Parking Garage Laws in the US

A parking garage inspection law mandates periodic evaluations of parking structures to assess their structural integrity, safety, and compliance with building codes and standards. These laws typically require professional engineers or certified inspectors to examine certain aspects of the garage, including the condition of concrete, steel reinforcement, and waterproofing. 

The goal of these laws is to identify and address potential issues before they pose significant risks to users or the environment. Benefits of parking garage inspection laws include:

• Public Safety: Regular inspections help identify and mitigate risks to the public, such as overhead and tripping hazards or lack of structural integrity.
• Preventive Maintenance: Early detection of issues can lead to timely repairs, preventing more extensive and costly damage in the future.
• Liability Reduction: Regular inspections can reduce the liability of garage owners and operators by demonstrating a proactive approach to safety and maintenance.

When Do Jurisdictions Enact Parking Garage Laws?

Jurisdictions typically enact parking garage inspection laws in response to several factors: 

• Local Structural Failures: Structural failures or collapses within the confines of a jurisdiction often prompt legislative action to prevent similar incidents.
• High-Profile Structural Failures: High-profile structural failures or collapses may prompt other jurisdictions to enact legislation.
• Regulatory Updates: Changes in building codes and standards may necessitate new inspection requirements to ensure compliance.

While laws will vary by jurisdiction, common parking garage law requirements include:

• Frequency of Inspections: Inspections are required at predetermined intervals. Common intervals include: annually, biennially, or every three to five years.
• Scope of Inspections: Inspections generally cover structural elements, waterproofing systems, drainage, and safety features. Inspectors look for cracks, spalling, corrosion, and other signs of deterioration.
• Reporting and Documentation: Inspectors must provide detailed reports documenting their findings, including photos, descriptions of any issues, and recommendations for repairs.

Who Typically Performs a Parking Garage Inspection?

Parking garage inspections must be conducted by qualified professionals, examples of which include:

• Licensed Professional Engineers (PEs): Engineers specializing in structural evaluation of parking garages. 
• Certified Structural Inspectors: Some jurisdictions may require specific qualifications beyond state licensing. 
• Specialized Contractors: In some cases, contractors with specific experience in parking structure maintenance and repair may conduct inspections.

What Happens If You Fail To Comply? 

There are consequences of not abiding by parking garage laws, including: 

• Safety Hazards: Unaddressed issues can result in accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.
• Legal and Financial Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines and legal action.
• Loss of Revenue: Garages that are deemed unsafe may be closed temporarily or permanently.

Even if your city or state hasn’t enacted parking garage laws at this time, it’s still crucial that you conduct regular inspections and assessments to stay ahead of potential structural issues. 

Explore parking garage laws by state to see how they affect you and what you can do to prepare for your next inspection or assessment.