Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

April 22, 2003

RE: Gas distribution company requirements for the installation of appliances within buildings

This is in response to your question regarding the gas distribution company's requirements that are being imposed on building owners for installation of appliances within buildings. Specifically, the gas distribution company is requiring the use of the current edition of the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1). In addition to other requirements, they require spill switches and that all masonry chimneys be lined with suitable flue liners.

The gas distribution company can regulate the gas piping system as it is installed to the point of distribution within the building, but cannot regulate the installation of the appliances nor the piping and valves within the building. Furthermore, the Fuel Gas Code of New York State (FGCNYS) in conjunction with the Mechanical Code of New York State (MCNYS) are the codes incorporated by reference into the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (19 NYCRR). Accordingly, the National Fuel Gas Code is not applicable.

I am writing to you so that you can present this document to the gas distribution company which is involved. If you have questions regarding this advisory, please call me at (518) 474-4073, or as appropriate, Mark Anderson in our Kingston Regional Office at (845) 334-9378 (Orange Co.), or Robert Smith in our Peekskill Regional Office at (914) 734-1342 (Dutchess Co.).

Sincerely

Cheryl A. Fischer, P.E.
Assistant Director for Code Interpretation
Codes Division
Al03-088

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526