8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Warehouse Permits
Whether you are installing new racking or changing an existing system, you need to go through the warehouse permit process. It depends on your location but generally, any storage system exceeding about 5’9” in height will require permitting. Most likely, you will need a building permit and a fire permit along with stamped engineering drawings.
The warehouse permitting process can get complex. Certain types of materials, weights, and construction can trigger additional requirements. It is easy to make mistakes and they can be expensive. Here are some of the most common errors we see that impact operations.
1. Waiting Too Long
There’s a lot that has to go into your engineering package and standards can vary greatly by jurisdiction and can be complex depending on your installation.
It can take several months to get everything you need and get your warehouse permits approved. If there’s any missing piece to your application, it can delay your project even longer.
2. Failing to Get Prior Approval
One of the things we hear about regularly is that someone installed some racking without a permit or filed all the paperwork they needed. For example, they may not know they need seismic engineering in their area or that the new equipment will require upgrades to their sprinkler systems — which can add tens of thousands of dollars to projects.
3. Not Getting a Complete Engineering Package
You will need a stamped engineering package to get permit approval. Typically, this includes:
- A site plan showing the location of the facility in relation to nearby roads
- A plan view (or multiple plan views) that shows the location of the racking within your facility, including dimensions and other equipment within the warehouse
- A layout that shows exit doors and egress areas with changes to your racking configurations or new installations.
- An elevation view that shows the front of your racking, how you plan to store pallets, footplate anchors, and other details.
All of these things require an engineering stamp.
4. Waiting Until There’s a Problem
We also hear from a lot of people who reach out when they already have a problem. Maybe there’s an OSHA inspection, and they find issues. Or, the fire department comes into your facility for a routine inspection and finds you have racking installed that you’re not supposed to have according to their systems or approved warehouser permits. There have even been situations, where they red tag companies and lock them out of their facility until the situation is resolved.
In some cases, even modest modifications may require a new warehouse permit.
5. Using the Wrong Product
A standard engineering package will certify that the racking will sustain the weight. If you buy a product that cannot handle the weight capacity of what you are storing, you may have to tear the whole system out and replace it.
This happens occasionally as inventory storage changes or you add additional items with more weight. Finding this out during an inspection or when you have a safety incident can significantly increase your liability.
6. Not Fully Understanding the Impact of Changes
We’ve seen instances where someone installed new racking that met the standards required for warehouse permits but did not meet the requirements for their current sprinkler system because of the commodities they are storing and how they are stored.
Not knowing all of the components involved in getting warehouse permits and how they impact each other will cost you money later on.
7. Deviating From the Approved Plan
Once you have been issued a permit to install the racking, you need to follow the plan exactly. If you deviate from the original plan, you might not be able to get a final sign-off on your project without having to start the process over again. The city might cancel your permit and levy fines.
8. Not Working With Experienced Warehouse Design and Engineering Experts
It takes experience to understand the warehouse permitting process and the many nuances that are involved. There are different standards for different equipment, layouts, and facilities. There are varying standards in different locations.
It can be confusing to know which of the 100 different types of permits you need, whether you submit it as a standard building permit or something else, and even who you need to talk to when dealing with the city.
Experienced warehouse design and engineering experts like the team at Conesco Storage Systems can help you cut through the red tape, simplify the process, and make sure you have everything you need to streamline your warehouse permitting process.
Get warehouse permits right the first time. Request a consult with the expert warehouse design and engineering services team online or by calling Conesco Storage Systems at (303) 690-9591.
