The construction and architectural industries in New York State are dynamic sectors, constantly influenced by evolving regulations and legislative proposals. As of July 2025, several bills are actively making their way through the New York State Legislature, aiming to address critical areas from housing and sustainability to professional standards and public works. Staying informed about these pending changes is crucial for professionals, businesses, and stakeholders within these vital industries.

Current Legislative Landscape

Here’s a look at some of the notable bills currently under consideration that could significantly impact the construction and architectural landscape in New York:

Building Codes and Housing Development:

• S2420 (Senate): Prohibiting Issuance of Permits for New Multiple Dwellings Unless Minimum Units are Met.¹ This bill aims to tackle the housing crisis by ensuring that new multiple dwellings contain at least the number of units that existed on the lot prior to demolition, or the maximum permitted by zoning and building codes, whichever is less. This seeks to prevent the loss of housing units during redevelopment. (Referred to Senate Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee)
• Local Laws (New York City): While specific to NYC, several local laws recently enacted or pending directly impact construction practices. These include:
  • Local Law 47 of 2025 (Intro 391-A of 2024): Amends the NYC building code regarding studying sidewalk shed designs and improving their aesthetics.
  • Local Law 48 of 2025 (Intro 393-A of 2024): Amends the administrative code regarding penalties for sidewalk sheds.
  • Local Law 127 of 2024 (Intro No. 1128-A): Amends the building and fire codes in relation to the construction of ancillary dwelling units.²
  • Local Law 126 of 2024 (Intro No. 1127-A): Establishes a pilot program to convert existing basement or cellar apartments to habitable dwelling units.
  • Local Law 79 of 2024 (Intro No. 79-A): Establishes a proactive inspection program for buildings.
  • Local Law 71 of 2024 (Intro No. 231-A) and Local Law 70 of 2024 (Intro. No. 170-A): Focus on increasing the frequency of parking structure inspections and penalties for violations.
  • Local Law 111 of 2024 (Intro No. 956-C): Amends the building code in relation to the display of artwork on temporary protective structures at construction sites.

Professional Standards and Licensing:

• A5678 (Assembly): Increasing the Threshold for Required Professional Involvement. This bill proposes to increase the cost threshold for construction of buildings, structures, or public works from $10,000 (within NYC) or $20,000 (outside NYC) to $50,000, above which a licensed engineer, land surveyor, or architect must be utilized for planning and supervision. This bill has seen multiple versions introduced in previous sessions, indicating ongoing discussion about the scope of professional oversight. (Active in Assembly Higher Education Committee)
• S1141 (Senate): Requirements for Certified Interior Designers.³ This legislation seeks to align New York’s requirements for certified interior designers with national certification organizations, potentially easing barriers to entry for qualified professionals. (Referred to Senate Higher Education Committee)

Sustainable Construction and Environmental Impact:

• S7998 (Senate): Reducing Embodied Carbon Emissions in Buildings.⁴ This significant bill aims to reduce the embodied carbon emissions of buildings and building materials. It proposes that construction permitted under the state building code achieve a 15% reduction in embodied carbon emissions by 2030, with three compliance options including preserving existing structures, reducing specific material emissions, or using a full building life-cycle assessment. (Active in Senate)
• S7648A (Senate): Sustainable Building Materials Act of 2025.⁵ This bill proposes various measures to promote sustainable building materials, including a sales tax exemption for certain low-carbon building materials and a grant program for concrete manufacturers to develop environmental product declarations (EPDs). (Active in Senate)
• S6674 (Senate): New York State Green New Deal for Public Housing Act.⁶ This bill directs the department of public housing to study best practices for building and maintaining public housing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on energy efficiency and using cutting-edge, all-electric appliances made in the United States. (Referred to Senate Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee)

Public Works and Contracting:

• S6869 (Senate): Requiring Qualification-Based Criteria for Design-Build Contracts.⁷ This bill aims to create parity between New York State and New York City’s design-build processes, enabling city contractors to engage in one-step or progressive design-build contracts.⁸ It also includes a requirement for 30% of contracts to be procured from Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). (Referred to Senate Cities Committee)
• S6430 (Senate): Contract Requirements for Glazing Work. This bill establishes certain contract requirements for glazing work in public works renovation and new construction projects, mandating the use of glazers with North American Contractor Certification (NACC) and phasing in requirements for Architectural Glass and Metal Technicians (AGMT) certified workers. (Referred to Senate Procurement and Contracts Committee)
• S8323 (Senate): Expanding Small Business Mentoring Program to Construction Services.⁹ This bill seeks to expand the existing small business mentoring program to include contracts for construction or related services, aiming to support small businesses in the industry. (Referred to Senate Rules Committee)
• A3996 (Assembly): Jobs and Housing Pilot Program.¹⁰ This bill proposes a program to create jobs in the construction industry and address the housing crisis by developing or redeveloping affordable housing. (Active in Assembly)

The legislative session in New York State continues to be a crucial arena for the construction and architectural industries. The pending bills reflect a broad range of priorities, from addressing the housing shortage and promoting sustainable building practices to refining professional standards and ensuring fair opportunities in public works. Stakeholders in these industries are encouraged to monitor the progress of these bills closely, as their passage could significantly reshape the operational landscape, impact project development, and influence long-term industry trends. Engaging with legislative processes and understanding the potential implications of these bills is paramount for strategic planning and continued success in New York’s built environment.

• New York State Senate: LegiScan – Bills Pending New York Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development Committee.¹¹ (https://legiscan.com/NY/pending/senate-housing-construction-community-development-committee/id/431)
• New York State Assembly: Bill Search and Legislative Information. (https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=S08323&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y&Committee%26nbspVotes=Y&Floor%26nbspVotes=Y and https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?sh=advanced)
• New York City Department of Buildings: Local Laws. (https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/local-laws.page)
• American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC New York): Progressive Design-Build Policy Brief. (https://acecny.org/page/pdb-policy-brief)
• Construction Dive: “NY mandates contractor registration for publicly funded projects.”¹² (https://www.constructiondive.com/news/new-york-contractor-registration-public-projects/737070/)
• New York State Office of General Services: Design-Build Report. (https://ogs.ny.gov/design-build-report)

 

John Caravella Esq., is a construction attorney and formerly practicing project architect at The Law Office of John Caravella, P.C., representing architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and owners in all phases of contract preparation, litigation, and arbitration across New York and Florida. He also serves as an arbitrator to the American Arbitration Association Construction Industry Panel. Mr. Caravella can be reached by email: John@LIConstructionLaw.com or (631) 608-1346.