Top Things You Need to Know

• Who must comply: All parking structures as defined by the ordinance (wood-framed garages are excluded) 
• First inspection deadline: Existing structures must be inspected by December 31, 2026, and every five years thereafter. New structures require an initial condition assessment five years from the original Certificate of Occupancy. 
• Licensed professional requirement: Inspections must be performed by a New Jersey-licensed Professional Engineer, with inspection reports submitted to the Borough within 15 days of the inspection. 
• Condition classifications: Safe, Safe with Engineering Monitoring while repairs are being performed, or Unsafe. Repair and amended-report requirements follow an unsafe classification. 
• Non-compliance risks: potential for enforcement actions and increased liability exposure if deadlines or repairs are missed.

If you’re familiar with New York City’s Local Law 126, Fort Lee’s program uses a similar three-tier system as Local Law 126’s (Safe, Safe with Repair and Maintenance (SREM), or Unsafe).

Why The Law Was Introduced

Parking structures face constant exposure to weather, water, and heavy traffic loads. Over time, these factors accelerate deterioration, creating safety risks for drivers and pedestrians. Chloride intrusion and aging concrete can lead to corrosion and structural failures. Fort Lee’s ordinance aims to address these concerns by ensuring that garages are regularly evaluated by qualified professionals.

Key Requirements for Compliance

Under the new law, property owners must complete an initial inspection of existing parking structures by December 31, 2026. After that, inspections are required every five years. For newly constructed parking structures, an initial condition assessment is required five years from the initial Certificate of Occupancy. Each inspection must be performed by a New Jersey licensed professional engineer and include a report submitted to the borough.

Condition classifications include Safe, Safe with Repair and Maintenance (SREM), or Unsafe, with repair and amended-report requirements tied to the engineer’s findings. If deficiencies are identified, repairs must be completed within the required timeframe to maintain compliance.

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to enforcement actions, liability exposure, and higher long-term costs if structural issues worsen.

What Does a Comprehensive Inspection Include? 

A thorough parking structure inspection typically evaluates: 

• Structural integrity of slabs, beams, and columns 
• Signs of corrosion or water infiltration 
• Condition of waterproofing systems 
• Load-bearing capacity and overall safety 

These evaluations help identify problems early, reducing the risk of sudden failures and expensive emergency repairs. Our predictive maintenance strategies can help you address issues like these in a timely manner. 
 
Repairs and Unsafe Conditions 

If a structure is rated Unsafe, repairs must be completed within 90 days, and an amended report filed within two weeks after repairs. 

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

While the ordinance does not explicitly define specific monetary penalties for inaction, failure to comply can lead to enforcement actions by the Borough. 

Next Steps for Owners 

• Confirm that your facility meets the ordinance’s definition of a parking structure. 
• Check the Certificate of Occupancy date to determine your first deadline 
• Retain a New Jersey-licensed Professional Engineer experienced in parking structures 
• Schedule and complete the inspection; submit the inspection report to the Borough within 15 days of the inspection. 
• If the structure is rated Unsafe, plan repairs and ensure an amended report is filed within two weeks of completion 
• Set a reminder for your five-year reinspection cycle 

Why Acting Now Matters 

Waiting until the deadline approaches can create scheduling challenges and limit time for repairs. Proactive inspections not only ensure compliance but also extend the life of your structure and protect the people who use it every day.

How StructureCare Can Help 

At StructureCare, we provide a single source solution for parking structure safety. Our team combines engineering expertise with hands-on repair and maintenance services, making compliance simple and stress-free. We help owners and managers in Fort Lee and across New Jersey stay ahead of regulations and avoid surprises.  

If you own or manage a parking structure in Fort Lee, now is the time to act. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and keep your facility safe, compliant, and cost-effective.