QMH Warehouse Solutions & Services
Posted by Julia on June 25, 2015
Buyer Beware: Permit Red Flags When Getting Storage Rack Permits
Not all rack installers and permit services are equal. Watch for these red flags when navigating the storage rack permitting process:
- No engineer of record – California requires a licensed structural engineer to stamp rack installation drawings, consistent with International Code Council (ICC) building code requirements. Any service that skips this step is cutting corners that could result in permit rejection or post-installation citations.
- “Generic” seismic calculations – Seismic requirements are site-specific and generally follow the ANSI/RMI MH16.1 rack design standard. Generic calculations that aren’t stamped for your specific address and occupancy are not code-compliant.
- Installers who claim permits “aren’t required” – Permits are required for most rack installations in California exceeding 8 feet in height. Any installer who tells you otherwise is exposing you to significant liability.
- No inspection coordination – A legitimate permit process includes a final inspection by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). If an installer says inspections aren’t needed, be cautious.
The process of obtaining city permits for warehouse storage rack installation can seem like a significant hurdle at first glance. However, with a little planning and some foresight, getting your warehouse storage rack permit can be completed in seven simple steps. Join us as we look at how easy the process can be!
As an experienced seller of warehouse storage rack systems, we’ve experienced our share of the permitting process. The first time through, permitting can seem like a real drag for those not familiar with the process, so we wanted to lay out the simple seven-step process so you know what to expect when planning and installing new or additional warehouse storage racks.
City Permits: Application Process
Step 1: Preliminary Request
This will allow you to determine which types of materials you will need, as well as the strengths and weight capacities of the materials you’ll need for your project.
Step 2: Site Visit
We’ll send a specialist to your site to determine where the warehouse storage racking will be placed and in which configuration. With that, we create a warehouse floor plan of your racking systems along with a site plan.
Step 3: Structural Calculations
This is similar to your preliminary request but more detailed with all the specific measurements determined during the site visit. Especially in California with its frequent seismic activity (i.e. lots of earthquake activity daily), your structural calculations will include seismic information for your specific address, which is all done by our structural engineer.
Step 4: Prepare Package for Presentation
The idea behind the first three steps is to make sure we have all of the “T’s” crossed and “I’s” dotted. It’s far easier to get approval when your permit package is prepared correctly than to have to resubmit because of errors or missing information.
Step 5: Submit Project to City & City Review
Once your city receives your plan, they’ll review it and either pass it along to the inspector, or return it for corrections to be made before approval. This is where the process can get prolonged. When we submit to the city, it’s all in their hands. We work diligently to submit applications for city permits in a timely manner but from that point, the lead time for approval will vary by city.
Step 6: Approval or Corrections
Either your permit package is approved or there are corrections that need to be made. If corrections need to be made, we’ll be there to help you along the way towards getting approval. Usually these are minute details that pertain to your specific project.
Step 7: Final Inspection
Once the city approves the paperwork, they’ll assign an inspector to visit your site and perform a final inspection and give you final approval for the warehouse racking project.
With the right planning and QMH there to help you through the process, obtaining warehouse permits from any city in California can be a breeze. If you have more questions about how to plan or apply for a permit from your city for warehouse racking, contact us at 800 404 RACK (7225) or visit QMHInc.com for a live chat with one of our professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warehouse Storage Rack Permits
Do all warehouse storage rack installations require a permit?
In most California jurisdictions, a permit is required for rack installations exceeding 8 feet in height, though local requirements can vary by city and occupancy type. Even shorter installations may require a permit depending on the load capacity and configuration, so it’s best to confirm requirements with your local building department before installation.
How long does the permitting process typically take?
Timelines vary significantly by city, but most projects take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months from initial submission to final approval. Projects that require corrections or additional documentation after the initial city review will generally take longer.
What happens if I install storage racks without a required permit?
Installing racks without a required permit can result in citations, fines, and orders to remove or retrofit the racking at your own expense. Unpermitted installations can also create liability issues in the event of a rack failure or workplace injury, since the racking may not have been verified against current seismic and structural requirements.
Who is responsible for obtaining the permit, the warehouse owner or the rack installer?
This depends on the agreement between the parties, but many rack suppliers, including QMH, handle the permitting process on behalf of the customer as part of the installation project. It’s important to clarify this responsibility in your contract before work begins.
Do permits need to be renewed if I reconfigure my existing racking?
Reconfiguring existing racking, such as changing beam heights, adding levels, or altering load capacities, typically requires a new permit review since the structural and seismic calculations may change. Always check with your local building department before modifying previously permitted racking systems.
Questions? Call 800-404-RACK (7225)
Learn more about Warehouse Permits
Talk to a Permit Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
In most California jurisdictions, a permit is required for rack installations exceeding 8 feet in height, though local requirements can vary by city and occupancy type. Even shorter installations may require a permit depending on the load capacity and configuration, so it’s best to confirm requirements with your local building department before installation.
Timelines vary significantly by city, but most projects take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months from initial submission to final approval. Projects that require corrections or additional documentation after the initial city review will generally take longer.
Installing racks without a required permit can result in citations, fines, and orders to remove or retrofit the racking at your own expense. Unpermitted installations can also create liability issues in the event of a rack failure or workplace injury, since the racking may not have been verified against current seismic and structural requirements.
This depends on the agreement between the parties, but many rack suppliers, including QMH, handle the permitting process on behalf of the customer as part of the installation project. It’s important to clarify this responsibility in your contract before work begins.
Reconfiguring existing racking, such as changing beam heights, adding levels, or altering load capacities, typically requires a new permit review since the structural and seismic calculations may change. Always check with your local building department before modifying previously permitted racking systems.
