Bill Seeks to Delay Gas-Detector Installations in Co-ops and Condos

In the wake of a deadly gas explosion in the East Village in 2016, the New York City Council passed sweeping Local Law 157, designed to prevent similar disasters in the future. On May 1 of this year, one of the last requirements of the law went into effect — the installation of approved natural-gas detectors inside dwelling units in many buildings, including co-ops and condos.

Now, due to a crimp in the supply chain, a new bill has been introduced that would push back the deadline until one year after the Department of Buildings determines that approved gas alarms are sufficiently available and affordable — but no earlier than January 1, 2027.

The bill, Intro. 1281, was introduced by Bronx Democrat Eric Dinowitz and has 16 co-sponsors on the city council, plus the backing of numerous co-op and condo advocates. Among them is Michael Wolfe, president of Wolfe Realty Services, who tells Habitat: "Because of the requirement that the detectors be placed no less than three inches and no more than 12 inches from the ceiling near each gas appliance, there's only one practical option available."

That option is the DeNova Detect, manufactured by the Japanese company New Cosmos and equipped with a 10-year battery. But due to problems with the supply chain, it can take months for orders to get delivered.

"This bill gives people more time to get the detectors," Wolfe says, "and hopefully it will give time for competitors to enter the market. Right now this is the only game in town that meets the requirements."

Among those supporting Intro. 1281 are the Real Estate Board of New York, the Council of New York Cooperatives & Condominiums, and the Presidents Co-op and Condo Council.

According to a 2022 Standford University study, methane leaking from stoves inside US homes has the same climate impact as about 500,000 gasoline-powered cars — and can expose residents to pollutants that trigger respiratory diseases. 

Buildings without gas hookups are exempt from Local Law 157.