COGENERATION
NYC Department of Buildings
Permit Application Processes
1

General Requirements
• Proof of ConEd interconnection coordination
• Construction, Plumbing and Electrical permits
• Listing by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as an assembly regarding structural and electrical criteria
• Electrical installation only by NYC-licensed master electrician
• Applicant must be a registered architect or professional engineer
• Licensed electrician required for electrical work
• Licensed plumber required for gas connections
2

Types of Application
•
• Building and roof configuration
• Fire protection
• Structural analysis and anchorage design
• Product/component listing
• Zoning
•
• Product listing
• Assembly
• Utility connection
3

Online Resources
4

Online Resources

Online Resources

Combined Heat & Power
City agencies with permit requirements for combined heat & power systems
Department of
Buildings
Department of
Environmental
Protection
Construction
Plumbing
Electrical
Fire
Department

Combined Heat & Power
DEP air permit:
• Must comply with NYC DEP Air Code for vent stack standards
• Must obtain an air permit to operate a CHP system
• Permit approval based on stack connections, exhaust termination and calculations of emissions produced
• CHP systems producing emissions exceeding 12.5 tons
NOX per year will require a SEQRA/CEQR analysis.
• Environmental assessment to determine impact on surrounding environment

Combined Heat & Power
FDNY permit:
• FDNY approval required for any system that utilizes
“high-pressure” gas in excess of 6 psig.
• FDNY will review the fire alarm system and non-water based fire suppression systems.
• The “Certificate of Fitness” holder
• An individual trained by the manufacturer to shut down the equipment in an emergency.
• Must be on-site during business hours

Combined Heat & Power
DOB permits:
• Must comply with NYC Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code,
Plumbing Code, and NFPA 37
• Must obtain a plumbing permit for gas service
• Must obtain an electrical permit for electric connections
• Slightly different requirements for reciprocating engines versus microturbines
• Microturbines must comply with Rule §50-01
• DOB considers “high-pressure” to be gas boosted in excess of 15 psig.

Department Rules

Combined Heat & Power – OTCR review
Any CHP system that exceeds 500kW per unit or 2MW for the whole building must obtain a site specific approval from the
Office of Technical
Certification and
Research (OTCR)

Permit and Inspections guide