Benchmarking Compliance: Filing Extensions & DOB Violations

The Department of Buildings (DOB) recently announced important news regarding benchmarking compliance. The New York City Benchmarking Law, Local Law 84 of 2009 as amended by Local Law 133 of 2016, applies to buildings over 25,000 square feet and multiple buildings on a single lot that total 100,000 square feet or more.

As with so many things in life, some of the news is positive; some, not so much.

Extension for 2020 Benchmarking Reports

On the bright side, property owners who were required to submit benchmarking information for calendar year 2020 by May 1, 2021, now have a one-month extension. Fully compliant reports are now due by June 1, 2021.

Failure to submit a fully compliant benchmarking report by this deadline will subject owners to violations for each quarter of non-compliance.

Violations for Missing Benchmarking Labels

Effective April 29, 2021, the Department of Buildings (DOB) has started issuing violations to owners of covered buildings that fail to post Energy Efficiency Rating Labels.

Local Law 33 of 2018 requires buildings on the NYC Benchmarking Covered Buildings List to post an Energy Efficiency Rating Label in a prominent position at all public entrances.

Owners that fail to post these labels by October 31 will be subject to a civil penalty of $1,250, payable online in DOB NOW: Safety.

Building owners who believe the violation was issued in error can submit a challenge through DOB NOW: Safety. Challenge requests and supporting documentation must be submitted within 30 days from the postmark date of the violation issued by DOB.

If you have any questions or need assistance with violation dismissals, please contact Metropolis Group at 212.233.6344.