When You Need
a Permit in Ontario
Ontario follows the 2022 California Building Code (CBC) and the 2019 California Fire Code (CFC). Two separate permits may be required depending on your rack height, storage height, and what you're storing. These are not the same permit — they come from two different departments and have different triggers.
| Permit Type | Trigger | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit | Racking over 5'9" in height, OR any racking anchored to the slab regardless of height | Ontario Building Dept (909) 395-2023 |
| Fire / High Pile Permit | Top-of-load exceeds 12 feet for standard commodities, OR 6 feet for high-hazard commodities (Group A plastics, rubber tires, aerosols, idle pallets), AND storage area exceeds 500 sq ft | Ontario Fire Prevention City of Ontario |
| No Permit Required | Racking under 5'9" that is not anchored to the slab — per CBC §105.2, Item 13 | Exemption only applies to nonfixed, movable racking |
Top-of-Load Height
vs. Rack Height
The fire code threshold is based on top-of-load height — the highest point your stored product reaches, including the pallet. This is not the same as rack height or upright height.
A facility can have 20-foot rack uprights but keep top-of-load at 11 feet — and avoid the high pile fire permit entirely for standard commodities. Conversely, a facility can have 14-foot uprights with product stacked to 12'1" and immediately trigger the requirement.
This distinction matters enormously for how you configure your racking system from day one — and it's the most common compliance gap we see in Ontario and the surrounding Inland Empire market.
Group A Plastics — The 6-Foot Rule
If you store products with synthetic materials — athletic footwear, consumer electronics, plastic packaging, foam products, or similar goods — your commodity may classify as Group A plastics under NFPA 13. The high pile fire permit threshold for Group A plastics drops to 6 feet of top-of-load height, not 12 feet. Most warehouses storing these goods are unaware their current sprinkler system may be inadequate for rack storage above that height.
Building Dept vs.
Fire Department
In Ontario, the Building Department and Fire Prevention Division review different aspects of your racking installation independently. Missing one means your project isn't fully permitted — even if you have the other.
Structural Review
- Slab PSI and anchor adequacy
- Seismic load calculations (CBC §1613)
- Rack engineering drawings (ANSI MH16.1)
- Frame and beam load ratings
- Base plate and anchor specifications
- CAD layout with aisle widths and dimensions
Life Safety Review
- Top-of-load height verification
- Commodity classification (CFC Chapter 32)
- Sprinkler system adequacy (NFPA 13)
- Transverse and longitudinal flue spaces
- Aisle width and fire department access
- High pile storage signage requirements
What to Expect
in Ontario
Pre-Project Assessment
Walk the facility and establish top-of-load height, commodity classification, existing sprinkler design density (from the riser placard), and slab PSI. These four data points determine which permits are required before a single drawing is started.
Engineering Package
A licensed engineer prepares stamped CAD drawings, seismic calculations per CBC §1613 and ASCE-7, anchor details, and rack load ratings per ANSI MH16.1. Ontario is in a high seismic zone — this step is mandatory, not optional.
Dual Submission
Submit to both the Building Department and Fire Prevention simultaneously. Ontario accepts online permit applications through their Citizen Portal. Building permit fees are based on project valuation. Fire permit fees vary by storage area square footage.
Plan Review and Corrections
Both departments review independently. Incomplete submissions are the primary cause of delays — missing seismic calculations, insufficient flue space documentation, and unclear commodity classifications are the most common correction items we see.
Installation and Inspection
Installation must follow approved drawings exactly. Anchor inspection by a licensed inspector is required. Final inspection by both Building and Fire before the permit closes. Load capacity signage must be installed and visible before final sign-off.