Updated: May 12, 2026
The NYC Department of Buildings has adopted a new final rule amending the qualifications for individuals performing gas piping system inspections under Local Law 152 of 2016. The rule, signed on May 1, 2026, implements requirements established by Local Law 142 of 2025 and revises Sections 101-14 and 103-10 of Title 1 of the Rules of the City of New York. Inspection agencies, licensed master plumbers, and building owners managing periodic gas piping inspections should review the changes below.
What’s Changing
Journeyman plumber registration replaces the five-year experience pathway. Under the prior rule, an individual could perform gas piping inspections under a licensed master plumber’s supervision if they had at least five (5) years of full-time experience in that role. That experience-based qualification has been eliminated. Going forward, the individual must hold a journeyman plumber registration issued in accordance with Article 409 of Chapter 4 of Title 28 of the Administrative Code. Experience alone — even five years of it — no longer qualifies an inspector.
Proof of qualifications must now be documented. In response to public comments, DOB added language requiring that proof of qualifications “must be demonstrated in a form and manner acceptable to the Department.” Inspection agencies should anticipate further DOB guidance on documentation standards and prepare to maintain registration records for each qualifying individual on staff.
Training requirements remain unchanged. Qualifying individuals must still complete a Department-acceptable training program of no fewer than seven (7) classroom hours covering the required course content.
Technical correction to Section 101-14. The rule also fixes an outdated cross-reference in Section 101-14(d) to Section 28-105.4 of the NYC Administrative Code, which no longer contains the exact “items 1 through 5” originally referenced. This is an administrative cleanup with no substantive impact on permit exemptions.
What This Means for You
If your inspection workforce has relied on the five-year supervised-experience pathway, each individual will need an active journeyman plumber registration to remain qualified going forward. Now is the time to audit your inspectors’ credentials, confirm registration status under Article 409, and update internal documentation procedures in anticipation of DOB’s forthcoming proof-of-qualifications guidance.
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Cahill Strategies Construction Solutions Guide to NYC Building Code Chapter 33 Revisions
Cahill Strategies has developed a detailed and documented guide to the most important revisions that New York construction professionals are likely to encounter every day. We were able to do this because Cahill Strategies has been involved instrumentally in the development of these codes.
The 100-page book is meticulously organized and can be used as a handy reference when many common issues arise. In each section, the specific revisions are highlighted, and the new information is presented in a clear and practical manner with further explanation on why the change is so important. All of this, reviewed and vetted by one of New York’s longest serving, former DOB professionals – Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code & Safety, Bobby D’Alessio.
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Get to know Bobby D’Alessio
Robert “Bobby” D’Alessio, is a former New York City Department of Buildings Senior Executive Director of Construction Safety. Mr. D’Alessio’s focus is predominately in the areas of construction code and safety analysis for our clients’ major new building and renovation projects in the New York City and surrounding regions.
As Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code and Safety, Bobby brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and practical experience to our growing construction solutions practice area.
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Bernard “Bernie” Ross is former New York City Department of Buildings Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. With more than 20 years serving the DOB as a Construction Inspector, Supervising Inspector, Director Major Projects, and finally, Director of Construction Safety Enforcement. Read more about Bernie here…
Get to know Kevin Moran
Kevin, the Vice President of Construction Solutions at Cahill Strategies, brings a wealth of experience in the New York construction industry to his role. He has a strong track record of guiding clients through complex building processes, with a range of successful projects under his belt, including commercial and residential developments, infrastructure and transportation projects, and various utility matters.
