Overview
Starting from January 1, 2022, owners of parking garages in NYC are required to hire a Professional Engineer registered with NYC DOB (Department of Buildings) as a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI) to assess the condition of their parking structures every six years and file a compliance report with NYC DOB, similar to the Facade Inspection and Safety Program (Local Law 11/98).
The condition assessment involves examining all visible surfaces of the parking structure and using methods such as sounding, load testing, optical survey, non-invasive ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning, and core sampling of at least 10% of each structural element, like beams, columns, and slabs. After the condition assessment, the QPSI will file the compliance report with DOB.
Submit a parking garage assessment request to learn how Walter P Moore can help.
DOB Classifications
Safe: No repair work is needed, and the garage is safe until the next inspection cycle.
Safe with Repairs and/or Engineering Monitoring (SREM): Minor damage to the garage framing elements are found, and the QPSI will provide a timeline to address the issues. A follow-up inspection and subsequent report filing with DOB will be required. If repairs are not completed before the next filing cycle, it will be automatically classified as Unsafe.
Unsafe: Severe damage to the garage framing elements poses a hazard to people or property. Repairs must be performed within one year of completing the condition assessment, and Unsafe conditions must be corrected within 90 days of submitting the compliance report. Within two weeks of completing repairs, the QPSI will perform an inspection and promptly file an amended report with DOB.
Staggered Filing Cycles
Local Law 126 of 2021: Parking Structures
| Sub-Cycles | Filing Period | Community Districts |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | January 1, 2022–December 31, 2023 | Manhattan Community District 1–7 |
| 1B | January 1, 2024–December 31, 2025 | Manhattan Community District 8–12; All Brooklyn Districts |
| 1C | January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027 | All Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island Community Districts |
Exceptions
The following structures are exempt from the new inspection requirements:
- Automotive: body, repair, showrooms, and service stations
- Garages with occupancy of fewer than three cars
- Unenclosed, unattached outdoor parking lots
- Private garages serving one- and two-family homes
Filing Fees and Penalties
DOB Fees:
- Initial Report: $305.00
- Amended/Subsequent Report: $85.00
- Extension Request: $65.00
Penalties apply after the filing period ends:
- Late Filing (initial report): $1,000 per month
- Failure to File (initial report): $5,000 per year
- Failure to Correct Unsafe Conditions: $1,000 per month
- Failure to Correct SREM Conditions: $2,000 (one time)
We offers expert assistance in evaluating your parking structure and preparing for compliance with the new regulations. Our team can conduct a thorough walk-through to identify any areas of concern, helping you proactively address them and ensure compliance with the regulations.
Next Steps
Submit a parking garage assessment request to learn how Walter P Moore can help.
