LOCAL LAW 126

For Property Managers & Building Owners

NYC Local Law 126 of 2021 established a mandatory Parking Structures Inspection Program (PSIP) to improve public safety following structural failures in parking garages nationwide. If your property includes a parking garage or parking structure, you are required to have it periodically inspected by a qualified professional engineer and file reports with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB).

This page explains who must comply, inspection cycles, filing requirements, condition classifications, deadlines, and penalties, and how to manage compliance efficiently.

⸻

Who must comply

Local Law 126 applies to all parking structures in New York City, including:
        •       Standalone parking garages
        •       Parking garages within residential or mixed-use buildings
        •       Accessory parking structures serving a building

Both open and enclosed parking structures are covered.

Responsibility rests with the property owner, even if the garage is operated or leased to a third party.

⸻

What is a “parking structure”?

Under DOB rules, a parking structure includes:
        •       Any building or portion of a building used for parking or storing motor vehicles
        •       Structures supported by ramps, slabs, beams, columns, or transfer structures
        •       Above-grade and below-grade garages

⸻

Inspection cycles & deadlines

Parking structures must be inspected on a 6-year cycle, divided into two sub-cycles based on the last digit of the building’s block number.

Parking Structure Inspection Cycle (example structure)
        •       Sub-Cycle A: First half of the cycle
        •       Sub-Cycle B: Second half of the cycle

Owners must ensure that:
        •       A one-time initial inspection is completed
        •       Subsequent inspections occur every six years
        •       Reports are filed within the assigned sub-cycle window

Missing your filing window can trigger automatic penalties, even if the inspection is completed later.

⸻

Who performs the inspection

Inspections must be conducted by a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI):
        •       A New York State–licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
        •       With relevant experience in structural inspections

The QPSI performs a hands-on, close-up inspection of the garage’s structural elements and files the report electronically with DOB.

⸻

How rascompany.com helps with Local Law 126 compliance

Parking garage inspections often uncover structural, waterproofing, or load-related issues that require immediate coordination between engineers and contractors.

rascompany.com helps property managers and building owners by matching them with vetted professionals experienced in NYC Local Law 126 compliance, including:
        •       Qualified Parking Structure Inspectors (PEs)
        •       Concrete, structural, and waterproofing contractors
        •       Garage repair specialists familiar with DOB filing and repair timelines

By using rascompany.com, owners can:
        •       Avoid delays caused by sourcing engineers and contractors separately
        •       Reduce compliance risk with professionals familiar with DOB enforcement
        •       Move seamlessly from inspection to repair if conditions are identified

The result is a more predictable, efficient Local Law 126 process—from inspection through resolution.

⸻

Parking structure condition classifications

After inspection, the QPSI assigns one of three conditions:

1) Safe

The parking structure is structurally sound with no action required other than routine maintenance until the next cycle.

2) SREM (Safe With Repairs and/or Engineering Monitoring)

The structure is safe at the time of inspection, but repairs or monitoring are required to prevent deterioration.

Key points:
        •       A repair/monitoring timeline must be provided
        •       Conditions must be addressed before the next inspection cycle
        •       Failure to correct SREM items can result in an Unsafe classification later

3) Unsafe

The structure presents an immediate or potential danger to occupants or the public.

⸻

If your garage is classified as “Unsafe”

If Unsafe conditions are identified, owners must act immediately:
        •       Restrict access or close the garage, in whole or in part
        •       Install public protection or load restrictions, if required
        •       Notify DOB and file the Unsafe condition report
        •       Complete repairs within the required DOB timeframe
        •       File an amended report once repairs are complete

Failure to address Unsafe conditions promptly can result in daily penalties, vacate orders, or enforcement actions.

⸻

Filing & DOB NOW

All Parking Structure Inspection reports are submitted electronically through DOB NOW.

Owner responsibility includes:
        •       Maintaining an active DOB eFiling account
        •       Authorizing the QPSI to submit reports
        •       Ensuring timely follow-up filings after repairs

Incomplete or inconsistent filings may be rejected, delaying compliance.

⸻

Fees & penalties (what owners should budget for)

While professional fees vary, DOB penalties can be significant:
        •       Late filing penalties assessed monthly
        •       Failure-to-file violations issued automatically
        •       Additional fines for failure to correct Unsafe conditions

Delays caused by missing engineers or contractors often cost more than proactive compliance planning.

⸻

A practical Local Law 126 compliance strategy
        1.      Confirm whether your property includes a parking structure
        2.      Identify your inspection sub-cycle early
        3.      Engage a Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI)
        4.      Budget for potential repairs or monitoring
        5.      Act immediately on Unsafe or SREM findings

Using a matching platform like rascompany.com can simplify steps 3–5 by connecting you with experienced professionals who understand NYC parking structure requirements.

⸻

Key takeaway

NYC Local Law 126 is a life-safety regulation, not a paperwork exercise. Parking structures are heavily used, load-bearing assets, and deferred maintenance can quickly become a compliance and liability issue.

Property managers and building owners who:
        •       Plan inspections early
        •       Coordinate engineers and contractors efficiently
        •       Address findings proactively

are best positioned to remain compliant, protect occupants, and control long-term costs—especially when supported by services like rascompany.com.