When to use this process

Use this process when submitting permit application materials to install storage racks, pallet racks, or shelving that is 6 feet tall or taller. 

Get ready

Required documents

1. Building plans drawn to scale and showing the information listed below: Note that State law requires a South Carolina Registered Design Professional to prepare and seal plans for buildings that are 5,000 square feet or larger, and for buildings of any size that have a High Hazard Use
   • Code analysis/building data on the cover sheet of plans that includes at least the following information: 
     • Building code edition currently in effect 
     • Occupancy group(s) 
     • Construction type(s) 
     • Floor areas for all floors and building total floor area 
     • Building height 
     • Fire suppression system (specify NFPA code applicable), including the type of sprinkler heads (early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler systems or control mode special application sprinklers if available) 
     • Fire alarm or smoke control system (if required) 
     • Specific commodity types and classification per State fire code 
     Provide an overall floor plan with dimensions that shows:
   • Provide design loads, including seismic, and material specifications. 
   • Structural calculations. 
   • Identify required special inspections. 
   • Elevations and details of all structural components, connections, rack heights and widths, shelf heights and widths, applicable design loads for rack shelf levels, and shelf types (solid, slatted, wire grid or open).
2. Building Code Compliance Form (PDF) with relevant sections completed
3. Statement and schedule of special inspections (PDF) - our special inspections webpage has more information about this topic
4. Itemized cost list for the building renovation
5. Site plan, if high-piled combustible storage is proposed. 
   • Show streets, building locations including dimensions to property lines and other buildings. 
   • Designate “Fire Department Access Roadways” including connecting public streets. Include contour lines or similar elevation designation if grade changes are over 2%. 
   • Designate fire hydrants, new and existing. 
   • Fire access door locations and spacing for exterior walls that face required fire apparatus access roads.

Zoning regulations

The Zoning Ordinance requires improvements to aspects of the site that do not meet current standards when interior upfits trigger a specified cost threshold. Our zoning team will help you determine what improvements are required based on your plans and the information you provide on the cost estimate.

Examples may include:

1. The paving of gravel parking areas.
2. The creation and/or planting of landscape areas
3. Addressing stormwater issues. 
4. Modifying or removing signs that do not meet current zoning standards.
5. Closing curb cuts (driveway entrances) if multiple ones serve the site

Required licenses

1. Business licenses are required for all design professionals, contractors and subcontractors before a building permit can be issued.
   •  Business license webpage
2. The contractor must hold the appropriate State of South Carolina license for the specified scope of work.
   • Contractor Licenses webpage

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above.
   • Click on “New Applications"
   • In the application search box, type in "Storage"
   • Select "Storage Racking/Shelving Plan" and follow the prompts
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 5 business days.
   • If the plan must be revised, use the Plan Resubmittal Instructions (PDF).
3. We will hold a building preconstruction meeting with you to explain your responsibilities related to special inspections and answer any questions you have about those regulations.
4. We will email you an invoice for the development fees, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms.
5. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.

After you have a permit 

Refer to these webpages for next steps:

• Commercial inspections webpage
• Special inspections webpage
• Change orders webpage