When Is a Pallet Racking Permit Required in Ontario?

When Is a Racking Permit Required?

In Ontario, you may need a building permit when you install or change pallet racking. The Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12) treats pallet racking as a type of structural system.

A permit is usually needed when:
* You install a new racking system that is anchored to the building or is more than a minor height.
* You make a major change to the racking, such as making it taller or changing the layout.
* You build a mezzanine or platform that is supported by the racking.

Most Ontario cities, including Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga and Brampton, treat these types of rack installations as building changes that require a permit.
Fire safety can also be a reason for a permit. Higher racks, different products, or changes to storage can affect the sprinkler system and fire protection.

Who Is Responsible?
The building owner is responsible for making sure the work is properly permitted.
If you are renting a warehouse, your lease may say that you are responsible for getting the permit.
If a tenant is applying for a permit, the city will usually require written permission from the building owner.
Do not start the work until you know what permits are required.

What Do You Need for a Racking Permit?
The exact requirements can be different from one city to another. However, you will usually need some or all of the following:

1. Engineering Drawings (Structural Drawings by a P.Eng.)
A Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) must prepare and stamp the drawings.
The drawings should show:
* Where the racks will go
* Rack heights
* Anchor and baseplate details
* How much weight the racks can hold
* Seismic requirements, where required
These drawings show that the racking is designed to be safe.

2. Concrete Floor (Floor Slab Capacity Letter)
You may need a letter from a structural engineer confirming that the concrete floor can safely support the racks and the products stored on them.
Rack uprights can put a lot of weight on small areas of the floor.
If the floor is not strong enough, it may need to be repaired or reinforced before the racks are installed.

3. Sprinkler and Fire Protection Letter (Sprinkler Design / Fire Protection Letter)
Racking can affect the building’s fire protection system.
For example, higher racks or different products can change the way the sprinkler system needs to work.
A fire protection engineer or sprinkler contractor may need to confirm that:
* The racks do not block the sprinklers.
* The sprinkler system can protect the stored products.
* The storage height is acceptable.
* In-rack sprinklers are not required, or are installed if needed.

4. What Are You Storing? (Letter of Intended Storage & Commodity Classifications)
The city may want to know what products will be stored in the racks.
This can include:
* Type of product
* Type of packaging
* How the products will be stored
* How high the products will be stored
This information helps determine the correct fire protection requirements.

5. Site Plan (Engineer-Sealed Site Plan Including OBC Data Matrix)
You may need a site plan prepared and sealed by an engineer or architect.
The plan can show things such as:
* Building location
* Property lines
* Roads and nearby properties
* Parking areas
* Fire truck access
* Fire hydrants
* Emergency exits
The drawings may also need to include an Ontario Building Code (OBC) information chart.

6. Electrical Information (Electrical Letter)
An electrical engineer may need to review the installation.
They may need to confirm that:
* Emergency lighting is still in the correct locations.
* Exit signs can still be seen.
* Fire alarms are not blocked.
* There is enough lighting in the warehouse.
It is a good idea to show the racks and emergency equipment on the same drawing.

7. Emergency Exit Plan (Life Safety / Egress Plan)
The plans should show that people can safely get out of the building in an emergency.
This can include:
* Aisle widths
* Walking and exit paths
* Exit signs
* Emergency lights
* Fire-rated walls or areas, if required
The racks must not block emergency exits or make it difficult for workers to leave the building.

8. Engineer’s General Review
The engineers may have to agree to inspect the work while the racks are being installed.
They may also have to provide a letter when the work is finished confirming that the installation was reviewed.

9. Final Inspection
After the racks are installed, the city may inspect the work.
They may check that:
* The racks were installed as shown on the approved drawings.
* The required engineering documents have been completed.
* Fire and sprinkler systems are correct, if required.
* The installation meets the approved permit.

10. Permit Fees
Permit costs are different from city to city.
Some cities charge based on the size of the project, while others may have a set fee.
There can also be extra fees for things such as rack-supported mezzanines or platforms.

GREAT NEWS RACK.CA CAN HELP WITH PERMITS!

Why Choose rack.ca for Your Next Pallet Racking Project?

When it comes to pallet racking, experience matters.

At rack.ca, we understand that installing pallet racking is about much more than simply putting beams and frames together. The rack system, building, concrete floor, sprinkler system, storage requirements and permit process can all work together.

We can help you from the beginning of your project through to the finished installation.

With decades of experience in the pallet racking and warehouse storage industry, rack.ca can help you understand what needs to be considered before your project starts. We can work with your engineers and other professionals to help provide the information they need for rack layouts, rack heights, capacities and other racking details required for your permit application.

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Whether you are installing a few rows of pallet racking or planning a major warehouse project, deal with a company that knows pallet racking.

At rack.ca, we can help with:

* New pallet racking
* Used pallet racking
* Rack layouts and storage planning
* Rack capacities and specifications
* Engineering coordination
* Permit support
* Wire mesh decking
* Warehouse storage solutions
* Installation

We don’t just sell you a pile of rack and leave you to figure out the rest.

We understand pallet racking, and we understand what can be involved in getting a warehouse project completed properly.

Don’t leave your permit and racking project to someone who doesn’t know the industry.

Contact rack.ca before you start your next project.

rack.ca — Experience you can count on. Racking you can trust.