We don’t have a physical presence in Spokane, WA; we’re located in North Plains, OR, 97133. We are always working to improve our freight costs, shipping points and services available in your area.

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Spokane, WA and the surrounding area

Warehouse Pallet Racks in Spokane, WA

We offer pallet racking kits as well as sell pallet rack beams, uprights, axles, wire decks and other equipment sold separately to fit your material handling equipment needs.

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Requirements and Regulations Specific to Racking in Spokane, WA

Requirements and Regulations Specific to Racking in Spokane, WA

Warehouse racking and shelving systems are subject to local regulations and requirements. Complying with these regulations makes your operation safer and protects you and your employees. It’s not always easy to know what is required, but we’re here to help! Here are some frequently asked questions and information specific to racking in Spokane, WA, and the surrounding areas.
High-piled combustible storage in Spokane, WA, is regulated under the Washington State Fire Code, specifically Chapter 32, which outlines the requirements and safety measures needed for such storage facilities.
For more detailed information or specific inquiries, it’s advisable to consult the Spokane Fire Department or refer directly to the Washington State Fire Code.
Planning Department: This department ensures that the racking system complies with zoning regulations and land-use codes. They check for compliance with setbacks, building height restrictions, and other planning considerations.

Electrical Department: If the racking system includes any electrical components (such as lighting or automated retrieval systems), the Electrical Department reviews these aspects to ensure they meet electrical codes and safety standards​.

Mechanical Department: If the racking system involves any mechanical systems, such as conveyor belts or HVAC considerations, the Mechanical Department will review these to ensure they comply with relevant codes and standards​.

Are Racking Permits Required in Spokane, WA?

Yes, racking permits are required in Spokane, WA. For businesses planning to install racking systems, it is necessary to obtain a permit to ensure compliance with local building codes and safety regulations.

In Spokane, the permitting process involves submitting detailed plans and specifications of the racking system to the city’s Development Services Center. The plans must be reviewed by multiple departments to ensure they meet all structural, safety, and fire protection standards.

The primary departments involved include:
Building Department: This department reviews the structural integrity of the racking system to ensure it meets local building codes and standards. This includes checking for proper load calculations, anchorage, and overall design safety.

Fire Department: The Fire Department assesses the racking system’s fire safety aspects, such as the adequacy of fire suppression systems (sprinklers), access for firefighting, and compliance with the fire code, especially for high-piled combustible storage.

High-Piled Combustible Storage

  • High-piled combustible storage involves storing combustible materials in closely packed piles, on pallets, in racks, or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet in height or 6 feet for high-hazard commodities.

  • A special permit is required for high-piled storage. This involves a detailed submittal that includes a fire specialist’s report, architectural and storage plans, and the design criteria for the fire protection systems. The permit process ensures compliance with the safety requirements, including fire detection and suppression systems.

  • Sprinkler systems are mandatory, and specific types, such as Control Mode Density Area (CMDA), Control Mode Specific Application (CMSA), and Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) systems, are applicable based on the storage type and hazard level. ESFR systems, for example, can eliminate the need for smoke and heat vents, which can be a significant cost-saving measure.

  • The type of commodities stored impacts the required fire protection measures. Commodities are classified into different classes (I, II, III, IV) and high-hazard commodities (e.g., Group A plastics) which have more stringent requirements.

  • The relevant regulations are detailed in the 2018 Washington State Fire Code, accessible through the International Code Council’s digital codes platform​.

Structural Requirements for Storage Racks

In Spokane, WA, the structural requirements for storage racks include several key considerations to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. The main requirements are as follows:

Structural Calculations

Storage racks must be designed to withstand specific loads, including the weight of stored materials and any additional forces such as seismic loads. Structural calculations are necessary, particularly for racks that are 8 feet or taller. These calculations must be performed by a qualified engineer​.

Seismic Bracing

Spokane is in a region that requires consideration of seismic activity. Therefore, storage racks must be designed and braced to withstand earthquakes. This includes compliance with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) standards, specifically ASCE 7, which outlines the seismic design criteria for nonbuilding structures like storage racks​.

Anchorage

Racks must be securely anchored to the floor to prevent tipping or collapse. This is especially crucial for taller racks and those storing heavy materials. The anchorage must comply with the standards set by the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) MH 16.1​.

Periodic Inspections

For racks that are 8 feet or higher, especially in structures classified under Seismic Design Categories D, E, or F, periodic special inspections are required during the installation to ensure proper anchorage and compliance with design specifications.

Building Permit Requirements

Before installation, a building permit must be obtained from Spokane’s Development Services Center. The application process involves submitting detailed structural plans, including the aforementioned calculations and bracing details, for review by various city departments.

We are Spokane’s largest pallet rack and material handling distributor!

What Pallet Rack type is right for you?

In Spokane, WA, we can offer various types of pallet racks that are commonly used in warehouses and storage facilities, depending on the specific needs and requirements of the business. Here are some types of pallet racks that are widely used and compliant with local regulations:

Selective Pallet Racks

Selective Pallet Racks

The most common type of pallet racking system. It provides direct access to each pallet, making it suitable for warehouses with a wide variety of products.

Advantages

Flexibility, ease of access, and compatibility with most types of forklifts.

Compliance

Must meet structural and seismic requirements as outlined in the local building codes and ASCE 7 standards.

Advantages

Flexibility, ease of access, and compatibility with most types of forklifts.

Compliance

Must meet structural and seismic requirements as outlined in the local building codes and ASCE 7 standards.


Drive-In/Drive-Through Racks

Drive-In/Drive-Through Racks

Designed for high-density storage, allowing forklifts to drive directly into the rack to place or retrieve pallets. Drive-In racks have one entry and exit point, while Drive-Through racks have entry and exit points on both sides.

Advantages

Maximizes storage space by reducing aisle space.

Compliance

Requires careful design and anchorage to meet safety standards, especially in seismic zones​.

Advantages

Maximizes storage space by reducing aisle space.

Compliance

Requires careful design and anchorage to meet safety standards, especially in seismic zones​.


Push-Back Racks

Push-Back Racks

A high-density storage system where pallets are loaded from the front and pushed back on inclined rails. When a pallet is removed, the next pallet automatically moves forward.

Advantages

Increases storage density while providing better access to products compared to drive-in racks.

Compliance

Needs to adhere to local structural requirements and periodic inspections for safety​.

Advantages

Increases storage density while providing better access to products compared to drive-in racks.

Compliance

Needs to adhere to local structural requirements and periodic inspections for safety​.


Pallet Flow Racks

Pallet Flow Racks

Utilizes gravity flow lanes to move pallets from the loading side to the picking side. Ideal for first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management.

Advantages

Efficient for warehouses with high turnover rates and expiration-sensitive products.

Compliance

Requires detailed structural analysis and compliance with seismic bracing standards.

Advantages

Efficient for warehouses with high turnover rates and expiration-sensitive products.

Compliance

Requires detailed structural analysis and compliance with seismic bracing standards.

Industrial Pallet Rack Safety Considerations

Safety is a top priority here at Speedrack West. Train your employees on safe loading practices and maintaining clear aisles for forklift operations to prevent accidents and injuries. However there are few safety measures available.

If pallet rack safety is compromised, racks can collapse under excessive loads, leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and significant inventory loss. Items may fall from the racks, posing a danger to workers and potentially damaging goods. Impact damage from forklifts can weaken the structure, increasing the risk of failure.

Designing Your Pallet Rack

Design your Pallet Rack with Rack builder. Werther you looking for Selective Rack, Shelving or Cantilever Rack – you can build it with Speedrack West Rack Builder.

Using our custom pallet rack system builder will automatically calculate the correct length of each row of racking. You can also have a copy of your designed layout instantly emailed to you.

Create Layout:

  • Append rows
  • Append Add On bays to each row

Select Rack Options:

  • Pallet Racks: Frame, Beam, Wire Decking, Safety Accessories
  • Cantilver Racks: Uprights, Bracing, Arms
  • Shelving: Height, Width, Depth, Wire Decking, Safety Accessories

Create Order:

  • Add selected to Cart in one click
  • Checkout your order

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About Pallet Rack Builder

When laying out your pallet rack storage system, there are starter bays and add-on bays.

Starter bays consist of two frames plus the beams, and can stand alone. Add-on bays only have one frame plus the beams, and they are designed to connect to an adjacent frame.

Each row must begin with a starter bay, and then use add-on bays to increase the length of the row. There is no limit to the number of add-on bays you can connect together in a row.
When determining the length of your row, you must account for the 3” width of each frame, in addition to your beam length.

For example, a row with two bays of 8ft beams would consist of one starter bay and one add-on bay, which would have three uprights. At 3” each, the three uprights would take up 9” of space. Add this to the two 8ft beams, for a total length of 16’ 9”.
FAQ

What Are the Shipping Terms?

Most of our industrial racking production will be delivered to Spokane, WA in a day or two. We have multiple shipping locations, but most of them are located not far from Spokane, WA. Our main office and production site is located in North Plains, OR – so the delivery will be really quick to Spokane, WA.

I am planning to establish a new warehouse, can you consult?

Definitely, our team of specialists will be glad to assist you with your new warehouse in Spokane, WA. We can create a walkthrough process according to local Spokane, WA laws and compliances. We may also help with all measures, calculations, production, and installation of your future warehouse.

Key Notions

Pallet racks are known throughout the industry by many names. Below are some of the more common terms that are used interchangeably for pallet racking.

  • Industrial shelving
  • Industrial pallet racks
  • Stacking Rack
  • Warehouse shelving
  • Industrial racking systems
  • Load-bearing Rack
  • Warehouse racking systems
  • Pallet rack systems
  • Bulk Storage Rack
  • Warehouse racks
  • Pallet racking storage
  • Heavy-Duty Rack
  • Pallet racking
  • Pallet racking uprights and beams
  • Pallet Shelving
  • Warehouse racking
  • Industrial Rack
  • Logistics Rack
  • Warehouse pallet shelving rack
  • Racking System
  • Palletized Storage System
  • Storage racking
  • Shelving Unit
  • Freight Storage Rack
  • Warehouse storage racks
  • Material Handling Rack
Case Studies & Reviews See all case studies
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Robert Baumgartner says: “Despite picking up this project in the middle of its lifecycle, the transition was flawless thanks to the team’s stellar communication. They exceeded our expectations by delivering the installation earlier than anticipated and hitting every technical requirement. From the sales team’s quick answers to their willingness to make adjustments, the experience was top-tier.”

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Consolidated Supply says: “We’re very happy to be your regular client, and it’s always so easy to work with your team”

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Lumber Company says: “Working with Speedrack West team has been a real pleasure. They made the whole process smooth and straightforward, and we’re 100% planning to come back again—which we actually just did recently.”

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Derek Patterson says: “I would suggest that there should be no hesitation…from placing an order to getting everything delivered in such a timely manner. I had racking within 7 days compared to 4 to 6 weeks elsewhere. The customer service level is fabulous.”

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Levi Littrell says: “It’s a very expensive product no matter who you go with. Speedrack West will actually walk you through the steps and give you pricing options. Definitely, you do your research, but most likely you’re going to come back to Speedrack West.”

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Gerald Allen says: “I do know that basically got called every day. How’s it going, is everything good? So the attention to detail and the concern for my happiness for lack of better terms was definitely a part of working with your company.”

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James Roberts says: “It was vital for us to go with your company. With your guys’ company’s versatility to accommodate our needs from rack sizing to structural weight capacity.”

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