New York City’s Department of Buildings (DOB) has announced a new compliance extension pathway for Local Law 97, providing qualifying building owners with more flexibility as the city continues its push to reduce carbon emissions from large buildings.
If your building is facing difficulty meeting the 2024 emission limits or submitting your first annual report by the May 1, 2025 deadline, this newly announced adjusted timeline could offer much-needed relief, but only if you act quickly.
We previously covered the original Local Law 97 reporting deadline and penalties in this article. Here’s what’s new.
What’s New: LL97 Compliance Extension Program
According to the DOB’s official bulletin, buildings that meet certain eligibility criteria may now apply for an extension of time to demonstrate compliance with emissions limits or reporting requirements under Administrative Code §28-320.7 or §28-320.3.9.
This new extension program builds on the existing “good faith effort” and prescriptive pathways, allowing additional time for owners to implement emissions-reduction work, secure financing, or submit retroactive documentation if delays occurred due to factors outside their control.
Download the official DOB Local Law 97 compliance extension notice (PDF)
Who May Qualify?
This extension is geared toward buildings that:
- Are subject to 2024 emissions limits
- Were unable to meet those limits or file by the May 1, 2025 deadline
- Can demonstrate a substantial effort toward compliance, including retrofits, planning, or contractor engagement
- May have experienced project delays due to supply chain issues, financing barriers, or design constraints
The DOB emphasizes that supporting documentation is required and applications must be submitted in advance of the deadline.
Why This Matters
The first LL97 emissions reports were due by May 1, 2025 for calendar year 2024. Without a filed report – or a valid extension – owners could face:
- Fines of $268 per metric ton of CO₂e over the limit
- Ongoing monthly penalties until the building is brought into compliance
- Loss of financing opportunities or increased insurance scrutiny
This new extension offers breathing room, but only for those who proactively apply and can show their work.
How Prise Can Help
Prise works with NYC building owners to develop and manage compliance strategies for LL97, including:
- Reviewing your building’s current emissions profile
- Assessing eligibility for this new extension pathway
- Coordinating energy audits, retrofits, and filing documentation
- Partnering with consultants and engineers for prescriptive plans
- Submitting extensions and tracking DOB responses
Whether you’re already working on LL97 compliance or starting from behind, now is the time to get on track.
Contact us at info@prisenyc.com to find out if your property qualifies for the new extension and how to avoid steep LL97 penalties.
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