Who is covered
Commercial, mixed-use, and institutional buildings over 50,000 gross square feet with non-residential tenant spaces or common-area lighting.
What the law requires
- Upgrade all non-residential lighting to meet or exceed the current NYC Energy Conservation Code.
- Install electrical sub-meters for each non-residential tenant space over 10,000 square feet.
- File a compliance report with DOB confirming that upgrades and sub-metering are complete.
Filing frequency and deadlines
Penalty structure
Non-compliance with LL88 can result in the following penalties:
- Enforced through the LL87 filing cycle — non-compliance may result in LL87 violation penalties.
Exemptions
- Residential-only buildings.
- Buildings under 50,000 gross square feet.
Recent updates and amendments
The City has clarified that tenant fit-out projects in covered buildings must include compliant lighting as a condition of the building permit, regardless of where the building is in its LL87 cycle.
Reference
Official source: NYC Sustainable Buildings — LL88
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