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EV Charging Station

NYC Local Law 55 of 2024

Everything Parking Garage & Lot Owners Need to Know About the New EV Charging Requirements

If you own or operate a parking garage or open parking lot in New York City, there’s a major change coming that will affect your facility. Local Law 55 of 2024 has established comprehensive requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and understanding these requirements now can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

What Is Local Law 55?

Passed by the NYC Council on March 7, 2024, Local Law 55 represents one of the most significant updates to the city’s approach to electric vehicle infrastructure. This law amends both the NYC Administrative Code and the NYC Building Code to mandate the installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in parking facilities throughout the city.

The goal is straightforward: prepare New York City’s parking infrastructure for the electric vehicle revolution while supporting the city’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets under Article 75 of the Environmental Conservation Law.

📅 Key Deadline: January 1, 2035

Who Must Comply?

The law creates two distinct categories of parking facilities, each with specific requirements:

Licensed Parking Facilities (DCWP Regulated)

If your parking garage or open parking lot has 10 or more spaces and is licensed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP):

  • 20% of spaces must be equipped with Level 2 charging stations
  • 40% of spaces must be capable of supporting Level 2 charging stations
  • Deadline: January 1, 2035
  • You must submit a compliance report to the Department of Buildings within 60 days after final inspection
Unlicensed Parking Facilities

If your parking garage or lot has 10 or more spaces but is NOT required to be licensed by DCWP:

  • Requirements will be established by the Department of Buildings based on recommendations from the Department of Transportation
  • Rules will be promulgated no later than January 1, 2027
  • This includes parking for residential buildings, commercial properties, and other facilities not requiring DCWP licensing

New Construction & Major Alterations

The law also impacts new parking facilities and those undergoing significant alterations:

  • New Parking Garages: Must have at least 20% of spaces equipped with Level 2 charging and 60% capable of supporting EVSE
  • New Open Parking Lots: Same 20%/60% requirements as garages
  • Major Alterations: Existing facilities undergoing significant alterations (as defined by the Department of Buildings) must meet the new construction standards
Important Note: One DC Fast Charging station can count as 10 Level 2 charging stations for compliance purposes, but fast chargers cannot be used to satisfy more than 50% of your Level 2 requirements.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, the law recognizes that compliance may not be feasible in all situations. The Commissioner of Buildings may grant waivers or adjustments if:

  • Project costs exceed baseline costs and you’ve pursued all available incentive programs
  • Your facility uses vertical parking equipment that makes EVSE installation infeasible
  • Compliance would compromise the structural integrity of your parking structure
  • The facility is temporary (in service for 3 years or less)
  • Your facility is in 100% affordable housing developments with governmental agreements
  • City-owned or leased properties where installation isn’t feasible for budgetary or operational reasons

What Do You Need to Do?

Meeting these requirements involves several critical steps:

1. Electrical Assessment –

First, you'll need to determine if your current electrical service can handle the new load requirements. Many older buildings will require service upgrades to accommodate Level 2 charging stations, which typically operate at 208-240 volts and draw 30-80 amps per unit.

2. Infrastructure Planning –

You'll need to plan the physical installation of charging equipment, including electrical panels, conduits, wiring, and the charging stations themselves. An electric vehicle load management system may help distribute power efficiently across multiple charging points.

3. Permitting & Compliance –

All work must comply with the NYC Electrical Code and NYC Mechanical Code. You'll need proper permits from the Department of Buildings and must pass inspections before the installation is complete.

4. Financial Planning –

Take advantage of available incentives, including federal tax credits, state programs, utility rebates, and the Con Edison Ready program for commercial customers.

Need Expert Help with Compliance?

ORBA Electric Inc. specializes in helping NYC parking facility owners navigate Local Law 55 requirements (718) 673-3808

Call today for a free consultation and competitive pricing!

How ORBA Electric Inc. Can Help

1. Service Upgrades

Complete electrical service assessments and upgrades to handle increased load requirements for EV charging infrastructure.

2. Equipment Installation

Professional installation of Level 2 charging stations, DC fast chargers, and load management systems.

3. Compliance Support

Complete permitting, inspections, and documentation to ensure full compliance with Local Law 55 requirements.

4. Incentive Programs

Assistance with Con Edison Ready program enrollment and accessing federal, state, and utility incentive programs.

The Con Edison Ready Program

One of the most valuable resources available to facility owners is the Con Edison Ready program. This program can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs by:

  • Covering the cost of service upgrades needed for EV charging infrastructure
  • Installing electrical infrastructure up to the point where charging equipment connects
  • Providing technical support and expertise throughout the process
  • Helping coordinate with city agencies for permitting and approvals

ORBA Electric Inc. is experienced in working with the Con Edison Ready program and can help you navigate the application process to maximize your benefits.

Competitive Pricing & Professional Service

At ORBA Electric Inc., we understand that complying with Local Law 55 represents a significant investment. That’s why we’re committed to providing competitive pricing without compromising on quality or safety. Our team brings years of experience working with NYC building codes and regulations, ensuring your project is done right the first time.

We offer:

  • Free initial consultations and site assessments
  • Detailed cost estimates with no hidden fees
  • Flexible scheduling to minimize disruption to your operations
  • Licensed, insured, and bonded electrical contractors
  • Ongoing support and maintenance services

Don't Wait Until the Deadline

While the main compliance deadline for licensed facilities isn’t until January 1, 2035, starting early has significant advantages:

  • Better Incentive Availability: Funding programs may become more competitive as deadlines approach
  • Avoid the Rush: As 2035 approaches, contractors will be booked solid
  • Spread Out Costs: Plan and budget over multiple years rather than facing a financial crunch
  • Start Generating Revenue: Charging stations can create a new revenue stream for your facility
  • Attract Tenants: EV charging is increasingly important to residents and commercial tenants

Ready to Get Started?

Contact ORBA Electric Inc. today for a comprehensive assessment of your facility’s needs (718) 673-3808

Serving parking facility owners throughout New York City with expert electrical solutions and Local Law 55 compliance services.

Final Thoughts

Local Law 55 represents a fundamental shift in how New York City approaches parking infrastructure. While the requirements may seem daunting, they’re also an opportunity to modernize your facility, attract new customers, and contribute to the city’s environmental goals.

The key is to start planning now, understand your options, and work with experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of NYC electrical codes and regulations. Whether you’re facing the 2035 deadline for a licensed facility or waiting for rules to be finalized for an unlicensed property, taking action today will put you ahead of the curve.

Questions about Local Law 55 and how it affects your parking facility?
Call ORBA Electric Inc. at (718) 673-3808 for expert guidance.

Final Thoughts

Local Law 55 represents a fundamental shift in how New York City approaches parking infrastructure. While the requirements may seem daunting, they’re also an opportunity to modernize your facility, attract new customers, and contribute to the city’s environmental goals.

The key is to start planning now, understand your options, and work with experienced professionals who know the ins and outs of NYC electrical codes and regulations. Whether you’re facing the 2035 deadline for a licensed facility or waiting for rules to be finalized for an unlicensed property, taking action today will put you ahead of the curve.

Questions about Local Law 55 and how it affects your parking facility?
Call ORBA Electric Inc. at (718) 673-3808 for expert guidance.