What Is Local Law 87?
Local Law 87 (LL87) is part of New York City’s Greener, Greater Buildings Plan (GGBP), aimed at improving energy efficiency in large buildings. Enacted in 2009, LL87 requires buildings over 50,000 square feet—or multiple buildings on the same tax lot totaling over 100,000 square feet—to undergo regular energy audits and retro-commissioning every ten years.
This law ensures that building owners identify energy-saving opportunities and maintain building systems for optimal performance.
Who Needs to Comply?
Covered buildings include:
- Single buildings >50,000 sq ft
- Multiple buildings on the same tax lot >100,000 sq ft
- Condos with >100,000 sq ft total floor area
To check if your property is subject to LL87, refer to the NYC Covered Buildings List published annually by the Department of Buildings (DOB).
LL87 Compliance Checklist
- Energy Audit
A comprehensive analysis of building energy systems, identifying inefficiencies and improvement opportunities. - Retro-Commissioning (RCx)
Testing and optimizing equipment such as HVAC, lighting, domestic hot water, and controls for peak performance. - Energy Efficiency Report (EER)
Submit to NYC DOB by December 31 of your assigned calendar year. The year is based on the last digit of your tax block number.
LL87 Compliance Deadlines
Last Digit of Tax Block | Due Year |
---|---|
0 | 2020 |
1 | 2021 |
2 | 2022 |
3 | 2023 |
4 | 2024 |
5 | 2025 |
6 | 2026 |
7 | 2027 |
8 | 2028 |
9 | 2029 |
If your property’s block number ends in 5, you must comply by December 31, 2025.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with LL87 results in a $3,000 fine for the first year, and $5,000 for every additional year until submission.
How SFE Can Help
At SFE, we specialize in helping NYC property owners comply with Local Law 87. Our licensed energy auditors and commissioning experts handle everything from on-site inspections to EER submission.
Why Choose SFE?
- Certified energy auditors & commissioning professionals
- Over 1,000 buildings served across NYC
- Seamless DOB report filing
- Transparent pricing and fast turnaround
Start Your LL87 Compliance Today
Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact SFE to schedule your energy audit and retro-commissioning today.
📞 Call: (347)-699-1412
📧 Email: info@safariny.com
🌐 Visit www.safariny.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often must I comply with LL87?
A: Every 10 years, based on the last digit of your block number.
Q: Who can perform the audit and retro-commissioning?
A: Only qualified professionals listed by NYC DOB.
Q: Do I need to implement the audit recommendations?
A: No, implementation is not mandatory, but highly encouraged for energy savings and Local Law 97 readiness.
Conclusion
Local Law 87 is a key step toward a more energy-efficient NYC. By conducting regular audits and system optimization, you reduce operating costs and contribute to a greener city. Let SFE make your compliance easy, efficient, and worry-free.