Local Law 97 - Carbon Emission Limits and Compliance Strategy for Landlords

Current Coverage

Local Law 97 generally covers, subject to statutory exceptions and different compliance pathways:

• a building exceeding 25,000 gross square feet;
• two or more buildings on the same tax lot that together exceed 50,000 gross square feet; and
• two or more condominium buildings governed by the same board that together exceed 50,000 gross square feet.

Coverage and the applicable pathway are determined at the building/BIN and tax-lot/BBL level. DOB's 2026 Covered Buildings List is the first screening tool, but DOB states that the owner remains responsible for verifying the underlying records and compliance obligation.

Current Requirements

Most covered buildings became subject to greenhouse-gas limits beginning in 2024, with stricter limits beginning in 2030. Different pathways can apply to particular building categories, including buildings with rent-regulated units. Owners submit compliance information through DOB's BEAM reporting portal and should use the current DOB guide and the pathway shown for each BIN.

A building over its emissions limit can face a penalty calculated at $268 per metric ton of carbon-dioxide equivalent over the limit, subject to the statute, rules, adjustments, deductions, alternatives, and penalty-mitigation provisions. Failure-to-file exposure is separate. Do not calculate a building's liability from square footage alone.

Operating Procedure

1. Locate the property by BBL and BIN on DOB's current Covered Buildings List.
2. Confirm the listed compliance pathway and dispute incorrect DOB/DOF data through the current process.
3. Retain the required registered design professional or other professional authorized for the applicable pathway.
4. Preserve energy data, reports, attestations, submissions, DOB correspondence, and any adjustment or mitigation records.
5. Model retrofit costs and penalties only from the building's verified emissions and applicable limit.
6. Update underwriting and capital plans when the building's pathway, emissions, or DOB rules change.

Verified Sources

Fetched and read August 7, 2026:

• NYC DOB - LL97 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
• NYC DOB - 2026 Covered Buildings List FAQs
• NYC HPD/DOB - 2026 compliance data and $268-per-ton figure

Work With Botway

Botway may track the building's current list status, reports, deadlines, and owner-provided capital plan. It does not estimate emissions or certify compliance.