New York City property owners know that keeping up with building compliance isn’t optional; it’s essential. Between safety regulations, permits, and maintenance schedules, there’s always something new to stay on top of. Local Law 152 is one of those must-know regulations, especially for building owners in Brooklyn and the surrounding boroughs.
This law requires periodic gas piping system inspections to ensure the safety and integrity of gas lines throughout the city. And while it might sound like just another layer of red tape, Local Law 152 is an important safeguard against leaks, explosions, and other potentially dangerous issues that can arise from aging infrastructure or faulty installations.
What Is NYC Local Law 152?
Local Law 152 mandates that gas piping systems in most NYC buildings be inspected once every four years by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) or a qualified technician under their supervision. The inspections are intended to ensure that all gas systems are safe, functional, and free from leaks or other hazards.
The law applies to all buildings except:
- One- and two-family homes, and
- Other buildings classified in occupancy group R-3 (small residential buildings).
Every inspection cycle is based on the Community District where the property is located. In 2025, the inspection requirement applies to Community Districts 2, 5, 7, 13, and 18—which includes a large portion of Brooklyn and beyond.
If your property falls into these districts, your inspection must be completed and filed with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) by December 31, 2025.
Why Local Law 152 Matters
Gas leaks are among the most serious safety hazards in any building. Beyond the immediate danger of fire or explosion, even minor leaks can cause long-term health issues or property damage. Local Law 152 was designed to minimize these risks by ensuring all gas systems citywide are regularly checked, certified, and maintained by licensed professionals.
But compliance isn’t just about avoiding danger; it’s also about avoiding penalties. Failing to complete your inspection or submit the required paperwork can result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 per building.
What Property Owners Need to Do
Even though the law’s language can seem intimidating, complying with Local Law 152 comes down to a few key steps.
Step 1: Determine Whether the Law Applies to You
Check your property’s occupancy classification in the NYC Buildings Information System (BIS) or through the Department of Finance (DOF) Property Profile. If your building isn’t classified as one of the exempt types (like A1, A2, B1, etc.), you’ll need an inspection.
Step 2: Hire a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP)
Work only with a Licensed Master Plumber to perform your inspection. This ensures your report will be accepted by DOB and that the work meets NYC’s stringent code requirements.
Don’t forget to:
- Check credentials. Use the DOB’s License Search tool to verify the plumber’s active status.
- Review disciplinary history. The city’s “Know Your Construction Professional” tool provides transparency on past violations or license issues.
Step 3: Conduct the Inspection
During the inspection, the LMP will:
- Examine all exposed gas piping from the point of entry into the building to individual tenant spaces.
- Check for leaks, corrosion, illegal connections, or unsafe conditions.
- Verify that required warning signs and emergency shutoff valves are properly installed and accessible.
If your building doesn’t have gas piping, you’ll still need to file a certification (signed by a registered professional or LMP) stating that fact.
Step 4: Review the Inspection Report
Within 30 days of the inspection, your LMP will provide a detailed Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Report outlining the findings. If issues are discovered, you must take immediate corrective action and obtain any necessary work permits before repairs begin.
Step 5: File Your Certification with DOB
Within 60 days of your inspection, submit the Gas Piping System Periodic Inspection Certification through the DOB online portal. If issues are found and corrected, you’ll need to submit an updated certification within 120 to 180 days, depending on the extent of the repairs.
Failure to file the certification on time will result in fines—even if the inspection itself was completed.
2025 Inspection Cycle: Key Details for Brooklyn Property Owners
If your property is located in one of the following Brooklyn Community Districts, you’re due for inspection this year (Cycle 2):
- District 2: Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Brooklyn Heights
- District 5: East New York, Cypress Hills
- District 7: Sunset Park, Windsor Terrace
- District 13: Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Gravesend
- District 18: Canarsie, Flatlands, Mill Basin
For properties outside these districts, the next inspection cycles will occur in 2026, 2027, or 2028, depending on location. You can confirm your Community District using the NYC Department of City Planning website.
How Local Law 152 Affects Plumbing in NYC
For property owners and building managers, Local Law 152 has made Licensed Master Plumbers an even more integral part of maintaining compliance.
Beyond the inspection itself, your plumber may need to assist with:
- Repairing damaged or corroded piping. Keeping systems up to code requires ongoing maintenance.
- Replacing illegal or outdated connections. Old fittings, flex hoses, or unauthorized work can trigger compliance issues.
- Preparing certification paperwork. Proper documentation ensures your inspection is accepted by DOB.
- Coordinating with gas utilities. If your gas supply has been turned off, only an LMP can file the proper authorization request to restore service.
A trusted, experienced plumber ensures your building remains both safe and compliant—and that small issues don’t become costly problems down the line.
Stay Compliant with Nationwide Plumbers
Keeping up with New York City’s complex building regulations can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Nationwide Plumbers, we’ve spent decades helping Brooklyn property owners navigate exactly these kinds of compliance challenges.
Our team of Licensed Master Plumbers provides complete LL152 inspection and certification services—from identifying whether your property qualifies to handling any necessary repairs and paperwork. With over 80 years of experience serving NYC’s unique mix of residential and commercial properties, we understand how to keep your building safe, up to code, and worry-free.
Whether you manage a multifamily brownstone in Park Slope or a commercial property in Brooklyn, we are available 24/7 to assist. Stay compliant, stay safe, and trust Nationwide Plumbers to keep your property in top working order.
Call (917) 905-4327 on contact our team today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our full suite of gas line and plumbing services.