MEP Engineers

Local Laws 92 + 94

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Any new or existing roof construction/renovation must include the addition of one type of sustainable roofing system.

WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE SUSTAINABLE ROOFING SYSTEMS?

  • Solar panel with a minimum 4kW capacity
  • Green roof
  • Combination of solar panels and a green roof

WHAT DETERMINES THE SYSTEM TYPE THAT IS REQUIRED?

  • Amount of available roof area
  • Slope of the roof
  • Building’s occupancy classification

WHICH ROOFS HAVE WHAT REQUIREMENTS?

  • Continuous area of 200+ sq. ft and a slope under 2:12
    • Must have 1 of 3 options
    • If solar power capacity is less than 4kW, green roof is the only option
    • A minimum solar panel efficiency of 15% must be used
  • Continuous area under 200 sq. ft and a slope under 2:12
    • Combined sustainable roof is not allowed
    • Area must be fully covered with solar panels if above 4 kW capacity
    • If less than 4kW, area must be fully covered with a green roof
  • Continuous roof area with a slope higher than 2:12
    • Solar power system is the only option
    • If solar panels have less than 4kW capacity, the roof section is exempt

WHICH ROOFS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE LAWS?

  • Roof areas that must be set aside to meet NYC building/zoning requirements
  • Roof areas that have mechanical equipment or other important devices.
  • Specific areas occupied by stormwater management systems.
  • Building setbacks under 25% of the largest floor plate area in the building
  • Recreational spaces important for the building’s occupancy classification
  • Roofs that cannot accommodate a minimum 4 kW and with a slope above 2:12 that are unsuitable for green roofs.
  • Any area NYC Department of Buildings considers unsuitable for either option

WHO CAN DESIGN A ROOF?

  • NYS registered design professional
  • Contractor with one of the following credentials:
    • NABCEP Certification – North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
    • IBEW-NECA Electrical Journeyman & Apprentice Training – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and National Electrical
  • Contractors Association
    • UL Credential – Underwriters Laboratories
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