Hackensack Parking Garage Law Affects Parking Structure Owners

Find Out How This New Law Affects You

An ongoing regulation, Section 100-15.G.2 of Chapter 100, Article III of the Code of the City of Hackensack, New Jersey, has introduced mandatory inspection and reporting requirements that every parking garage owner needs to follow to stay compliant.

Below we will talk about details regarding the Hackensack Law:

• Responsibilities of Parking Garage Owners
• Repercussions of Not Meeting Law Requirements
• Cities Near Hackensack
• Next Steps

Responsibilities of Parking Garage Owners

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

1. Determine if your parking structure falls under the requirements of the code.
        a.Per Section 100-15.G.1.b, Accessory Structures:
             i. “Accessory structures most commonly include garages and multilevel parking structures, which are open or enclosed, detached and attached, below grade, and/or above or below street level.”
        b. Per Section 100-15.G.2, certain garages are exempt:
             i. “…This chapter shall not apply to detached wood frame garages.”
2. Retain an engineer to inspect your parking garage and write an evaluation report based on the code's requirements.
        a. Per Section 100-15.G.2:
             i. “Owners of commercial or multifamily residential dwelling units with a parking structure(s), including open or enclosed, detached or attached, below grade and above or below street level, shall be required to submit signed and sealed evaluation reports stating the integrity and condition of their respective parking structure every five years…”
3. Submit the written evaluation report to the city along with a schedule for repairs and maintenance.
        a. Per Section 100-15.G.2:
             i. “…The evaluation report shall include a completion schedule for any and all mandatory repairs and maintenance. Repair work that requires a permit shall be obtained through the Building Department…”

Repercussions of Not Meeting Law 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 Hackensack, 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 – some of which have occurred in Hackensack - that have spurred enactment of this law.

Financial Implications

Per Section 100-15.G.2.a:

“An initial escrow fee in the amount of $5,000 shall accompany the mandatory evaluation report for accessory structures regardless of the number of parking spaces. When the reviewing authority deems necessary, additional fees shall be posted to cover the cost of their services until the repair and/or maintenance is completed. Unexpended fees shall be returned to the property owner.”

Cities Near Hackensack

The codified ordinance only applies to parking garages in Hackensack proper. If your asset is not in Hackensack, it is not subject to the law.

If not located in Hackensack, determine if the jurisdiction in which your asset is located requires inspection. For example: New York City requires inspection and subsequent reporting for parking structures in the city.

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 Hackensack, New Jersey.

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