A multi-level parking garage or structured parking facility that serves a commercial building's tenants and visitors. Maintenance costs for shared parking structures, including cleaning, lighting, striping, and minor concrete repairs, are commonly included in CAM.
Parking structure operations encompass sweeping and power washing, lighting maintenance, elevator and stairwell upkeep, directional signage, gate and access control systems, structural concrete inspections, expansion joint maintenance, waterproofing membrane repairs, and striping. Operating expenses for shared structures are CAM-eligible. Major structural repairs (post-tensioning cable replacement, deck resurfacing, ramp reconstruction) are capital expenditures. Lease language should specify whether parking structure costs are part of the general CAM pool or a separate charge.
A landlord resurfaced the top three decks of a parking garage at a cost of $580,000 and included it as "parking maintenance" in that year's CAM. Deck resurfacing is a capital project with a 15-year useful life. The charge inflated every tenant's annual CAM by over $5 per square foot.
Review parking-related line items on your reconciliation for unusual spikes. Routine cleaning, lighting, and striping should cost a predictable amount each year. Large expenses for "parking repairs" or "deck maintenance" likely involve capital work that should be amortized or excluded from CAM entirely.
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Find My OverchargesThis page provides general educational information. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the most current law in your state. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
