Racking Systems​

Racking systems Quick links:

Examples of Racking system issues commonly found in the field - this contains pictures and explanations of commonly found issues with racking systems observed by field inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Review and Field Inspection checklist items - this contains checklist items that are looked for in plan review and in the field on racking systems.

Racking systems plan review and permitting guidelines:
The North Carolina Building Code requires that buildings and racking/shelving systems installed therein conform to seismic code requirements and other pertinent code requirements. Based on the height of materials stored on shelving and the classifications of such materials, the North Carolina Fire Code classified certain installation "High Pile Combustible Storage". To ensure code compliance and safety, the department reviews plans on such buildings and shelving systems prior to issuance of permits for construction. Building projects of this type will follow one of the following 3 listed paths for plan approval and permitting. 

1. Full sealed plans submitted, reviewed and approved for the building and racking/shelving systems. Permits are then issued for the building and racking/shelving system either together or separately. Drawing must include the following:
   1. 2018 Appendix B  *As listed on N.C. Department of Insurance website. Look for 2018 Building Code Summary - Appendix B, available in Word and PDF formats.
   2. A detailed list of the commodities and how they are stored
   3. Complete Sprinkler Drawings
   4. Hydraulic Design Criteria with a note indicating height to the top of materials stored and distance from top of stored materials to sprinkler heads
   5. Sealed drawing showing anchors in details or drawings and calculations if anchor details are not sealed in the plan submission for the project
   6. Egress/floor plan showing racking layout, exits and directional signage as needed to meet code compliance
   7. Special Inspections
2. Plans submitted, reviewed and approved for the "shell" building with "upfit permits" issued at a later date. The upfit permit may or may not include the racking/shelving permit. Plans must be reviewed and approved prior to issuance of the upfit permits (which include their racking/shelving system).
   1. 2018 Appendix B  *As listed on N.C. Department of Insurance website. Look for 2018 Building Code Summary - Appendix B, available in Word and PDF formats.
   2. A detailed list of the commodities and how they are stored
   3. Complete Sprinkler Drawings
   4. Hydraulic Design Criteria with a note indicating height to the top of materials stored and distance from top of stored materials to sprinkler heads
   5. Reflected ceiling plan
   6. Egress/floor plan showing racking layout, exits and directional signage as needed to meet code compliance
   7. Special Inspections        
3. Racking/Shelving permit issued separately as a breakout from the upfit and require plans that include the following:
   1. 2018 Appendix B  *As listed on N.C. Department of Insurance website. Look for 2018 Building Code Summary - Appendix B, available in Word and PDF formats. (may submit original field copy of approved upfit plans or submit Appendix B from the upfit permit drawings)
   2. A detailed list of the commodities and how they are stored
   3. Complete Sprinkler Drawings
   4. Hydraulic Design Criteria with a note indicating height to the top of materials stored and distance from top of stored materials to sprinkler heads
   5. Reflected Ceiling Plan
   6. Egress/floor plan showing racking layout, exits and directional signage as needed to meet code compliance
   7. For seismic, either provide sealed drawings with anchor details or provide anchorage calculations and drawings (if not sealed by NC registered engineer)
   8. Site Plan Vicinity Map
   9. Special Inspections