SOLUTIONS FOR STRUCTURES
PIPS (Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures)
When it comes to compliance and safety, we are prepared to deliver prompt and effective solutions to parking garage owners’ needs. Our experienced and responsive QPSI-led team will guide you through the Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures (PIPS) part of Local Law 126 in New York City and performed in accordance with RCNY §103-13.
Whether addressing a single structural concern or a garage-wide issue, our team identifies the root cause of observed conditions and provides clear, actionable guidance for corrective measures. Led by NYC DOB–certified QPSIs, we bring deep knowledge of Local Law 126 requirements, RCNY §103-13 protocols, rope-access methods, nondestructive testing, and restoration design—ensuring owners remain compliant, informed, and protected throughout the PIPS cycle.
With a strong local presence supported by national expertise, Walker delivers prompt, effective support for parking structure inspections across New York City. From initial evaluations to preparing repair documents, developing protection measures, and submitting amended filings, our QPSI-led team helps clients confidently navigate every phase of the Parking Structure Inspection Program.
Ibrahim Erdem is the Director of Forensics, Restoration, and Building Envelope Services in Walker’s New York office. For over 20 years, Ibrahim has specialized in the evaluation, failure investigation, and repair of structures. He is also New York City’s first ever DOB-certified Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI).
Who is a QPSI? What do they help with?
A Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI) is a Professional Engineer, who meets specific experience and qualifications defined by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). QPSIs are authorized to inspect parking structures, assess their condition, and ensure compliance with Local Law 126 and RCNY §103-13. Certified by the NYC DOB, these professionals perform structural inspections and complete the required filings for the Parking Structure Inspection Program (PIPS).
While many engineers may be experienced with both designing and assessing various parking structures across the country, the QPSI certification from the City of New York requires local professionals to submit documentation of at least three years of experience in structural design, design of structural repairs, inspection and structural evaluation, and forensic structural engineering assessments. It also requires approval of comprehensive documentation, including professional work experience, project samples, and successful completion of an interview with the DOB’s Parking Structures Unit demonstrating their extensive understanding of various parking garage construction types, testing and repair.
The History of the Façade Inspection Safety Program
Following a series of parking garage collapses in New York City, the Department of Buildings introduced the Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures as part of Local Law 126 in order to protect the public health and safety from the risks of aging parking structures in New York City often impacted by deferred maintenance.
The first PIPS cycle is currently ongoing and mandates the examination of parking structures in all five boroughs, including classifying them as either “Safe”, “Safe with Repairs and Engineering Monitoring (SREM)” or Unsafe. Parking garages are subdivided into subcycles as follows:
- Sub-cycle A: Manhattan Districts 1–7 (filing window: 1/1/2022–12/31/2023).
- Sub-cycle B: Manhattan Districts 8–12 and Brooklyn (filing window: 1/1/2024–12/31/2025).
- Sub-cycle C: Bronx, Queens, Staten Island (filing window: 1/1/2026–12/31/2027).