Local Law 92 & 94 – Sustainable Roofs

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Local Law 92 / Local Law 94

New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC)

Local laws 92 and 94 require all new buildings and buildings undergoing major roof renovations to be
covered with solar panels, green roofs, or some combination of the two. The laws also require all
buildings to reduce urban heat hazards.

New York City may now have the most comprehensive sustainable roofing policy in the world. The city’s rooftops are an underutilized asset and can play a valuable role in reducing carbon emissions and cleaning our air and water.

Sustainable Roofing Zones are required by Local Laws 92 and 94 for all new structures, expansions, and structural roof changes. This means using green vegetation, solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generating devices, or a combination of the two to cover all available roof space. Vertical and horizontal additions, as well as alterations to an existing roof, are all permitted upgrades. Certain rooftops, such as occupied roofs and roofs with required building setbacks, are exempt.

Benefits of Solar in NYC:

  • Longevity
    Solar panels have a lifespan of about 25-30 years
  • Energy Savings
    They help save on electricity costs.
  • Financial Returns
    Deliver strong financial returns, with costs declining by 25% since 2013.
  • Contribute to NYC
    Contribute to NYC’s commitments of 250 MW of solar by 2025 and 1,000 MW by 2030.

Benefits of Green Roofs in NYC:

  • Longevity
    Green Roofs last twice as long as standard roofs.
  • Reduce Energy Costs
    They help reduce heating and cooling costs
  • Urban Jungle
    Creating wildlife habitat in the urban jungle and green space for New Yorkers to enjoy.
  • Cleaner NYC
    They help mitigate pollution from combined sewer overflows and hazardous urban flooding.

Filing for Compliance:

Rooftop photovoltaic and green roof projects may be filed as part of another New Building or Alteration permit application. They may also be filed separately through the borough offices or through The HUB Full
Service as an Alteration Type-2. All solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) projects must file an ED16A form (Electrical permit application).

How USL Technology Can Help:

USL Technology is here to walk you through the entire process from evaluating your building to understand what option is feasible, to connecting you to solar and green roof companies, to walking you through applying for financing, and filing for compliance. 

  • Evaluation
    Assessing your building for solar or green roof feasibility and determining which choice is best for you.
  • Provide Resources
    Connecting you to solar and green roof providers.
  • Apply for Financing
    PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Loans (Local Law 96) are available for all building types for solar photovoltaics in new construction and retrofits. PACE financing may be available for green roof retrofits if the application can demonstrate the energy savings that will result from the green roof.
  • Filing for Compliance
    As a registered filing representative with the DOB, USL can walk you through the process of filing for compliance for your project.

Book A Consultation to learn more how we can help you comply with NYC local laws.