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Code Status: New York

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of New York. Information for all 50 States is also available. New York Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: State-developed code (ECCCNYS) based on the 2004 IECC with amendments is mandatory statewide; can use REScheck to show compliance.
  • Commercial Code: State-developed code (ECCCNYS) based on IECC 2003 and referencing ASHRAE 90.1-2004 is mandatory statewide; can use COMcheck to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: No set schedule.
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: The State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council maintains and periodically updates New York's Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the ECCCNYS, as well as adopting higher of more restrictive standards upon the recommendation of local governments. The council is comprised of 17 members, appointed by the Governor. A quorum of nine members must be present in order to adopt any proposed code changes.

Executive law requires the Code Council to hold meetings at least four times a year, and these mandated meetings are typically scheduled at the last meeting of each prior year. Meetings are held in Albany, and general meetings are open to the public.

State Code History: The New York state energy code, known as the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State (ECCCNYS) became effective on January 1, 1979. The state energy code was amended for residential buildings in 1989 and substantially rewritten in March 1991. On July 29, 1999, the Governor's Executive Chamber issued a press release announcing an agreement with the state legislature to allow for the state's conversion to a model energy code which was supported by a 1999 DOE State Energy Code Assistance Grant. The 2002 ECCCNYS became effective July 1, 2002.

On January 1, 2008, New York implemented the 2007 ECCCNYS, which included the 2004 IECC with state amendments for residential buildings and to ASHRAE 90.1-2001 with state amendments for commercial buildings. On April 9, 2008, all references to ASHRAE 90.1 converted to the 2004 edition.

On July 6, 2009, Governor David A. Paterson announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved New York's plan for federal stimulus funding through the State Energy Program (SEP) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The $123 million in SEP funds will allow the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide additional financial support for the installation of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems across the state. In cooperation with the New York State Department of State, NYSERDA will distribute $4.4 million to support the Governor's effort to adopt more stringent energy codes for buildings. Various implementation and support services will be available to the entire building community, including local jurisdictions charged with implementation of the state energy code, architects, engineers, and homebuilders, to work aggressively to achieve at least 90 percent compliance in the commercial and residential sectors.

Enforcement: According to New York Laws Title 19, Chapter XXXII, section 1202.1: "In general, local governments are charged with the administration and enforcement of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code). However, a local government has the option to decline that responsibility by adopting a local law to that effect, in which event the responsibility passes to the respective county. Counties are accorded a similar option. If a local government and a county each exercises its option, the statute provides for administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code by the Secretary of State in the place and stead of the local government. Certain other events may also result in administration and enforcement of the Uniform Code by the Secretary of State. This Part establishes the procedures applicable in circumstances in which the Secretary of State must administer and enforce the Uniform Code in the place and stead of a local government or county." 

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2006, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 1,133.3 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 1,250.2 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 2,383.5 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 18,976,457
  • Total Housing Units2: 7,754,508
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 55,093
    • 1 unit: 25,523
    • 2 units: 5,952
    • 3 and 4 units: 5,422
    • 5+ units: 18,196
    • structures of 5+ units: 824

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
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Green Building Initiatives

 

Code Funding Opportunities

There are two funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and State Energy Program. Please reference the U.S. Department of Energy for New York's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

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