BILL NUMBER: S8078REVISED 5/27/25
SPONSOR: HOYLMAN-SIGAL
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the multiple dwelling law, in relation to the standards
for openable windows in residential units
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation provides for the development of residential units that
are newly constructed or converted from non-residential uses that comply
with ASHRAE Standard 62.1
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the multiple dwelling law to ensure that the require-
ment for openable windows is satisfied if a unit has ventilation stand-
ards for ASHRAE Standard 62.1.
Section two sets the effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
A recent investigation conducted by Gensler and Pew found that office to
residential conversions would be much easier if the outdated open-able
windows requirement from the 1870s were changed. In addition, a recent
report from the 5 Boro Institute identified flexible co-living as a
necessary housing option due to skyrocketing housing costs in New York
City. This reform would enable these conversions to take place, espe-
cially in office buildings with deep floor plates and high quality
ventilation systems. When housing costs are skyrocketing in New York
State, this is a common sense reform to make unused office buildings
easier to convert for residential uses. This bill implements this much-
needed reform.
Similar regulations are already in place in Chicago, San Francisco,
Miami
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
This bill will have no fiscal impact on the state
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it becomes law.

Statutes affected:
S8078: 30 multiple dwelling law