Commercial & Industrial Permit Processing

At QMH, we know what it takes to get your commercial and industrial permits completed and submitted accurately and in a timely and professional manner. When you work with us on your city building or high pile permit, we’ll make sure everything is complete from start to finish, including final inspection and project signoffs. QMH is a full-service warehouse solution provider and licensed contractor that has a full permit department and installation team in-house.

Our Permitting Services

City Building Racking Permits

Our standard California warehouse design package includes:

Detailed rack engineering, drawing, and structural calculations provided by a state licensed structural engineer
Complete, detailed CAD floor plan showing system layout, building exits, and office locations
Site plan showing property location, property lines, parking, and vicinity map
Elevation plan

Additional services include: ADA Plan link; egress lighting path of travel plan; deputy inspection of bolt anchoring.

High Pile Storage Permits

Our standard package includes:

Site plan, floor plan, roof and ventilation plan

Product commodity classification

Sprinkler specifications

Permit submission

Additional services include: We work with licensed partners for in-rack sprinkler systems, sprinkler modifications or upgrades, and 5-year sprinkler certifications.

Certifications, Calculations & Inspections

As part of our permitting process, we engage experts who help us make proper assessments and calculations. Some of the services we offer include:

Seismic engineering

Structural engineering calculations with licensed wet stamp

Fire engineering calculations with licensed wet stamp

Warehouse inspections, including deputy bolt inspection, annual fire sprinkler Inspection, slab uplift test, concrete core test, racking Inspection

Project Planning & Installation Support

Getting your permit approved is just one step in a project. The next step is carrying out those plans. QMH is a full-service partner, and can help with:

Layout

Design

Labor

Products & Materials

Installation

Certifications, Calculations & Inspections

As part of our permitting process, we engage experts who help us make proper assessments and calculations. Some of the services we offer include:

Seismic engineering

Warehouse inspections, including deputy bolt inspection, annual fire sprinkler Inspection, slab uplift test, concrete core test, racking Inspection

Project Planning & Installation Support

Getting your permit approved is just one step in a project. The next step is carrying out those plans. QMH is a full-service partner, and can help with:

Layout

Design

Labor

Products & Materials

Installation

Contractor's License #731100 (B, D34)

Why work with QMH's permit experts?

Years in the Industry

%

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Employees

Partner With Us on Your Permit Process

The permitting process can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be when you work with us. Whether you need a city building racking permit or a high pile permit, we've got the tools, knowledge, and skills to get your application submitted correctly.

Hear from Our Team of Permit Experts

Our in-house permit department has years of experience in the city building process, and is constantly keeping up with changes to regulations and codes. We've also got strong relationships with many structural engineers and city officials.

Permit Process

The process of getting a racking permit or high pile storage permit can be extremely difficult and confusing, and it’s easy to make a costly mistake that will delay the completion of your project. When you work with QMH on your permit, you’re teaming up with experienced permit specialists who are committed to helping you navigate a complicated process with ease.

Contact QMH to connect with a permit specialist who will review your project, evaluate your materials, and identify the type of permit support you need. We offer everything from planning to product to installation, and we can work with urgent deadlines as easily as long-term projects.

Step 1: Site Visit

A QMH permit specialist will visit your site to create a floor plan and a site plan that document the configuration and location of your warehouse racking.

Step 2: Structural Calculations

Our licensed structural engineers come to your site and take measurements of your project’s location that they use to generate your structural calculations.

Step 3: Package Preparation

Our permit specialists help you properly prepare your permit application with your material calculations, floor plan, site plan, and structural calculations.

Step 4: Application Submission

Turn in your permit application to the appropriate reviewing agency for assessment and evaluation for any necessary corrections before approval.

Step 5: Final Inspection

An inspector will visit your site to perform a final inspection of your location before giving you a final approval of the permit for your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if city inspectors, fire marshals, or building inspectors visit and I don't have permits?

Don’t worry – just get in touch with us. We’ll take care of them! Call us at 888-557-5705 or fill out our contact form.

Why do I need a permit?

Permits are required by cities, counties and states to ensure workplace safety. Essentially this covers the liability of your business and its work environment. In order to protect your employees and company as well as the city, calculations and permits are required to confirm that your materials and installation meet current safety standards.

According to the 2014 California Building Code (CBC), you are required to obtain a permit if your racking material is above 5’9”.

What permit do I need?

The answer to this question depends on the height of your storage racks. The general rule of thumb is that if the top of the material stored exceeds 144 inches, you will need both the City Building Permit and High Pile Fire Storage Permit. If the top of the material is below 144 inches, only the City Building Permit is required (unless the material being stored is a high hazard commodity*).

*Highly flammable material and liquids stored on your racks are considered high hazard commodities. This might require special containment and severe height limitations below 144 inches.

How long is the permit process?

Ideally, you should start the permit process 8-10 weeks prior to the installation date. We know that this can be an unrealistic time frame for meeting a deadline. The minimum time frame is typically 2-4 weeks before the installation.

The process of preparing and submitting permits takes approximately two weeks from the day our permit technician conducts the initial site visit. The next step of the process is handled entirely by the city. The time it takes to move forward after submission depends on the city, but typically it takes 4-6 weeks for feedback. They will either approve the project or require corrections. If the review process goes through a county, this process could take up to 10 weeks.

When do I need a permit specialist?

The sooner you consult a permit specialist, the better. The last thing you want is to find out that the building you just moved into will not meet your storage needs. This is a common occurrence when it comes to fire suppression systems, ADA improvements, and concrete condition/strength. We protect our customers by consulting with them prior to their move, helping them make a well-informed decision regarding a new facility.

How much will my permit cost?

All permits are unique to their application and vary in cost. We recommend calling one of our permit experts for an accurate price. Permit costs are influenced by city and state regulations. All pricing is fixed and does not vary.

Can I permit my existing racks?

It depends on the manufacturer of the material and how it was installed. The material must be certified steel from a certified manufacturer and in good condition. The installation will also need to be done by a licensed contractor or the building owner (this excludes tenants). The material needs to be installed according to the codes, otherwise it must be uninstalled and then reinstalled properly to code. Another potential issue is the type of anchor bolts used during installation. If they are not certified anchors, the entire section will need to be removed.

Can used racks be permitted?

It depends on the manufacturer of the material and its application. The material must be certified steel from a certified manufacturer and in good condition. One of the difficulties with permitting used material is that it cannot be adjusted to meet the latest engineering requirements and regulations. So although used certified material can be permitted, the result is typically decreased storage capacity compared to its original design.

Have Questions? Contact our team of permit experts!

About QMH

QMH has been providing businesses with material handling products and storage solutions since 1991, servicing reputable companies around the country and building a track record with highly satisfied clientele. QMH values excellent product quality and customer service, and it is our goal to provide the best warehouse solutions and continue to solidify ourselves as the go-to Warehouse Solution Specialists.