Permits for handling projects?
Storage rack specifications are part of the Uniform Building Code, but officials can extend permitting to other types of handling equipment.
By Sal Fateen -- Modern Materials Handling, 3/1/2000
In the early 1970s, the Rack Manufacturers Institute produced an interim specification for the design, testing and utilization of industrial steel storage racks. This spec was adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and later by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO).Once storage racks were a part of the Uniform Building Code, building officials in California required that racks be designed in compliance with the building code. They also said that engineering review (plan check) and building permits had to be issued for rack installations.
Subsequent to the spec's adoption by ANSI and ICBO, confusion and chaos hit the materials handling industry. Now, "getting the order" was not the ultimate goal; rather the aim was satisfying building codes.
Several questions arose then:
What is a building permit? A permit is an official document issued by a building department authorizing the performance of a specified activity.
Who is responsible for compliance? Usually the owner of a building is responsible for compliance with the codes. For storage racks, it is the owner of the rack who is responsible. Unfortunately, most material handling dealers and their sales forces try to assume that responsibility by using the term "turn-key" in their proposals.
These good Samaritans run into the bureaucratic whirlpool and boundless confusion when trying to obtain permits. Projects are delayed due to items such as fire department requirements, hazardous materials, smoke vents, exits, sprinklers, occupancy, and the like. These are items beyond the applicant's control.
Is this a West Coast problem only? As time went by and large earthquakes and their effects were experienced nationally, other building departments beyond just those on the West Coast became concerned about all buildings and "other structures."
Up until the early 1980s, storage racks had been an industrial commodity and the concern of building officials only in high seismic profile areas. But when home building material stores and others like them started developing the look of a warehouse and storage racks were around the public, that is when many building officials around the country started paying more attention to rack design.
Is it only storage racks that require permits? Although only storage racks and book stacks are mentioned in the building codes, building officials have been asking for permits for mezzanines, shelving, conveyor supports, carousels, vertical lifts, and the like.
Unless specifically excluded from the code, the building official can ask for engineering review and, thus, permitting, of any equipment.
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