A Local Law to amend the New York city building code, in relation to requiring that the roofs of new commercial buildings be partially covered in plants or solar panels

Int. No.

By Council Member Espinal

A Local Law to amend the New York city building code, in relation to requiring that the roofs of new commercial buildings be partially covered in plants or solar panels

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

                     Section 1. Chapter 15 of the New York city building code is amended by adding a new section BC 1512 to read as follows:

SECTION BC 1512

GREEN ROOFS OR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS/MODULES REQUIRED

1512.1 General. For a building whose main use or dominant occupancy is Group B or M, at least 50 percent of the roof area of such building, excluding space required to be kept open or unobstructed by the New York City Fire Code and space occupied by mechanical equipment, shall be covered with (i) a green roof system designed and installed in accordance with Section 1507.16, (ii) solar photovoltaic panels/modules designed and installed in accordance with Section 1511.1 or (iii) a combination of both.

§ 2. This local law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law, except that the commissioner of buildings may take such measures as are necessary for its implementation, including the promulgation of rules, prior to its effective date.

EAA/GP

LS 4616

4/5/16 10:23AM