Can a Civil Engineer Stamp Structural Drawings for Warehouse Permits?

So, you are planning to build a warehouse, change up your design, or add new pallet racking, and you need to start the permitting process. Congratulations on your project, but make sure you have the engineering support you need to get fast approval and build out a safe, structurally sound storage system.

If you’re wondering who can provide the stamped drawings you need, we’ll answer these two common questions:

Can a Mechanical Engineer Stamp Structural Drawings?

Mechanical engineers are experts in designing machines. Generally, this includes solving mechanical problems and challenges such as designing and testing engines, HVAC systems, medical devices, or tools. It takes a high degree of skill, but a mechanical engineer would not be able to stamp structural drawings for your warehouse.

When you buy warehouse equipment, automation, or machines, it’s likely to have been designed by a mechanical engineer who has certified the equipment meets industry standards before it hits the market.

Can a Civil Engineer Stamp Structural Drawings?

A civil engineer focuses on planning, designing, and supervising the construction of buildings and infrastructure projects. They take on jobs like designing and supervising the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and water systems.

Civil engineers are also highly skilled, but they do not provide engineering-stamped structural drawings for warehouse operations.

So, if a mechanical or civil engineer is not right for your warehouse project, what type of engineer do you need? The answer is “a structural engineer.” Occasionally, you will find an engineer who is trained and certified in multiple disciplines, so a mechanical engineer or civil engineer might also be a structural engineer. However, for warehouse operations, the best approach is to work with a structural engineer who specializes in safe warehouse design.

What Is a Structural Engineer?

Structural engineers analyze and design structures that ensure the structural integrity of buildings and equipment. They will verify that your warehouse equipment meets applicable standards for weight loads and safe operation, including meeting all local building and fire codes.

In most cases, you will need a stamped engineering document when you apply for permits for your warehouse project, and these documents will need to be sealed by a licensed and qualified structural engineer.

Why Do You Need an Engineering Stamp for Warehouse Projects?

A professional engineer (PE) stamp demonstrates that a qualified engineer has reviewed the designs and deemed them safe and up to code. Not every warehouse equipment company will have a PE on staff. Those that do demonstrate a higher level of commitment to safety and reliability.

A structural engineer will evaluate plans and provide the necessary calculations that show the equipment you want to install is the right fit. For example, ensuring that equipment and plans:

  • Have sufficient structural support for the intended use
  • Can handle weight loads
  • Meet requirements for seismic zones
  • Include the proper foundation and anchoring/tie-downs
  • Consider any reinforcements or structural modifications

In reality, these are just a few of the items a structural engineer will sign off on. There is a long list of calculations that must be made and approved to make sure you can operate safely. As there are different warehouse facilities and configurations, storage and utilization, and localized codes, each warehouse design plan is unique and needs a thorough examination.

According to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), a stamped document ensures the system will perform up to the requirements and meet all structural engineering best practices. PEs take their job seriously because they know that design mistakes can lead to safety problems. So, when they sign off on a design, you can have confidence in the results.

You will need to ensure that your warehouse racking and storage systems conform to accepted safety standards, such as those from:

  • Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI)
  • American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Why Choose Conesco Storage Systems for Your Structural Design?

When you work with a company like Conesco Storage Systems, you can rest assured your equipment and design will meet all applicable requirements. You can get stamped engineering documents from a professional structural engineer, which can help you fast-track the permitting and approval process, and create the design for your warehouse equipment build-out.

Since structural engineers must be licensed, when you get the PE stamp on your permit plans, local authorities recognize its authority.

Request a consult by calling Conesco Storage Systems at (303) 690-9591 to discuss your warehouse design project.

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Ted Hodges

Ted Hodges is the Founder and CEO of Conesco Storage Systems, a company he started in 1986 to provide turnkey warehousing products and services, including the repurposing of quality, used material handling equipment. With over 40 employees across the country, Ted and his team serve customers of all sizes throughout the different stages of the warehousing lifecycle. Learn more about Teddy.

“Over the past few years Conesco has proven to be valuable partners for our growing company. They understand their market and the priorities of our business, often helping us stay ahead of changes in demand for new and used racking so that we can get what we want when we want it.  It is good to have a partner that can anticipate your needs and stay ahead of them, that is the level of service that Conesco has demonstrated on a regular basis.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Company
“Working with Conesco was great. They asked the right questions, understood what we needed and our Denver Facility went in under budget. Good guys, good prices, and good services.”
~ Multinational Grocery Supply Company
“We have worked with Conesco for over 8 years, they are leaders in the Racking Industry, exceptional customer service and great in every aspect to work with. I refer them to anyone I know with racking needs.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Customer

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NEW & USED INDUSTRIAL PALLET RACK

“Conesco gave us the top dollar cash offer for our standing pallet rack. They also provided the crew to tear it down and get the material out of our building within the tight time-frame that we had to be out. Their team was very helpful throughout the process. We recommend working with them.

~ National Beverage Distribution Company

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Conesco can help. Complete our contact form or call us directly at: (303) 690-9591.

“Working with Conesco was great. They asked the right questions, understood what we needed and our Denver Facility went in under budget. Good guys, good prices, and good services.”
~ Multinational Grocery Supply Company
“We have worked with Conesco for over 8 years, they are leaders in the Racking Industry, exceptional customer service and great in every aspect to work with. I refer them to anyone I know with racking needs.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Customer
“Over the past few years Conesco has proven to be valuable partners for our growing company. They understand their market and the priorities of our business, often helping us stay ahead of changes in demand for new and used racking so that we can get what we want when we want it.  It is good to have a partner that can anticipate your needs and stay ahead of them, that is the level of service that Conesco has demonstrated on a regular basis.”
~ Third Party Logistics [3PL] Company

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