Do I Need A Permit for My Warehouse Pallet Racking?

Do I Need A Permit for My Warehouse Pallet Racking?

Do I need pallet rack permits?
A question we field a lot during the course of our work and the answer is probably. Most cities require permits on any racking over 5′ 9″ tall. Whether you choose to get permits is up to you, but we highly recommend doing so to insure public safety, health and welfare.

How do I apply for a permit?
Here at The Safety Source, we’ll handle your permit needs to ensure all regulations and city codes are being followed! If you are unsure whether a building permit is needed for your project, see the guide below!

Required Permits
What permits are actually required? There’s two: Building Permits and Fire Permits. Some cities automatically include the Fire Permits in their permitting process, check with your city’s Permit Division.

Building Permit
Most cities require building permits for industrial storage racks that are over 5’ 9” high. In addition, this includes pallet rack and shelving.

Fire Permit
Product stored above 12’ have a specific designation. For highly flammable products, anything over 6′ may be deemed High Piled Storage. A High Piled Storage permit requires more involvement from the Fire Marshal who will assess the flammability of the product being stored, and the adequacy of the fire sprinkler system.

Permit Fees
Like many building permit fees, the permit fees for warehouse racking systems are typically a percentage of the total value of the project. Fees can vary widely, but we commonly see them in the range of 10-30% of the racking value + installation cost.

Pallet Rack Permit Process
There are several steps to obtaining permits for warehouse storage racking. Luckily for you, one of our project managers will address all the necessary questions to make this process smooth! While the exact steps can vary by county or state, here is an overview of the typical process:

1. CAD Drawings
CAD Drawings are prepared to show floor and site plans, including the location of the racking equipment within the building, aisles, ingress, egress, rack dimensions, beam elevations, and more.

2. Seismic Calculations
Seismic calculations are a required part of the permit process in most states. Calculations are based on the specific configuration of racking in your warehouse, and the estimated loads you intend to place on the racking.

3. Permit Documents
We’ll fill out the necessary documentation to pull an initial permit for the racking. Secondly, we submit the documentation and work with the local government to process the initial permit.

4. Installation
Once the initial permit has been pulled, pallet rack installation can begin. Our professional rack installers will install the racking in accordance with all city/county/state codes.

5. Special Inspection
The permitting authority requires an independent testing company to verify the rack was installed and anchored properly.

6. Final Inspection
The permitting authority performs their final inspection to verify the installation meets all requirements.

7. Final Permit
After a successful final inspection has been completed, the permit moves into its ‘final’ stage. You made it! Your storage pallet racking is ready for use at this point!!

Let Us Help with your Pallet Rack Permits...
Obtaining permits is one of the least exciting of all the steps in a warehouse racking project. Moreover, it’s a lot of paperwork, communicating with multiple parties, and standing in line at the permit office. Let us at The Safety Source handle it for you!! Contact us today to get a quote on installation, material options, and permitting costs for your warehouse pallet racking, implant office, mezzanine, and LED lighting projects

… & More!
The Safety Source sells, services, and installs warehouse pallet racking, distribution center pallet racking, cantilever pallet racking, retail pallet racking, production workflow pallet racking and much more. We represent brands like Unirak, Bulldog Manufacturing, Husky Rack & Wire, Steel King and Cogan! With us, you also have the option to select custom colors for uprights and beams. Submit your info online, or email general inquiries to Support@SafetySourceLLC.com !