Warehousing plays an integral role in Iredell County’s local economy. It streamlines supply chain management, ensuring the efficient flow of imports and exports in North Carolina.
Upgrading to a new warehouse is often necessary for business growth, especially with the industrial growth seen across Statesville, Mooresville, and Troutman in Iredell County.
Importantly, business owners need an effective transition strategy to prevent supply chain disruption. This strategy should focus on building code compliance, professional engineering oversight, and strict safety protocols.
Plan a Smooth Warehouse Relocation
The planning phase is a crucial window for obtaining the professional engineering oversight and warehouse relocation services needed to streamline a successful transition.
By communicating with Iredell County departments early, business owners can ensure compliance with zoning and building codes from the start, taking a safety-first approach to all modifications.
NC Building Codes in Iredell County
Two crucial building codes to follow in Iredell County are the most recent North Carolina State Building Code and the NC Existing Building Code. These codes are strictly enforced and designed to prevent structural warehouse failures and fire-related hazards.
Zoning and Local Permits
Local business owners must obtain the right zoning permits from the Iredell County Planning and Development Department. Owners must also coordinate with the appropriate jurisdiction, as zoning requirements vary.
After completing the zoning process, business owners work directly with the Iredell County Building Standards Division to secure necessary permits for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Safety Inspections
Most warehouse relocations require “change of use” inspections. If a location previously stored another type of good, the building may require a new classification that reflects the new incoming goods and storage density.
Inspections will also evaluate life safety systems, service systems, and accessibility. Such measures speak to the importance of partnering with industrial logistics experts who ensure no details fall through the cracks, which is vital to securing a successful inspection outcome.
Business owners must also review the NC Fire Code to ensure racking systems don’t exceed specific heights outlined in the code. A relocation may also require a new sprinkler (fire suppression) system that effectively reaches high-density warehouse racks.
Relocating warehouses must meet structural standards for the new location, as mandated by Chapter 14 of the NC Existing Building Code. Warehouse operations moving from another state must be evaluated for wind and seismic loads specific to Iredell County.
Engineering Oversight
In warehousing, industrial racks aren’t traditional shelves. They’re structural components that require professional engineering oversight.
For instance, local fire marshals in Iredell County require businesses to supply industrial racking blueprints that clearly identify exit routes and aisle widths. Narrow paths are a safety hazard, preventing the coming and going of employees, also known as egress flow.
Professional engineers must approve the anchoring and structural capacity of a warehouse’s industrial racking, providing a PE stamp. Industrial racking load calculations for PE stamp requirements are also necessary for determining both the weight and stress capacity of the racking.
There are a couple of concerns regarding the reinstallation of used industrial racking. Steel racks can sustain impact damage from forklifts. Engineers must assess used racks for structural integrity before reinstallation, ensuring they meet the latest safety standards.
Workforce Safety
Warehouse relocations must adhere to the latest OSHA standards, specifically OSHA 29 CFR 1910 General Industry standards, to prevent workplace accidents. New mezzanines must comply with fall protection requirements.
New warehouse modifications must be inspected for proper load-bearing before they’re put into service. All industrial racking is required to have load capacity labels. Labels are visual safety cues.
Strategies for Code Compliance
To ensure code compliance 24/7, Iredell County offers a self-serve permit portal for applications and status tracking. Submitting through the portal can help speed up the process, minimizing disruption to the supply chain. Business owners also have digital documentation of the permit process for compliance purposes.
Another great tip is to work with engineering professionals well before the relocation. Make sure to get a PE stamp before installing industrial racks. Engaging a professional transition team during the planning phase can help avoid any costly corrections midway through the build.
Consider North Carolina’s $40,000 threshold rule when planning new warehouse modifications. If the budget is under the threshold, it may not require general permits as long as there aren’t any modifications to load-bearing structures. Professional engineering (PE) oversight is required for all high-rack anchoring builds.