What Is NYC Local Law 55?
Local Law 55 of 2024 expanded New York City’s requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment, commonly called EVSE, in parking garages and open parking lots.
The law addresses several types of parking facilities:
- Existing facilities that require a DCWP license
- Existing facilities that do not require a DCWP license
- New parking facilities
- Existing facilities undergoing significant alterations
Each category may follow different requirements or implementation schedules. That is why the number of parking spaces alone does not determine whether a property must install EV chargers.
Does Your Existing Parking Garage Have to Install EV Chargers?
Your parking garage or open parking lot falls under the law’s established January 1, 2035 deadline when both of the following are true:
- It has at least 10 parking spaces.
- It is required to be licensed by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
Covered facilities must install Level 2 chargers in at least 20% of their spaces and make 40% of their spaces capable of supporting Level 2 charging.
For example, a covered garage with 100 parking spaces would need Level 2 chargers at a minimum of 20 spaces and infrastructure capable of supporting Level 2 charging at 40 spaces.
The EV-capable spaces do not necessarily need active chargers immediately, but they must be prepared to support future charging infrastructure.
What If Your Garage Does Not Require a DCWP License?
An unlicensed parking garage or open lot with at least 10 spaces may still be subject to Local Law 55.
The law directs the NYC Department of Buildings to establish a separate schedule and requirements for facilities that are not required to hold a DCWP license. Those implementing rules must be issued by January 1, 2027.
This category may include certain resident-only, employee-only or privately operated parking facilities. Owners should not assume that being exempt from a DCWP license means the property is permanently exempt from EV charging requirements.
Does Local Law 55 Apply to Apartment-Building Garages?
Potentially.
An apartment, co-op or condominium garage may not fall under the fixed 2035 deadline if it is not required to hold a DCWP parking garage license. However, an unlicensed garage with at least 10 spaces may still be covered under the separate rules being developed by the Department of Buildings.
Requirements can also be affected when a parking garage is newly constructed or undergoes significant alterations. New and qualifying altered facilities are subject to separate Building Code provisions involving EV chargers and EV-capable spaces.
Property managers and boards should confirm the garage’s licensing status and project history rather than relying only on whether the parking is public or private.
What Should Property Owners Do Now?
The 2035 deadline may seem distant, but owners do not need to wait until installation becomes urgent to evaluate their property.
Start by confirming:
- The legal number of parking spaces
- Whether the facility is or should be DCWP-licensed
- Whether upcoming renovations could trigger additional requirements
- Whether the existing electrical system can support multiple chargers
- Whether other electrical or capital improvements are already planned
An early assessment can help a property avoid installing electrical equipment today that will need to be replaced or expanded later.
Energo’s commercial EV charging services include parking-layout assessments, electrical-capacity reviews, electrical upgrades, permitting, charger installation and ongoing service. Our licensed electricians can evaluate the property’s existing infrastructure and determine what may be required to support a future charging system safely and in accordance with applicable codes.
Prepare Your Parking Facility for EV Charging
Local Law 55 does not mean every NYC parking garage must immediately install the same number of chargers. The requirements depend on the size, licensing status, age and construction plans of the facility.
For existing DCWP-licensed garages and open lots with at least 10 spaces, the January 1, 2035 requirements are already established. Owners of other facilities should watch for the additional DOB rules due by January 1, 2027.
Energo can help building owners and property managers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester and Nassau evaluate their parking facilities, electrical infrastructure and commercial EV charging options.
This article provides general information about NYC Local Law 55 and is not legal advice. Requirements may change as additional rules are issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every NYC parking garage need EV chargers?
No. The requirements depend on the number of spaces, whether the facility requires a DCWP license and whether it is existing, newly constructed or undergoing significant alterations.
Does Local Law 55 apply to private apartment-building garages?
It may. An unlicensed apartment-building garage with at least 10 spaces may be subject to a separate schedule established by the NYC Department of Buildings.
When should property owners begin planning?
Owners should begin by confirming their facility’s classification and evaluating electrical capacity. Planning early can help coordinate EV charging infrastructure with future electrical upgrades, garage work or other capital projects.
When Does the NYC Building Energy Grade Need to Be Posted in 2026?
If your New York City building is subject to the City’s energy grading requirements, the 2026 Building Energy Efficiency Rating Label must be posted no later than October 31, 2026.
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