Upstate NY Custom Home Building Blog

Share this post with someone planning to build a home in NY in 2026. It is not too late to secure natural gas, but that window may close quickly.

Table of Contents

• Important Update: New York’s Natural Gas Ban Has Been Temporarily Paused
• What This Means for You as a Future Homeowner
• Why Was the Gas Ban Suspended?
• Why This Delay Still Requires Immediate Action
• What You Can Do Now
• If You Plan to Build in the Rochester Area in 2026, This Is Your Moment
• Start Planning With Gerber Homes Today

Important Update: New York’s Natural Gas Ban Has Been Temporarily Paused

If you read our previous article on the upcoming fossil fuel restrictions in New York, you are familiar with the New York State Plan starting January 1, 2026, where new homes would no longer be allowed to connect to natural gas or propane. That included gas furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, and water heaters. All new homes would have to be fully electric.

But last week, that changed.

A legal challenge brought by the New York State Builders Association and supported by the National Association of Home Builders has resulted in a temporary suspension of the ban while the case is under appeal.

What This Means for You as a Future Homeowner

This suspension gives you more time to build with natural gas or propane if that is your preference. However, this is not a permanent change. If the courts ultimately uphold the law, the state has already committed to a 120-day grace period before the ban is re-implemented.

In other words, this is a second chance, but it may not last long.

Why Was the Gas Ban Suspended?

In 2023, New York passed the All-Electric Buildings Act, which banned gas and other fossil fuels in new residential construction. It was the first statewide ban of its kind. The intent was to reduce carbon emissions and transition the state toward full electrification.

However, developers, builders, and local officials raised significant concerns:

• The electric grid is not yet equipped to handle full electrification

• Transformer and substation upgrades take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars

• All-electric developments would sharply increase homebuilding costs

• The added expense would make new homes less affordable for young families

John Graziose, partner at Gerber Homes, recently spoke with News 8 Rochester about the practical impact of the gas ban.

“We’re looking at extremely high costs to develop new communities that are all-electric because the transformers and substations need to be upgraded. It takes years to do that and costs hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Graziose also noted that increased development costs would push home prices even higher in a housing market that is already under pressure.

“The cost of housing continues to go up for both existing homes and new homes. Young families are going to be priced out of the market.”

Why This Delay Still Requires Immediate Action

1. The Suspension Could Be Lifted Soon

The gas ban is only paused while the legal appeal is heard. If the state wins, the law will go into effect after a 120-day window. That means you might only have a few months to get your permit submitted.

2. Some Areas Already Removed Gas Access

In anticipation of the original deadline, some developers have already skipped gas main installations in new neighborhoods. In those areas, the chance to connect to gas is already gone, regardless of what the courts decide.

3. Limited Lots Remain With Gas Access

In Gerber’s communities across Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties, there are still lots with existing gas infrastructure, but they are limited. The longer you wait, the fewer options you will have to build with gas.

What You Can Do Now

Gerber Homes is helping homeowners take advantage of this temporary pause by fast-tracking plans and permits while gas access is still available.

Here is how we can help:

• Identify available homesites with existing natural gas lines

• Confirm gas availability directly with utility companies

• Finalize home plans with gas systems included

• Prepare and submit complete permit packages

• Navigate local requirements to meet the state’s eligibility criteria

If You Plan to Build in the Rochester Area in 2026, This Is Your Moment

Whether you are interested in a gas fireplace, gas range, or simply want the flexibility to choose your energy source, this is the window to act.

The suspension is not permanent. Once the case is decided, the gas ban could be back in place in a matter of weeks.

Start Planning With Gerber Homes Today

We have been building in the Greater Rochester area for more than 60 years and know the permitting and infrastructure landscape in every town we serve.

If you are thinking about building a custom home in 2026, now is the time to act. Contact Gerber Homes today to start the conversation and keep your energy options open.