Local Law 126 - Parking Garage Inspections
Due to a parking garage collapse in Binghamton in 2015, New York realized that in the interest of public safety, there must be some sort of inspection for parking garages. In an attempt to remedy the potential dangers of parking garage failures, Local Law 126 went into effect in 2021 and it introduced Periodic Inspections of Parking Structures, or PIPS in NYC. NYC Administrative Codes §28-323 outlines the guidelines building owners and inspections must follow. A PIPS report must be conducted by a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector(QPSI). These inspections entail the engineer thoroughly assessing the structural condition of the parking garage, identifying any potential hazards, and recommending necessary repairs or maintenance to maintain safety standards. Both visual and physical examinations are required to complete a PIPS. These inspections must be conducted at least once every 4 years. The QPSI is also responsible for providing the owner with an annual checklist that outlines the necessary steps to properly maintain the building's safety between inspections. 1 RCNY §103-13 further expands on these parking garage inspections, including more information regarding the inspection report and filing process. This document details that the inspector must categorize the parking garage after the inspection into one of the following categories: SAFE, UNSAFE, or Safe with Repair and Maintenance (SREM). These conditions will determine the necessary next steps if any.
Pantec Engineering’s primary focus on inspections as well as our vast experience makes us the ideal candidate to conduct your next PIPS inspection. Our firm will guarantee that the inspection is conducted in a thorough and timely manner. Additionally, we complete all the complicated file work that is required so you do not have to worry about fines or other potential issues