NYC Local Laws 92, 94 & 97

Understanding Local Laws 92 & 94

What Are Local Laws 92 and 94?

Local Laws 92 and 94 were adopted in 2019 as part of New York City's Climate Mobilization Act. These laws require certain buildings and roof projects to include a sustainable roofing zone using a green roof system, solar photovoltaic system, or a combination of both. The NYC Department of Buildings states that these requirements apply to certain new buildings, enlargements that create new roofs, and projects replacing an entire existing roof deck or roof assembly.

In simple terms, if your NYC project falls under these requirements, your roof may need to incorporate sustainable roof coverage rather than serving only as a conventional roof surface.

What Buildings Are Affected?

When Do LL92 and LL94 Apply?

According to NYC DOB, these laws apply to:

• New buildings
• New roofs created through building enlargements
• Existing buildings replacing an entire roof deck or roof assembly

The sustainable roofing requirement does not necessarily apply to every square foot of the roof exactly as drawn. The City allows certain exclusions when calculating the sustainable roofing zone, including required access pathways, rooftop structures, mechanical equipment, parapets, some recreation areas, certain stormwater features, and some steep-slope conditions.

What Is a Sustainable Roofing Zone?

A sustainable roofing zone is the portion of the roof that must be allocated to:

• A green roof
• A solar photovoltaic system
• Or a combination of both

NYC DOB states that 100% of the sustainable roofing zone must be covered by qualifying green roof and/or solar systems after exclusions are accounted for.

Why Choose a Green Roof for Compliance?

Green Roofs Can Do More Than Satisfy a Code Requirement

A green roof can help transform code-driven rooftop space into a functional asset for the building. In addition to helping satisfy Local Laws 92 and 94 where applicable, green roofs can support:

• Stormwater retention and runoff reduction
• Urban heat island mitigation
• Improved roof membrane protection
• Enhanced aesthetics and usable views
• Biodiversity and environmental performance
• Alignment with larger carbon reduction and ESG goals

For many buildings, a green roof offers a practical compliance path while also delivering visible, long-term building value.

How Local Law 97 Fits In

What Is Local Law 97?

Local Law 97 is New York City's building emissions law. NYC DOB says it covers most buildings over 25,000 gross square feet, as well as certain groups of buildings on the same tax lot or condo buildings that together exceed 50,000 square feet. Emissions limits began in 2024, with more stringent limits beginning in 2030.

The City's goal is to reduce emissions from large buildings by 40% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

Can a Green Roof Help With Local Law 97?

Local Law 97 focuses on building emissions limits, so compliance is broader than a single roof system alone. However, a green roof may support an overall building performance strategy by contributing to:

• Reduced rooftop heat gain
• Support for energy-conscious design strategies
• Stormwater management improvements
• Sustainability planning that complements broader decarbonization initiatives

While a green roof is not a one-size-fits-all LL97 solution, it can be a meaningful part of a larger approach to building performance, resilience, and carbon reduction.

Green Roof + Solar

In Some Cases, the Best Solution Is Both

NYC's sustainable roofing framework allows for green roof, solar, or a combination of both.

For some projects, a hybrid approach may offer the best balance of compliance, energy generation, environmental performance, and rooftop functionality. Green roofs and solar can work well together when designed correctly, helping maximize the value of the roofscape while supporting sustainability goals on multiple fronts.

Chatfield can help your team evaluate whether a green roof-only or green roof + solar strategy makes the most sense for your project. Learn more about Green + Solar →

Filing and Design Considerations

What Should Project Teams Keep in Mind?

NYC DOB states that filings for solar and green roofs are made through DOB NOW, and that a Registered Design Professional is required for green roof and solar filings.

Early planning is important. Key considerations often include:

• Structural capacity
• Roof layout and excluded areas
• Access and fire pathways
• Integration with rooftop equipment
• Green roof depth and assembly type
• Detailing at edges, drains, and penetrations
• Constructability and delivery logistics
• Long-term maintenance goals

The earlier green roofing is considered in design, the easier it is to coordinate performance, compliance, and budget.

Tax Abatement Opportunity

Is There a Green Roof Tax Abatement in NYC?

NYC DOB notes that green roof tax abatement instructions are part of the filing process, and also states that the Green Roof Tax Abatement was extended through June 20, 2027.

Because requirements and filing processes can change, project teams should always confirm current eligibility, documentation needs, and deadlines with the appropriate NYC agencies.

How Chatfield Helps

Chatfield Green Roofing can support your team with:

• Green roof system selection
• Budgeting and preliminary pricing
• Design coordination
• Assembly guidance and component recommendations
• Project-specific green roof solutions for NYC compliance pathways
• Support for architects, consultants, contractors, and owners evaluating rooftop options

Whether you are planning a new building, a major roof replacement, or a project impacted by NYC sustainability laws, our team can help you determine whether a green roof may be the right fit.