Duluth Parking Garage Law Affects Parking Structure Owners

Find Out How This New Law Affects You

An ongoing regulation, the Duluth, MN Parking Structure Annual Report & Review Program, mandates annual inspection and reporting requirements that every parking garage owner needs to follow to stay compliant.

Below we will talk about details regarding the Duluth Law:

• Responsibilities of Parking Garage Owners
• Repercussions of Not Meeting Code Requirements
• Cities Near Duluth
• Next Steps

Responsibilities of Parking Garage Owners

Parking garage owners need to pay attention to the three key details to know when they need to act on their parking garage.

1. Determine if your parking structure falls under the requirements of the annual report and review program.
        a. Per “Definition of Parking Structure”
             i.“For purposes of this required review, a parking structure is defined as a building or a structure or part thereof in which a structural level (other than a slab-on-grade) is used for parking, storing, or maintaining motor vehicles…”
        b. Per “Time Intervals Between Required Reviews”
             i.Parking garages less than five years old are exempt.
2. Retain an engineer to inspect your parking garage and write a report based on the annual report and review program.
        a. Per “Qualifications of Engineer Performing Review”:
             i. “The required annual report must be prepared by an engineer registered in the State of Minnesota…They must have sufficient design-related experience with the structural system involved and experience with the natural deterioration associated with parking structures exposed to winter environment.”
        b. Per “Description of Required Reviews”:
             i. “A Type I review must include visual observations of all structural components…”
             ii. “A Type II review must include visual observations as outlined for a Type I review, and nondestructive tests…”
3. Submit the written inspection report to the city as part of the annual report and review program.
         a. Per “Engineer’s Report”:
             i. “Engineer’s reports must be submitted to the building official…The engineer’s report must include but is not limited to the following…:
                  1. Factual Results
                       a. “Factual statements presenting the results of visual observations.  Statements should include description of observed defects or deterioration…”
                  2. Engineer’s Opinion
                       a. A statement of opinion… as to the capability of the structure to continue to safely support the imposed loads…”

Repercussions of Not Meeting Code Requirements

Staying compliant is not only about avoiding penalties, but also about ensuring the safety of every user and the long-term viability of your property.

Asset Implications

Parking structures, particularly in climates like Duluth, are susceptible to many different types of deterioration.

Left uninspected, these deterioration mechanisms could pose risks to people and property  - examples include: falling concrete, tripping hazards, and even partial collapses.

Financial Implications

Additional action may be required, depending on the findings of the engineer’s inspection:

Per “Engineer’s Report”:

Engineer’s Opinion

“If it is judged that a repair program is necessary the permit application must include the engineer’s report locating the work areas and specifying the procedures, materials and quality control for the repairs…."

Cities Near Duluth

The codified ordinance only applies to parking garages in Duluth proper. If your asset is not in Duluth, it is not subject to the specific requirements outlined above.

If not located in Duluth, determine if the jurisdiction in which your asset is located requires inspection. Multiple other municipalities in the state of Minnasota, including Minneapolis and Saint Paul, mandate parking garage inspection and reporting like Duluth.

Next Steps

Whether required by law or not, preventative inspection and maintenance of parking structures is always a good idea.

As leaders in parking structure management and safety compliance, StructureCare is here to guide you through the complexities of the Inspection and Reporting Requirements for Parking Garages in Duluth, Minnesota.

We offer comprehensive inspection and reporting services to ensure your parking facilities meet all legal requirements and maintain the highest safety standards.

Nick Heim, PE 
Innovation Engineer, Ohio