If you’re considering installing pallet racking in your warehouse, you may wonder whether council consent is required. The answer is yes – under the latest Building Code Compliance, pallet racking is considered part of a building’s structure. This means that it requires Council Consent regardless of height.
Read on for everything you need to know about pallet racking consent in New Zealand, including legal requirements, potential risks, and how to apply.
Does Racking Under 3m Require Consent?
A common misconception is that pallet racking under 3m does not require Council Consent. This idea likely comes from fire compliance rules, which allow storage up to 3m in some older buildings without triggering a ‘change-of-use.’ However, from a building compliance perspective, all pallet racking requires consent and failing to obtain it could have serious consequences.
Compliance plays a major role in racking stability and accident prevention. Our guide on preventing racking collapses outlines key safety measures to consider.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Installing Pallet Racking?
Under WorkSafe NZ guidelines, pallet racking should only be installed by a competent supplier or manufacturer. While this is a best-practice recommendation rather than a legally enforced rule, it is an essential principle to follow for safety and compliance.
Additionally, any changes to warehouse use, including installing pallet racking, require a Building Consent. This ensures the racking meets structural, fire safety, and seismic requirements.
What Happens If I Install Pallet Racking Without Consent?
While enforcement has been inconsistent, local councils now take a more stringent approach to pallet racking compliance. If you install pallet racking without consent, you could face:
- Insurance risks: Non-compliant racking can impact your building or inventory insurance, especially in the event of a fire.
- Retrospective compliance costs: If an inspector issues a notice for non-compliant racking, you may need to go through a Certificate of Acceptance process, which requires similar documentation and costs as a standard Council Consent.
- Unexpected fire safety upgrades: Without following the consent process, you may install racking only to find later on that expensive fire safety upgrades are required to meet compliance standards. These upgrades can be complex and costly, potentially forcing changes to your racking structure that could have been avoided with upfront consent.
How Do I Apply for Council Consent for Pallet Racking?
If you work with Shelving Depot, we’ll guide you through the entire Council Consent process, ensuring you have the correct documentation and a compliant setup.
Documentation must be submitted online to your local council and typically includes:
- Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF)
- Updated fire report reflecting the racking layout
- Producer Statements (PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4)
- Emergency Lighting Report
Ensuring all documents are in order from the outset helps avoid delays, compliance issues, and unexpected costs.
Who Is Responsible for Compliance?
Ultimately, the end user (business owner or tenant) is responsible for ensuring pallet racking is compliant. While landlords may allow unconsented racking, the liability falls on the business installing the system. It is always recommended to check compliance requirements before proceeding.
Are There Different Consent Rules for Seismic Zones?
The same consenting standards apply nationwide, but seismic considerations are factored into the design. When issuing Producer Statements (PS1 and PS4), registered engineers account for seismic forces, which means racking specifications may differ by region.
For example:
- Wellington & Christchurch (high seismic zones): Often require 350mm cantilever posts for added stability. Pallet racking loads achieved in this area are often derated or require more expensive anchor fixings when compared to other areas.
- Hamilton & Auckland (lower seismic zones): As seismic forces are lower, 305mm cantilever posts may be used. For pallet racking, components can achieve higher weight when compared to areas such as Christchurch.
These variations ensure that racking remains safe and compliant, regardless of location.
Stay Compliant and Protect Your Business
Pallet racking is a major investment, and compliance is essential. Council Consent ensures your racking meets safety regulations, protecting your business from insurance risks and costly retroactive fixes. Read Pallet Racking: The Problems (and Solutions) for insight into some safety requirements when applying for consent, or Pallet Racking Consenting & Engineering Information for a closer look at the consent process, take a look at .
Shelving Depot can guide you through the entire process, from choosing the right system to securing consent, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
