Edina Parking Ramp Law Affects Parking Structure Owners
Find Out How This New Law Affects You
An ongoing regulation, Article XIII of the Edina, Minnesota Code of Ordinances, mandates annual inspection and reporting requirements that every parking ramp owner needs to follow to stay compliant.
Below we will talk about details regarding the Edina Law:
- Responsibilities of Parking Ramp Owners
- Repercussions of Not Meeting Code Requirements
- Cities Near Edina
- Next Steps
Responsibilities of Parking Ramp Owners
Parking ramp owners need to pay attention to the three key details to know when they need to act on their parking ramp.
- Determine if your parking ramp falls under the requirements of the code.
a. Per Section 10-568. - Definitions:
i. “Parking ramp means a building, garage, or structure or part thereof in which a structural level other than a slab on grade is used for parking, storage or maintenance of motor vehicles.”
b. Per Section 10-569. - License required; exemption:
i. Ramps in operation for less than five years are exempt:
1. “…no license shall be required until July 1 immediately following the fifth annual anniversary of the certificate of occupancy for the parking ramp… - Retain an engineer to inspect your parking ramp and write a report based on the code's requirements.
a. Per Section 10-571. - Inspection and report:
i. “No license shall be issued or renewed pursuant to this article unless the parking ramp has been inspected by a qualified engineer and a report issued…
b. Per Section 10-568. - Definitions.
i. “Qualified engineer means a person who:
1. Is registered by the state as a professional engineer in the field of civil or structural engineering;
2. Has demonstrated experience and expertise in parking ramp inspection… - Submit the written inspection report and affidavit to the city as part of the annual parking ramp licensure process.
a. Per Section 10-573. - Report:
i. The application for a license…shall be accompanied by a copy of the report prepared by the qualified engineer….The report shall state:
1. Whether any structural repairs are required, and shall indicate whether the structure is capable of supporting the loads for which it was designed;
2. The date or dates of the on-site inspection and describe any test performed in connection with the inspection;
3. Any recommendations issued to the owner of the parking ramp.
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 Edina, 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
Per Section 10-569. - License required; exemption:
“No person shall own or operate a parking ramp within the city without first obtaining a license pursuant to this article…”
Cities Near Edina
The codified ordinance only applies to parking ramps in Edina proper. If your asset is not in Edina, it is not subject to the specific requirements outlined above.
If not located in Edina, determine if the jurisdiction in which your asset is located requires inspection. Multiple other municipalities in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area, including both twin cities, mandate parking Ramp inspection and reporting like Edina.
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 Ramps in Edina, 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