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Boilers

New York City law requires that every boiler in a building be inspected annually, by a qualified professional who could either be a Licensed Master Plumber or a Licensed Oil Burner Installer. No Boiler work can be performed without either a work permit, or without hiring a Licensed Oil Burner Installer or Licensed Master Plumber.  

Owners are obligated to comply with requirements of other city agencies. Unless otherwise indicated, permits are not be required for ordinary plumbing work (AC 28-105.4.4), emergency work (AC 28-105.4.1), and minor alterations or ordinary repairs (AC 28-105.4.2 and 1 RCNY 101-14).

Some jobs don’t require a permit, but the work must be done by a Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) or a Licensed Oil Burner Installer. AC 28-105.4.4 outlines work considered ordinary maintenance and repair, including allowable replacement/relocation of plumbing, gas piping, equipment and components, that must be performed by an LMP or Licensed Oil Burner Installer.

Emergency Work

NYC AC 28-105.4.1 clarifies Emergency Work as work otherwise requiring a permit, performed to relieve an emergency condition. Licensed Contractors may perform emergency work prior to getting a permit as long as it is submitted within two (2) business days after work commences and includes a description of the emergency condition and mitigating measures taken, such as:

  • repair of gas leaks
  • repair or replacement of heating or hot water equipment servicing residential occupancies during the heating season or education occupancies between November 1st and May 1st
  • replacement of equipment in health facilities (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.)
  • replacement of equipment in certain public institutions following emergency events.

Minor Alterations and Ordinary Repairs. AC 28-105.4.2 defines minor alterations and ordinary repairs and lists the work in that category.

Ordinary Plumbing Work. NYC AC 28-105.4.4 lists ordinary maintenance and repair work, including repair, replacement and relocation of installed plumbing, gas and fire protection piping, service equipment, and other system components. This work must be performed by an LMP who is required to submit a monthly report to the Department.

When You Need to Hire a Professional & Obtain a Permit

Certain boiler or fuel storage work can only be performed by a Skilled Trades person or Contractor with a specialized license to perform the required work, and permits are issued to registered trade license holders.

  • Licensed Master Plumber. Limited Plumbing Alteration Work as described in AC 28-101.5 can only be performed by a Licensed Master Plumber. Your RDP must submit permit documents to the Department if work exceeds this scope.
  • Licensed Oil Burner Installer. Limited oil burner boiler alterations as described in AC 28-101.5 can only be performed by a Licensed Oil Burner Installer. Your RDP must submit permit documents to the Department if work exceeds this scope.
  • Licensed High-Pressure Boiler Operation Engineer License. Your RDP must submit permit documents to the Department for work performed by a High-Pressure Boiler Operation Engineer Licensee.

Boiler Resources

Boiler Contacts

  • DOB (non-technical) Boiler Unit: (212) 393-2661 or BoilersInfo@buildings.nyc.gov
  • DOB (technical) Boiler Unit: (212) 393-2784
  • DEP Boiler Registration Renewal: (718) 595-3855