Understanding Local Fire Code Requirements
If you operate or plan to set up a warehouse in Signal Hill, California, one of the most overlooked steps in racking installation is determining whether your storage system requires a High-Pile Combustible Storage (HPCS) Permit. This permit is mandated by the City of Signal Hill Fire Department, which enforces the Los Angeles County Fire Code—an adoption of the California Fire Code, Chapter 32.
High-pile storage is defined as storing combustible materials in racks, shelves, or piles that exceed 12 feet in height, or 6 feet for certain high-hazard commodities like Group A plastics, rubber tires, foam, or idle pallets. Once storage height exceeds these limits—or the total high-pile area surpasses 500 square feet—a fire permit is required before racking installation or occupancy approval.
Height Thresholds That Trigger a High-Pile Permit
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s “Owner’s Statement of Intended Use” form (FPD-194), the following thresholds apply to facilities in Signal Hill:
| Commodity Type | Maximum Height Without High-Pile Permit |
|---|---|
| Ordinary combustibles (cartons, paper, wood, packaging) | 12 feet |
| High-hazard commodities (plastics, rubber, foam, aerosols) | 6 feet |
Storage that exceeds these limits is considered “high-pile” and must comply with fire protection design, sprinkler coverage, and aisle spacing requirements under California Fire Code §3201–§3206.
When a Permit Is Required
You will need a High-Pile Combustible Storage Permit if your facility meets any of the following:
- Racking or stacked storage exceeds 12 feet in height
- High-hazard commodities exceed 6 feet in height
- The total area of storage (including aisles) exceeds 500 square feet
- Automatic sprinklers are not rated for the planned storage height or commodity class
- The layout changes sprinkler spacing, flue spaces, or aisle widths
Facilities must submit a detailed High-Pile Storage Plan and Rack Installation Drawings stamped by a California-licensed engineer or architect.
Required Documentation
To obtain approval, Signal Hill Fire Department (through Los Angeles County Fire Prevention Division) requires the following:
- Site and floor plan showing rack layout, aisles, and exits
- Commodity classification summary identifying storage type and packaging
- Rack elevation drawings showing maximum storage height and pallet arrangement
- Sprinkler design and hydraulic calculations verifying compliance with NFPA 13 and CFC 3206
- Owner’s Statement of Intended Use (FPD-194 form) available from fire.lacounty.gov
Once the plan is approved, a fire inspection is scheduled prior to occupancy or use of the racks.
Why It Matters for Facility Managers
Failing to secure a high-pile storage permit can result in costly delays, citations, and mandatory rack removal. Insurance providers and corporate safety audits increasingly flag non-permitted racking as a compliance risk. Taking a proactive approach ensures your storage system meets both fire and building safety standards.
For new warehouse build-outs or retrofits, it’s best to coordinate early with:
- A licensed racking installer or engineer familiar with LA County Fire Code
- The Signal Hill Fire Department (City of Signal Hill Building & Safety)
- The Los Angeles County Fire Prevention Division
How LeanMH Can Help
At Lean Material Handling, we assist warehouse operators and integrators with:
- Rack layout design compliant with Signal Hill and LA County Fire Codes
- Preparation of permit-ready rack drawings and load application data sheets
- Commodity classification and flue space optimization for fire safety
- Coordination with fire inspectors and city plan check departments
Our team helps ensure your project is approved before installation begins—avoiding rework, inspection delays, and costly shutdowns.
Contact
For assistance with racking permits in Signal Hill, contact:
Lean Material Handling
1950 W Corporate Way, PMB 12217
Anaheim, CA 92801
Phone: 1-888-310-0008
Email: info@leanracking.com
Website: https://LeanMH.com