Understanding the safety law requiring periodic inspection of parking structures, why it was enacted, and how to maintain compliance to prevent structural failures.
Local Law 126, enacted in 2021, requires buildings with parking structures (garages or other parking facilities) to conduct comprehensive structural safety inspections every six years. The inspections must be performed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) and must examine all structural elements, traffic-bearing surfaces, and safety systems.
The law applies to above-ground and below-ground parking structures, whether they're standalone garages or integrated into mixed-use buildings. It covers both public and private parking facilities, including residential building garages, commercial parking garages, and parking areas in office or retail buildings.
Parking structures face unique and severe structural stresses. They must support extremely heavy loads (vehicles can weigh 2–6 tons each), experience constant vibration and impact from traffic, and are exposed to road salt, moisture, temperature extremes, and chemical exposure from vehicle fluids. This combination accelerates deterioration of concrete and structural steel.
Unlike building facades where problems are visible, parking structure deterioration often happens internally—concrete spalling conceals rebar corrosion, hidden cracks propagate through slabs, and post-tensioning cables rust inside concrete. By the time problems are visible, structural integrity may already be compromised.
Several parking structure collapses across the United States—including a 2009 collapse in Manhattan's financial district that injured multiple people—demonstrated the need for mandatory periodic inspection. Local Law 126 is intended to identify and address deterioration before catastrophic failure occurs. Even partial collapses during occupancy would be devastating, potentially causing multiple fatalities.
Any building with parking facilities, including:
Very limited. Simple at-grade surface parking lots without structural elements don't require inspection. However, if your parking area has any elevated sections, structural support systems, or covered/enclosed portions, it likely falls under LL126.
Local Law 126 inspections are comprehensive structural safety examinations conducted by qualified structural engineers or architects. The inspection is far more detailed than routine maintenance checks.
Inspections are required every six years. The initial inspection deadline was assigned based on when your parking structure was built or when LL126 took effect. Check DOB records for your specific deadline. Subsequent inspections must occur within six years of your last report filing.
Hire a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) with structural engineering expertise and specific experience inspecting parking structures. Get multiple proposals and check references for similar projects.
Inspector examines entire parking structure, documents all conditions with photographs and measurements, performs necessary testing (chloride, concrete cores, etc.), and assesses structural adequacy and safety. May require partial closure of areas during inspection.
Based on findings, inspector classifies the structure:
Inspector files detailed Parking Structure Periodic Inspection (PSPI) report through DOB NOW portal, including condition classification, findings, repair recommendations, and photographs. Report must include structural calculations if needed to verify safety.
If repairs are mandated, hire qualified structural engineering firm and contractors to complete work. For SWARMP conditions, repairs must be done within the six-year cycle. Unsafe conditions require immediate repairs with proper engineering oversight and DOB permits.
After repairs are completed, file Amended Technical Report certifying all required work has been done and structure is now in satisfactory condition. This closes out the inspection cycle.
We help building owners plan for parking structure inspections and repairs through comprehensive capital planning and reserve fund analysis. Our network of qualified structural engineers provides competitive proposals for inspection work—with transparent pricing and no kickbacks.
If repairs are needed, we coordinate with structural engineering firms and specialized concrete contractors to develop cost-effective solutions. We help prioritize repairs based on safety and budget, secure competitive bids, and provide oversight to ensure work is completed properly. Our goal is protecting your investment and ensuring structural safety while managing costs effectively.
Official Local Law 126 page