Parking structures have come under close scrutiny recently following the parking garage collapse in Lower Manhattan last month. As a result of Local Law 126 of 2021, parking structures are required to have periodic inspections; the first cycle began January 1, 2023.
Buildings used entirely for parking and portions of building inside or under a building used for parking must comply with inspection and repair requirements. Open and enclosed parking structures, as defined by the Building Code, must also comply with inspection and repair requirements.
Some motor vehicle related occupancies are exempt from the new parking structure inspection requirements, including garages serving 1- and 2-family residences, parking garages for 3 or less cars, automotive repair shops, automotive showrooms, automotive service stations, and unenclosed parking lots.
A Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI) must inspect the building every six years and file a condition assessment report with the Department of Buildings via DOB NOW: Safety. Similar to cyclical façade inspection reports, the report will declare the parking structure safe, safe with repairs and/or monitoring, or unsafe.
Compliance is staggered based on the Borough and Community District where the building is located. Inspection Cycle 1 dates are below, subsequent inspection reports are due every 6 years by December 31st.
· In Manhattan Community Districts 1 -7, Inspection Cycle 1 is January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023
· In Manhattan Community Districts 8-12 and in all of Brooklyn, Inspection Cycle 1 is January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2025
· In all of the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island Inspection Cycle 1 is January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027
For information see the DOB Service Notices issued in 2022 and 2023.