What Fort Lee’s Ordinance 2025-17 Means for Property Owners and Managers

What Fort Lee’s Ordinance 2025-17 Means for Property Owners and Managers: A Clear Guide to Parking Structure Compliance

In 2025, the Borough of Fort Lee adopted Ordinance 2025-17, a new requirement that mandates periodic structural inspections for commercial and multi-family residential parking structures. The purpose is simple: to ensure these facilities remain structurally sound, safe for daily use, and properly maintained. For property owners and managers, understanding the details of this ordinance is essential to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.

What the Ordinance Requires

Under Ordinance 2025-17, all qualifying parking structures must be inspected by a New Jersey licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) every five years. These inspections are comprehensive structural evaluations designed to identify deterioration, hazards, and repair needs.

Who Must Comply

Owners of the following structures are required to comply:

• Commercial parking structures
• Multi-family residential parking structures
• Attached or unattached garages
• Above-grade and below-grade structured parking

Exemptions

Wood-frame garages are exempt from the ordinance.

Inspection Frequency and Deadlines

The ordinance establishes clear timelines:

• Existing structures must complete their first inspection by December 31, 2026.
• New structures must undergo their first inspection within five years of the Certificate of Occupancy.
• All structures must be inspected every five years thereafter.

These deadlines are firm, and the required inspection should be scheduled far in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

Who Can Perform the Inspection

All inspections must be conducted by a New Jersey licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.). This ensures that the evaluation is performed by a structural expert qualified to identify hidden deterioration and potential safety risks.

What Happens After the Inspection

Following the structural evaluation, the engineer must prepare an Inspection and Evaluation Report. This report:

• Documents all observable conditions
• Includes photographs
• Lists deficiencies and recommended repairs
• Classifies the structure’s overall condition as one of the following:
  • Safe
  • Safe with Engineering Monitoring (SREM)
  • Unsafe

The engineer is required to submit this report to the Fort Lee Building Department within 15 days of completing the inspection.

Related Requirements and Permit Considerations

The purpose of Ordinance 2025-17 is to ensure the structural integrity of parking structures and protect the public. If the engineer’s report identifies conditions requiring repair, owners may need to obtain building permits before beginning structural or concrete work. Permit requirements vary by scope, so owners should consult the Fort Lee Borough website or local building department for guidance.

What This Means for Property Owners and Managers

For many properties, this ordinance introduces new responsibilities that require planning and coordination. Key takeaways include:

Budgeting for Inspections and Repairs

Inspections every five years are now mandatory, and repair work may also be needed. Planning ahead helps avoid budget strain or emergency spending.

Risk Prevention

Early detection of cracking, corrosion, and water intrusion reduces the likelihood of major structural failures or costly reconstruction.

Avoiding Fines and Compliance Issues

Missing the inspection deadline or failing to file the engineer’s report could result in violations. Staying ahead of deadlines protects both the property and the owner.

How South Shore Construction Helps You Stay Compliant

South Shore Construction supports owners and managers through the compliance process in several ways.  We have a network of structural engineers we can recommend, who are experienced in parking structure repairs to perform these inspections.  We assist the structural engineers during the investigation process by performing on-site probes which will help them develop details and work scopes.  We also have the knowledge, experience, and capabilities to perform the repair work, restore structural integrity, remediate unsafe conditions, and bring the structure back into compliance with the township.

Repair and Restoration Services

If the engineer’s report identifies repair requirements, we can assist in developing a detailed scope, budget, and schedule. Our expertise includes:

• Concrete restoration
• Waterproofing and joint replacement
• Structural repairs
• Drainage improvements
• Protective coatings and long-term preventive solutions

We focus on minimizing disruption to tenants and maintaining safe access during the work.

Long-Term Maintenance Planning

Because inspections recur every five years, a long-term maintenance plan helps extend the lifespan of your parking structure while keeping future inspection reports favorable. We can help you prioritize repairs, plan phased work, and reduce future costs.

What You Should Do Now

If your property includes a qualifying parking structure in Fort Lee, take the following steps:

1. Confirm that your structure is covered under the ordinance.
2. Determine whether you are subject to the December 31, 2026 first-inspection deadline.
3. Schedule a New Jersey licensed engineer well before the deadline.
4. Review the inspection report carefully and act quickly on required repairs.
5. Establish a maintenance program to support long-term compliance.

Final Thoughts

Fort Lee’s Ordinance 2025-17 places a strong emphasis on public safety, proactive maintenance, and structural integrity. While the requirements may seem overwhelming at first, they ultimately protect property value and reduce long-term repair costs.

South Shore Construction is here to help property owners and managers navigate this process—from readiness and assistance to structural engineering firms to repairs and maintenance planning. If you have questions about compliance or need support preparing for your upcoming inspection, we are ready to assist.