Search
Monday, March 18, 2024
You are here : Advocacy

YOUR LATEST NEWS & RESOURCES

We have compiled the latest news and resources related to the self storage industry in your state.

LEGAL UPDATE - SUMMER 2020

Duplicative Licensing Requirement Avoided in Maryland. Maryland Senate Bill 496 would have imposed a needless and burdensome state-based business license for Maryland storage owners, who already must have several local licenses. Under current law, warehouses are required to obtain a state business license to operate. Senate Bill 496 sought to expand the definition of warehouse to expressly include self storage. The bill would have imposed a licensing fee schedule based upon the population of where the self storage facility was located. The MD-SSA successfully advocated for the removal of self storage from the bill.

 

BUILDING CODES UPDATE

Changes to the International Building Code Affect Self Storage

With the support of its Code Committee, the Self Storage Association successfully pursued several key changes to the 2021 International Building Code. 

  1. An exception has been added to IBC Section 2902.3.3 to permit an increase in the location (to greater than every other floor) and maximum distance of travel (to greater than 500 ft) for restrooms.  The location and travel distance must be approved by the code official.
  2. The maximum allowable height of sprinklered facilities made of Type IIB materials (unprotected steel) and Type IIIB materials (noncombustible or fire-retardant-treated wood stud exterior walls and any interior construction) has been increased from 3 stories to 4 stories.  The Code continues to have total floor and building square footage limits. 
  3. Pursuant to modified IBC Section 903.2.9, storage facilities are exempt from the automatic sprinkler system requirement if: (1) the total fire area is 12,000 sq. ft. or less; (2) the combined total fire areas are 24,000 sq. ft. or less; (3) the facility is no greater than one story above grade plane; and (4) all storage spaces are accessed directly from the exterior. 

These changes go into effect as they are adopted by local and state governments over the next several years.  Prior to the adoption on the local and state level, storage developers can request that the code official rely on the 2021 changes as acceptable alternative methods of construction pursuant to section 104.11 of the existing International Building Code.

Please email Joe Doherty with any questions or to receive supporting documentation for these changes.

 

Become A Member

Join Now to support self storage at the local level and get access to information to help your self storage business.