NYC property owners face a new sustainability mandate.
On April 18, 2024, Mayor Eric Adams signed Local Law 55, mandating the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in parking facilities across New York City. This legislation is a critical component of NYC’s ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, as outlined in the OneNYC 2050 plan.
The law applies to both new and existing facilities with 10 or more parking spaces, requiring specific EV charging installation targets to be met by 2035. For many property owners and managers, this creates yet another regulatory hurdle in an already complex operating environment.
Transportation accounts for nearly one-third of NYC’s emissions. The city’s push toward electric vehicles, supported by robust charging infrastructure, aims to significantly reduce this environmental impact. However, the burden of implementation falls squarely on property owners.
The situation has left many property owners and managers scrambling to understand their obligations. Balancing compliance requirements with budget constraints while planning for phased implementation is challenging for even the most organized operations teams.
Fortunately, compliance with Local Law 55 isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It presents opportunities for forward-thinking property owners to enhance property values, create new revenue streams, and position their assets as sustainability leaders in a competitive market.
However, many owners are finding it difficult to effectively navigate the compliance process. The technical requirements are specific, the timeline is structured, and the penalties for non-compliance are significant. In addition, the lack of expertise in EV infrastructure and limited resources to implement these changes further complicates the situation.
Your Step-by-Step Compliance Checklist
Achieving compliance with Local Law 55 may seem daunting, but breaking the process into manageable steps can simplify the journey. Use this checklist to stay on track:
Step 1: Assess Your Current Infrastructure
Before making any changes, you need to understand your starting point:
- Conduct an energy audit to evaluate your facility’s electrical capacity
- Identify existing wiring, panel capacity, and available space for EVSE installations
- Document structural constraints that could impact the installation process
Step 2: Develop a Compliance Plan
With a clear understanding of your current infrastructure, you can create a strategic plan:
- Set a phased timeline for installation, starting with high-demand areas
- Allocate your budget for EVSE installations and necessary electrical upgrades
- Determine charger locations and prioritize spaces for Level 2 chargers or DC fast chargers
Step 3: Understand Installation Requirements
Local Law 55 provides flexibility in how you meet compliance targets:
Level 2 Chargers:
- Provide 240V AC power, with output ranging from 7kW to 19kW
- Suitable for long-term parking and overnight charging
EVSE-Capable Spots:
- Include pre-installed conduit, wiring, and panel capacity for future EV charger installations
DC Fast Chargers:
- Deliver up to 350kW of power, allowing for rapid charging (80% charge in 20-30 minutes)
- Property owners can substitute one DC fast charger for 10 Level 2 chargers, with a limit of replacing 50% of the required Level 2 stations
This substitution option particularly benefits high-turnover facilities like commercial lots and transit hubs, enabling an 80% charge in just 20-30 minutes.
Step 4: Secure Permits and Hire Qualified Installers
The implementation phase requires proper documentation and expertise:
- Obtain the necessary building permits from NYC authorities
- Work with certified electricians and EVSE providers to ensure installations comply with NYC electrical codes
Step 5: Implement in Phases
Local Law 55 recognizes that full compliance takes time. The law establishes a phased approach:
- Phase 1 (2024-2027): Assess infrastructure and complete initial planning
- Phase 2 (2027-2030): Install at least 10% of required chargers
- Phase 3 (2030-2033): Expand to cover an additional 30% of chargers
- Phase 4 (2033-2035): Finalize installations to meet full compliance
Step 6: Document Everything
Proper record-keeping is essential for demonstrating compliance:
- Maintain detailed records of installations, inspections, and upgrades
- Prepare compliance documentation for submission to the DOB or DCWP as required
Step 7: Leverage Available Incentives
Several programs can help offset the costs of compliance:
- Charge Ready NY Program: Offers $4,000 per Level 2 charging port to public and private organizations installing EV charging stations
- Federal Tax Credit: Covers up to 30% of the costs for EV charging equipment and installation, with a maximum credit of $30,000 for commercial properties
- EV Make-Ready Program: Provides up to 100% coverage for electrical infrastructure costs required for charger installation, such as grid upgrades, conduit, and other preparatory work
These programs significantly lower financial barriers, making compliance with Local Law 55 more attainable while fostering the growth of New York’s EV infrastructure.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even with careful planning, property owners often encounter these challenges:
- Failing to Plan for Scalability: Neglecting to install EVSE-capable spots can lead to higher costs later
- Ignoring Energy Audits: Without understanding your facility’s electrical capacity, you risk costly upgrades during installation
- Rushing Installations: Poor planning can result in non-compliant installations or missed deadlines
- Hiring Unqualified Contractors: Ensure your installers are certified and experienced with EVSE projects
How Source Forward Simplifies Compliance
At Source Forward, we specialize in helping property owners navigate the complexities of Local Law 55 compliance. Our services include:
- Comprehensive Energy Audits: Detailed evaluations to identify your facility’s electrical needs and capacity
- Customized Compliance Plans: Tailored solutions to meet your specific requirements and budget
- Turnkey Installation Services: From planning to execution, we handle every aspect of EVSE installation
- Incentive Management: We help you apply for tax credits, grants, and other financial incentives
- Ongoing Support: Ensure long-term compliance with maintenance and reporting services
“Property owners want to comply with Local Law 55, but they’re overwhelmed by the technical requirements and upfront costs,” says Jamie DeNicola, Partner at Source Forward. “We’re here to simplify that process and make compliance not just achievable, but advantageous for their bottom line.”
The Time to Act is Now
Local Law 55 represents a critical step in New York City’s transition to a sustainable future. By proactively planning and leveraging the resources available, property owners can turn compliance into an opportunity to enhance their facilities and contribute to the city’s environmental goals.
The phased implementation timeline may seem generous, but thorough planning and early action will prevent last-minute scrambling and potential non-compliance penalties. Starting your compliance journey today ensures you can take advantage of available incentives, spread costs over time, and position your property as a sustainability leader.
Don’t wait until deadlines loom. Book a free consultation with Source Forward today to begin your path to Local Law 55 compliance.
