Policy and Procedure No.: B-04-09

Purpose

This handout establishes a procedure for complete plan review submittals for any proposed storage racks, pallet racks, movable shelf racks and stacker-racks in commercial or industrial buildings. Approval must be obtained from the Building Division and a permit must be issued before commencing any work.

Permits Required

A building permit is required for the following type of work:

  • Storage racks greater than 5’-9” above ground (2025 CBC, Section 105.2, Building #13)
  • Storage racks 8-ft. or greater above ground shall be provided with structural calculations.
  • Storage racks 12-ft. or greater above ground shall be provided with structural calculations and a Fire Department “High-piled” permit and approval.

The overall height for “High-piled” storage racks is taken from the ground to “top of storage”. Regardless whether the rack height is less than 12-ft. but the proposed storage will be 12-ft. or higher, a Fire Department permit is still required. Additional “High-piled” design includes information such as commodity clearance between top of storage; fire sprinkler head locations; aisle clearances; location and classification of commodities; types of fire suppression and fire detection systems, etc.

Permit Fees

Permit fees are based on the scope of work and valuation (labor and materials). It is recommended that you contact the Building Division to obtain an estimate of fees for your project.

The Building Division can be contacted by phone at (916) 478-2235 or by email. 

Plan Review Timelines

Allow a minimum of 15 business days for the first plan review; 10 business days for any subsequent reviews.

Electronic Submittal Required

All plans and supporting documents shall be submitted electronically using the Building Filedrop. Please reference our Electronic Plan Review Policy for submittal guidelines. If the submittal is inconsistent with our guidelines your project will be returned as incomplete.

Plan Submittal for Construction

Quantity

Additional Requirements

  • Where applicable, a separate review and approval letter must be obtained from the local Fire Department prior to building permit issuance. Plan submittal and fee information may be obtained from the CSD Fire Department.

For a complete list of divisions and outside agency contact information, please refer to the Building Division's

Contact Information page.

Minimum Plan Requirements

Size

Minimum 18” x 24” and maximum 24” x 36” plans drawn to scale, fully dimensioned and legible.

Information

  1. Plot plan and/or cover sheet – shall show and specify the project job building/suite address; name, address and phone number of building/business owner, contractor and design professional; description of work including type of business, applicable codes, type of construction, occupancies and fire sprinklers.
  2. Architectural plans – shall include dimensioned floor plans identifying location and square footage of all storage areas, racks and shelving; exit door and exit sign locations; location and dimensions of smoke vents and curtain boards (if required). Note: Aisle clearances between racks shall comply with 2025 California Building Code (CBC), Section 11B-403.5.1, Exception #4.
  3. Structural plans – shall include shelf & rack support base anchorage connection details and specifications to reinforced concrete slab & footing foundation and/or elevated wood floor framing system; rack details depicting dimensions, number of tiers, and whether these are single, double, or multiple racks; shelving installation method, support and brace framing details.

    Note: Specify on the plans that drilled and inset expansion or epoxy type anchorage bolt systems require “Special Inspection” as required by the 2025 CBC, Section 1705.3, 1705.13.7 and the structural design shall comply with structural requirements of the 2025 (CBC), Chapter 22, Section 2209 (Steel Racks) and ASCE 7-10, Section 15.5.3.

Structural calculations are not required for racks greater than 6-ft. and less than 8-ft. However, include anchorage connection details to concrete slab and footing foundation and/or elevated wood floor framing systems for review. The rack type(s) shall be clearly coordinated to match the plans.