarize oneself with the specific obligations and benefits of installing green roofs or solar panels (under LL92) and using bird-friendly materials on windows (under LL94). By adhering to these laws, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly New York City.

Understanding the Essential Criteria for Green Roofs in NYC

Understanding Local Law 92: A Comprehensive Guide for New Yorkers

New York City is at the forefront of implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives. One such initiative is the implementation of green roofs, which are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas. Green roofs not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings but also provide numerous environmental benefits, such as reducing energy consumption, mitigating stormwater runoff, and improving air quality.

To promote the construction of green roofs, New York City has enacted Local Law 92, which mandates the installation of green roofs or solar panels on certain new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major roof renovations. This law aims to create a greener and healthier city by increasing vegetation and reducing the urban heat island effect.

Key Points to Understand about Local Law 92:

1. Applicability:

  • Local Law 92 applies to all new buildings with a gross floor area of 25,000 square feet or more.
  • It also applies to existing buildings with a gross floor area of 100,000 square feet or more that are undergoing major roof repairs or replacements.
  • 2. Green Roof Requirements:

  • For new buildings, at least 30% of the available roof space must be covered with vegetation or solar panels.
  • For existing buildings undergoing major roof renovations, the same 30% coverage requirement applies, but only for the portion of the roof being repaired or replaced.
  • 3. Vegetation Criteria:

  • The law specifies the types of vegetation that can be used on green roofs, including grasses, sedums, and other low-maintenance plants.
  • These plants must be capable of surviving under local climate conditions and require minimal irrigation.
  • 4. Professional Certification:

  • All projects subject to Local Law 92 must be certified by a registered design professional who verifies compliance with the law’s requirements.
  • This certification ensures that green roofs are properly designed, installed, and maintained.
  • 5. Reporting and Compliance:

  • Building owners are required to submit an annual report to the Department of Buildings detailing the green roof’s area, plant types, and maintenance plan.
  • The Department of Buildings will monitor compliance with Local Law 92 and may impose penalties for non-compliance.
  • Local Law 92 is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and resilient city. By incorporating green roofs into buildings, New Yorkers can contribute to a healthier environment while enjoying the aesthetic and functional benefits of these green spaces.

    If you are a building owner or developer, it is essential to understand and comply with Local Law 92’s requirements. Consulting with a knowledgeable professional can help ensure that your project meets the law’s criteria and that you navigate the permitting and certification process smoothly.

    Remember: Local Law 92 promotes sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and a greener future for New York City. Embracing green roofs not only benefits our urban landscape but also improves our overall quality of life.

    Understanding Local Law 92: A Comprehensive Guide for New Yorkers

    In today’s rapidly changing legal landscape, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to stay informed about the laws and regulations that affect them. This is particularly true for New Yorkers, who are subject to a multitude of local laws that can impact various aspects of their lives. One such law that warrants attention is Local Law 92.

    Local Law 92, also known as the “Cooling Tower Law,” was enacted in 2018 with the goal of preventing the spread of Legionnaires’ disease through cooling towers. It requires owners of buildings with cooling towers in New York City to install and maintain a minimum level of cooling tower disinfection equipment. Failure to comply with this law can result in fines and penalties.

    Understanding the intricacies of Local Law 92 is essential for building owners, property managers, and others responsible for maintaining cooling towers. By familiarizing themselves with the law’s requirements, they can ensure compliance and maintain the health and safety of their occupants.

    To fully comprehend Local Law 92, it is important to examine its key provisions. Here are some important points to consider:

  • Applicability: Local Law 92 applies to all buildings in New York City that have cooling towers or evaporative condensers.
  • Disinfection Requirements: Building owners must install and maintain a disinfection system for their cooling towers. The system must be capable of preventing the growth and spreading of Legionella bacteria.
  • Reporting Obligations: Owners are required to submit an annual certification to the Department of Buildings (DOB) confirming compliance with Local Law 92.
  • Inspections: The DOB has the authority to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the law.
  • Penalties: Non-compliance with Local Law 92 can result in significant fines and penalties, which can increase for repeat violations.
  • Staying up-to-date on Local Law 92 is of utmost importance. The law may be subject to revisions and updates as new scientific findings emerge or as public health priorities change. It is crucial for individuals and businesses to regularly review any amendments or clarifications issued by the DOB or other relevant authorities.

    While this article provides a comprehensive overview of Local Law 92, it is essential to verify and contrast the information presented here with official sources. The New York City Department of Buildings website and legal professionals specializing in local laws can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on Local Law 92.

    In conclusion, understanding Local Law 92 is crucial for those who own or manage buildings with cooling towers in New York City. By familiarizing themselves with the law’s requirements, individuals and businesses can ensure compliance and help maintain the health and safety of their occupants. It is important to stay informed about any updates or revisions to the law by consulting official sources and seeking guidance from legal professionals.