The New York City Parking Garage Inspection Law: A Guide for Owners and Managers

As a parking garage owner or manager in New York City, you're likely aware of the recent changes in structural safety regulations. In April 2023, a parking garage collapse in Lower Manhattan brought renewed attention to the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. In response to this and other incidents, the city has implemented new measures to ensure the safety and integrity of parking structures.

This blog will walk you through Local Law 126 of 2021 and the Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures (PIPS) program. If you own or manage a parking garage in NYC, these new regulations will have a significant impact on your operations. Let's break down what this means for you and your property.

Navigating the Inspection Requirements

Here's what you can expect from the parking structure inspection process:

1. The Inspector: You'll need to hire a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI). This isn't just any engineer—it's a New York State licensed professional engineer with at least three years of experience in parking structures.
2. The Inspection: Your QPSI will perform a thorough assessment of your parking structure. This includes:

• Examining at least 10% of each type of structural element (beams, columns, slabs, etc.)
• Focusing on areas with visible deterioration
• Using various techniques such as sounding, load tests, optical surveys, and non-invasive scanning
• Taking core samples where necessary

1. The Report: After the inspection, your QPSI will file a condition assessment report with the Department of Buildings (DOB). This report will classify your structure as either Safe, Safe with Repairs and/or Engineering Monitoring (SREM), or Unsafe.

Timing is Everything

Now, you might be wondering, "When do I need to do this?" The city has rolled out a phased approach:

• If your garage is in Manhattan Community Districts 1-7, your filing period has already ended (2023).
• For the rest of Manhattan and all of Brooklyn, you have until 2025.
• If you're in the Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island, your deadline is 2027.

Missing these deadlines isn't just a minor oversight—it could lead to hefty fines, forced closures, and even legal troubles. It's crucial to know your timeline and plan accordingly.

Addressing Major Repairs and Preserving Your Investment

The initial round of inspections has been eye-opening for many garage owners, revealing that a significant number of structures require extensive structural repairs to meet safety standards. If your facility falls into the SREM or Unsafe categories, you may be facing considerable expenses for necessary upgrades.

While the initial repair costs may sting, viewing them as an investment opportunity rather than a mere regulatory burden can help ease the pain. However, these repairs are just the first step in a comprehensive approach to long-term structural health.

Fluid-Applied Waterproofing: The Next Critical Step

With structural repairs complete, the focus shifts to long-term protection. Water infiltration, a primary culprit behind concrete deterioration and structural weakness in parking garages, demands innovative solutions. Henry offers three Fluid-Applied Waterproofing Systems tailored to the unique demands of parking structures:

• Dundeq®: Superior durability and chemical resistance
• Prodeq™: Rapid installation for minimal downtime
• Pumadeq™: Excellent wear resistance and UV stability

Each system offers distinct advantages, allowing you to choose the best fit for your garage's specific needs and usage patterns. Key features all three systems include:

• 20+ years of proven performance in high-traffic areas
• Seamless application to prevent water damage
• Comprehensive 10-year warranties
• Environmentally friendly, VOC-free application

Long-Term Benefits of High-End Protection

Investing in Henry Fluid-Applied Waterproofing Systems goes beyond meeting regulatory requirements. It allows you to proactively safeguarding your investment for years to come. Here’s how:

1. Extended Lifespan: Significantly delays need for future major repairs
2. Comprehensive Protection: Guards against water infiltration, chemicals, and UV damage
3. Cost Efficiency: Reduces ongoing maintenance expenses
4. Improved Inspections: Leads to better outcomes in future assessments
5. Enhanced Value: Maintains structure value for potential sale or refinancing

The Bottom Line

Yes, compliance with Local Law 126 will require some investment, especially if you're facing major structural repairs. But compare that to the cost of emergency repairs, or worse, the consequences of a structural failure. When you look at it that way, proactive maintenance, regular inspections, and investing in high-quality preservation systems aren't just regulatory requirements—they're smart business decisions that protect your long-term interests.

Your Next Steps

• Find out which inspection cycle applies to your property.
• Start researching and contacting Qualified Parking Structure Inspectors.
• Consider a preliminary assessment to get ahead of any potential issues.
• If repairs are needed, plan for long-term preservation with high-end waterproofing systems.
• Look into proactive maintenance solutions to protect your investment.

Remember, this new law isn't just about checking boxes—it's about setting your business up for long-term success and peace of mind.

Need help navigating these new requirements or preserving your newly repaired structure? Reach out to a Henry representative today. We're here to help you protect your investment and keep your parking structure safe, compliant, and well-preserved for years to come.