New York City Benchmarking Law (Local Laws 84/09 and 133/16) requires building owners to submit data on their annual energy usage, including fuel oil or steam.
With electric vehicle (EV) adoption on the rise, New York City is taking steps to make sure the city’s infrastructure is ready. In 2013, Local Law 130 laid the foundation for EV infrastructure requirements, mandating that parking facilities be constructed with the ability to support EV charging. Building on that, the New York City Council has now passed Local Law 55 of 2024, which requires parking garages and open lots across the city to install electric vehicle charging stations. This law directly impacts property owners and managers by introducing new operational, compliance, and planning responsibilities. Whether you're overseeing a commercial property, residential building, or open parking lot, this new law will shape your facility's future. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead and comply with the city's evolving requirements.
What Does the Law Say? Key EV Charging Infrastructure Requirements for Parking Garages and Lots
Local Law 55 of 2024 requires parking facilities to install Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) — the equipment needed to charge electric vehicles. The law applies to two types of parking facilities:
- Licensed Parking Garages and Open Parking Lots:
If a garage or lot has 10 or more parking spaces and is licensed by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, it must:
- Equip at least 20% of its parking spaces with Level 2 charging stations by January 1, 2035.
- Ensure 40% of its parking spaces are ready for future charging station installations.
- Installing one DC fast charging station can count as installing 10 Level 2 charging stations, but these fast chargers can only fulfill up to 50% of the Level 2 requirement.
- Unlicensed Parking Garages and Lots:
- For unlicensed parking facilities with 10 or more spaces, a timeline for installing EV charging stations and supporting electrical vehicle supply equipment will be established by January 1, 2027. The rules will be set by the Department of Buildings (DOB).
Structural Implications for Parking Garages
Installing EV charging stations, especially DC fast chargers, may require additional electrical infrastructure, which can increase the load on the parking structure. Evaluating the load-bearing capacity of the garage is important to confirm that it can support the added equipment without affecting structural integrity. For older garages, retrofitting for EV charging stations may involve reinforcing certain areas, particularly when adding electrical rooms or conduits. Assessing the facility's condition and implementing appropriate solutions can help maintain safety and functionality while accommodating the new infrastructure.
The Portfolio Manager enables building owners and managers to track and assess energy and water usage for their buildings, identify under-performing buildings, verify energy efficiency improvements, and receive EPA recognition for superior energy performance (for eligible properties). Using the Portfolio Manager, owners and managers will be able to analyze their building's energy use over time and compare it with other buildings of similar size and type.
New York City posts benchmarking scores and reports for residential, non-residential and city-owned buildings on the OneNYC website.
MEP Considerations for EV Charging
- Electrical Load Capacity: EV chargers, particularly Level 2 and DC fast chargers, consume significant amounts of power. It's important for facilities to assess their current electrical capacity to determine if upgrades are needed to manage the additional load. A comprehensive analysis should be conducted to confirm that the building's electrical infrastructure is prepared for the installation of charging stations.
- Power Distribution & Load Management: Installing EV chargers efficiently often involves strategic power distribution and the use of load management systems. These systems allow power to be shared among multiple chargers, optimizing usage without overloading the system. Proper design and specification of these systems play a key role in maximizing the efficiency of the charging infrastructure.
- Ventilation and Safety: Electrical infrastructure, particularly in enclosed garages, can generate heat. Proper ventilation should be considered to maintain safety and extend the lifespan of EV charging equipment. Ventilation and cooling systems need to be properly designed to address these requirements.
Waivers, Adjustments, and Exceptions for EV Charging Station Requirements
The law also allows for waivers and adjustments in situations where installing EV charging stations might not be feasible or financially burdensome. For example:
- If the cost of installing the equipment is too high, even after taking advantage of all available financial incentives, owners can request a waiver.
- Garages that use vertical parking systems (where cars are stacked on platforms) may receive exceptions, only requiring installation in spaces where EV chargers can be practically used.
- Affordable housing developments and temporary parking facilities (used for three years or less) may also be eligible for exemptions.
Reporting Requirements
After installing the charging stations, parking garage and lot owners will need to submit a report confirming compliance with the law. The city will also publish an annual report starting in 2027, showing how many parking facilities are meeting the EV charging requirements.
Important Terms
- Level 2 Charging Stations: These are faster than standard outlets and will provide a quicker charge for electric vehicles.
- DC Fast Charging Stations: These are even faster than Level 2 chargers and can charge an EV much more quickly.
- Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE): This is the equipment needed to supply electricity to EVs for charging.
Why This Law Matters
Local Law 55 of 2024 is designed to make it easier for New Yorkers to own and use electric vehicles by providing greater access to charging stations in parking garages and lots. As electric vehicles become more popular, building this infrastructure will help the city achieve its climate goals and reduce pollution.
What’s Next? How Property Owners Can Prepare for Local Law 55 of 2024
Licensed parking facilities must meet the new EV charging requirements by January 1, 2035. The rules for unlicensed parking facilities will be announced by January 1, 2027.
Building owners should start planning now to meet the law’s requirements. Here’s what you can do:
- Evaluate your parking facility: Determine how many parking spaces will need to be EV-capable or equipped with Level 2 charging stations.
- Explore financial incentives: Look for federal, state, city, or utility incentive programs that can help offset the costs of installing EV charging infrastructure.
- Plan for the future: Although 2035 might seem far off, preparing for this transition now can help avoid last-minute issues and spread costs over time.
We’ll keep you informed as the DOB and DOT provides further details on compliance requirements and timelines for the law.
Contact RAND
New York City is taking a big step toward a more sustainable future, and Local Law 55 of 2024 is a key part of that effort. If you're a parking facility owner, it's important to start planning now to comply with the law and prepare your facility for the rising demand for electric vehicle charging.
As a full-service engineering and architectural firm, our experienced multidisciplinary team at RAND is ready to assist you in navigating these new requirements and guiding you through every phase of integrating EV charging infrastructure into your parking facilities. Contact us today for expert guidance and customized solutions to meet your building's needs and maintain compliance: 212-675-8844 or info@randpc.com.
