DEP char broiler / cook stove registration & emission controls: New York City restaurant guide
NYC DEP
What it is
All commercial char broilers, and cook stoves that burn wood, coal or other solid fuel, must be registered with DEP. Under-fired char broilers cooking more than 875 lbs of meat a week, chain-driven char broilers and solid-fuel cook stoves also need an emission control device (75% particulate reduction, or under 10 mg/m3 for equipment installed after May 6, 2016).
When a restaurant needs it
You operate a commercial char broiler, or a wood / coal / solid-fuel cook stove or oven.
How to apply
Register the equipment in DEP's CATS portal ('Registration – General Process') and submit the certification form with your emission control device; DEP then schedules a smoke and odor inspection.
Documents you’ll need
- Equipment specs
- Emission control device certification / test data
- Owner email
Good to know
Under-fired char broilers cooking more than 875 lbs of meat a week need an approved control device. Equipment installed after May 6, 2016 must comply from day one; existing equipment has phased deadlines through 2027.
Official source
DEP — char broilers & cook stoves · DEP — CATS
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.