What the law did
The City Council adopted Local Law 128 of 2024, which enacts the New York City Electrical Code. It took effect December 21, 2025, introduced a formal definition of electrical work, and applies to all filings submitted on or after that date. The code is based on the 2020 National Electrical Code with NYC amendments.
The three filing categories
- Minor Electrical Work: requires a permit; no DOB inspection or plan review.
- Electrical Work: requires a permit and a DOB electrical inspection; no plan review.
- Electrical Work including Special Installations (Electrical Code Section 110.2(B)): requires DOB Electrical Plan Review, a permit and an inspection. Plan review submissions must be prepared and signed by a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect, with a $650 filing fee per submission.
The applicant picks the category based on the work. Plan review applies where service equipment totals 1,000 kVA or more, or work above 600 volts (1 RCNY 4000-01). Homes and small apartment buildings are far below that line.
Sources: NYC Department of Buildings, Electrical Work Guidance Document (with Buildings Bulletin 2025-008); NYC DOB Electrical Plan Review page; 1 RCNY 4000-01. Checked October 2026. Rules change: confirm with DOB or your licensed electrician before filing.
What it means for your project
- Load calculations now follow the 2025 NYC Electrical Code, which uses NEC 2020 Article 220. Our calculator and reports use it.
- For a typical service upgrade, heat pump or EV charger job in a 1-3 family home, your licensed electrician files the work. A PE or RA stamp is needed only for special installations under Section 110.2(B).
- Jobs filed before December 21, 2025 may stay under the 2011 code if they meet DOB's transition rules (Buildings Bulletin 2024-008).
Size your service under the new code. Load calc, reviewed: $197, fixed price.
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What is Local Law 128 of 2024?
The NYC law that enacts the New York City Electrical Code (2025 edition). It took effect December 21, 2025 and applies to electrical filings submitted on or after that date.
Does my home service upgrade need DOB electrical plan review?
Plan review is for special installations under Electrical Code Section 110.2(B), such as service equipment of 1,000 kVA or more or work above 600 volts. A 1-3 family home service is far below that. Your licensed electrician confirms the filing category.
Which NEC edition does NYC use now?
The 2025 NYC Electrical Code is based on the 2020 National Electrical Code with NYC amendments.