19 local laws & mandates

Every NYC law affecting
your business — explained.

Click any law to get the full breakdown: what it requires, who it covers, exact fines, compliance steps, required documents, and real data on enforcement.

Commercial Waste Zones

NYC is divided into 20 zones — once yours activates, you must use a DSNY-authorized hauler.

Mandatory Organics / Composting

Food businesses must separate food scraps and soiled paper from regular trash.

Containerized Trash

No loose black bags on the curb. All commercial trash must be in sealed lidded containers.

LL11 + NYS DSNY / DOHMH

Foam & Plastics Ban

Foam food containers and single-use plastic bags are banned. Straws on request only.

LL151 Multi-agency

Small Business Fine Reductions

Eliminates or reduces fines for many first-time violations affecting small businesses.

Building GHG Emissions Limits

Caps annual greenhouse gas emissions for buildings over 25,000 sq ft. $268/ton over limit.

Energy Benchmarking

Owners of large buildings must file annual energy and water use data with DOB.

Energy Audits & Retro-Commissioning

Large buildings must get a professional energy audit and retro-commissioning every 10 years.

Lighting Upgrades & Submetering

Covered buildings must upgrade lighting and install submeters for large tenant spaces.

Energy Efficiency Grading

Buildings get an A–F energy grade posted at the entrance, derived from LL84 benchmarking data.

Health Code §81 DOHMH

Food Service Permit & Inspections

All food businesses need a DOHMH permit. Unannounced inspections issue A/B/C grades.

Admin Code §24-521 DEP

Grease Trap Maintenance

Food businesses must maintain grease traps and keep 3 years of pumping manifests on-site.

Salary Transparency

All job postings from employers with 4+ staff must include a salary or wage range.

Fast food and retail chains must give advance schedule notice and pay premiums for changes.

Sick Leave Law DCWP

Paid Safe & Sick Leave

NYC employers must provide paid sick and safe leave. Amount scales with employee count.

ADA / Admin Code §8-107 DOB / CCHR

ADA Accessibility

All public-facing businesses must be accessible. NYC Human Rights Law allows unlimited damages.

NFPA 96 / Fire Code §607 FDNY

Kitchen Hood Cleaning

Commercial kitchen exhaust systems must be cleaned by a licensed contractor on a set schedule.

Building Code §28-105 NYC DOB

Business Sign Permits

Signs over 6 sq ft or illuminated require a DOB permit. Landmark districts need LPC approval too.

Admin Code §16-505 BIC / DSNY

BIC-Licensed Carters

All commercial waste must be hauled by a Business Integrity Commission licensed carter.