Brooklyn since 2014All five boroughsSame-day response during business hours

What is NYC BC § 1504.9?

Quick Answer

This section establishes requirements for the solar reflectance and thermal emittance of roof coverings based on the slope of the roof. It specifies minimum values for initial solar reflectance and thermal emittance, with exceptions for certain types of roofs and areas. Applies to building owners regarding roof construction and maintenance standards.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

Michael Nacmias - Founding PartnerMichael Sargo - Partner
From the team atNacmias Law Firm, PLLCBrooklyn-based attorneys representingproperty owners across all five boroughsMeet the team →

1504.9 Reflectance.

BC § 1504.9

Roof coverings on roofs or setbacks with slope equal to or less than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17 percent) shall have: 1. a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.7 in accordance with ASTM C1549 or ASTM E 1918, and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75 as determined in accordance with ASTM C1371 or ASTM E 408; or 2. a minimum SRI of 82 as determined in accordance with ASTM E 1980. Roof coverings on roofs or setbacks with slope greater than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17 percent) shall have: 1. A minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.25 in accordance with ASTM C 1549 or ASTM E 1918, and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75 as determined in accordance with ASTM C 1371 or ASTM E 408; or 2. A minimum SRI of 39 as determined in accordance with ASTM E 1980. Exceptions: 1. Terraces on setbacks comprising less than 25 percent of the area of the largest floor plate in the building.

2.Any portion of a roof covered by a green roof system, including such a system with agricultural plantings, in compliance with Section 1507.16 of this code.

3.Any portion of a roof used as outdoor recreation space by the occupants of the building that is landscaped, covered by wood decking or covered with a walking surface or other protective surface, provided that such walking surface or protective surface has a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.3 as determined in accordance with ASTM C 1549 or ASTM E 1918.

4.Ballasted roofs, provided that the ballast has a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.2 as determined in accordance with ASTM C 1549 or ASTM E 1918.

5.Any portion of a roof that is under mechanical equipment, flush mounted solar panels lying directly on the roof surface, duckboarding, decking, platform, roof tank, cooling tower or any other rooftop structure or equipment exempted by rule by the commissioner.

6.Any roof or portion of a roof composed of glass, metal, clay or concrete tile or plastic/rubber intended to simulate clay or concrete tile, wood, or slate.

7.Any portion of a roof used by a school or daycare center as a playground for children.

8.Any roof, if the amount of rooftop space not subject to exceptions 1 through 7 is in the aggregate less than 100 square feet. (Am. L.L. 2019/094, 5/19/2019, eff. 11/15/2019) Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2011/021.

Common Questions

Our team

Meet the people you will work with

Free case review

Have a matter that touches § 1504.9?

Free 15-minute case review with the attorney handling your matter. Same-day response during business hours across all five boroughs — OATH hearings, Housing Court, and real estate closings.

Or email us

[email protected]

An attorney reads every message.

  • Same-day response

    During business hours

  • Direct attorney access

    Same lawyer from intake to close

  • Flat-fee pricing

    On most OATH and closing matters