CSA S413-2026

Parking structures

Preface This is the sixth edition of CSA S413, Parking structures . It supersedes the previous editions published in 2021, 2014, 2007, 1994, and 1987. This Standard specifies the minimum design, construction, and maintenance requirements necessary for the structural durability of new parking structures, storage garages, parts of buildings subject to vehicular traffic or used for parking, and pedestrian areas adjoining to or contained within parking structures. The following are the major changes to this edition: a) clarification and notes that the Standard was developed for passenger vehicles, under 4000 kg, in recognition that it is being referenced in the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) for facilities that could have heavier vehicle loads; b) addition of Clause 7.5.1.3for increased tolerance where slopes for accessibility and barrier-free parking are required; and c) addition of Clause H.10.8.3for guidance on the use of curing compounds. This Standard has been adopted by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes as the reference standard for parking structures in Section 4 of the NBC. This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Parking Structures, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Structures (Design), and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. Scope 1.1 General This Standard specifies special requirements for the durability aspects of the design and construction of new parking structures and parts of buildings subject to vehicular traffic. This includes pedestrian traffic areas adjoining to or contained within parking structures. These include areas such as stairs, and pedestrian bridges from parking structures. The application of this Standard includes structures which are designed for the storage and/or repair of vehicles, whether those structures are stand alone, above ground or below ground, and part of or connected to the structure of a larger structure/development. Note: This includes commercial, residential, industrial, or institutional, and all other building types. 1.2 Structure types New parking structures constructed of structural steel, reinforced concrete (including prestressed concrete), or a combination of these materials fall within the scope of this Standard. 1.3 Repair of existing parking structures This Standard does not cover the repair of existing parking structures, and the provisions of this Standard are not necessarily appropriate for the repair and protection of existing structures. Note: See CSA S448.1 for information on the repair of concrete structures. 1.4 Reference standards In the event of conflict between this Standard and the reference standards, this Standard takes precedence. 1.5 Terminology In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.