Pallet Racks: Permitting and Code Compliance

To ensure your rack project is smoothly implemented, read below for extensive details on working with North Texas local codes and building permit authorities

Permits and compliance: what you need to know in North Texas

Permitting pallet rack systems is more than paperwork—it's engineering, fire protection, and local process working together. This article explains when a building permit versus a fire/operational permit applies, what triggers high-piled combustible storage (HPS), and how commodity classification, storage heights, and sprinklers shape design.

You'll learn exactly what reviewers expect in PE-sealed rack plans, common pitfalls that delay approvals, and a practical submittal checklist you can hand to your team. We also zoom in on North Texas: how Dallas applies IFC Chapter 32, where to submit (Accela), and how nearby cities—Arlington, Plano, McKinney, Irving, and more—differ in portals, checklists, and thresholds. Throughout, we link to governing authorities and city guidance so you can move from concept to approval with confidence.

You'll also see Dallas-Fort Worth specifics: how Dallas applies IFC Chapter 32 and where to submit (DallasNow/Accela), plus how nearby cities differ in portals and submittal checklists. For context, see IFC Chapter 32 and Dallas's CO checklist.

Core permitting factors

• Two-permit path: many projects need a building permit for the rack structure and a fire/operational permit when storage is HPS. See Dallas's fire permit list and IFC Ch. 32: Dallas fire permits and IFC Chapter 32.
• What triggers HPS: generally, top of storage > 12 ft (or > 6 ft for certain high-hazard commodities). See Plano's HPS definition: Plano HPS requirements, and ICC overview: IFC Chapter 32.
• Area thresholds: many jurisdictions require an HPS permit when HPS areas exceed ~500 sq ft. See Arlington's construction guide: Arlington HPS guide.
• engineered plans: Cities typically require Texas-licensed PE sealed rack drawings/calculations. Example language: McKinney HPS guide.
• Sprinklers and commodities: coordinate commodity class, max top of storage, and sprinkler design per IFC/NFPA 13: NFPA 13 overview and IFC Chapter 32.

City of Dallas racking projects

• Dallas—when racks need permits: Dallas states that racking systems may only be installed with a building permit and required engineered plans; storage over 12 ft is HPS. See the city's CO checklist: Dallas CO checklist.
• Dallas—where to apply: submit building/CO applications via DallasNow (Accela) and request fire permits via the Fire-Rescue portal. See DallasNow and Accela portal; see fire permit list.
• Dallas—adopted code: Dallas uses the adopted 2021 IFC with local amendments; HPS requirements are in Chapter 32. See Dallas adopted IFC Chapter 32.

How North Texas cities differ

• Arlington: clear HPS guide; triggers include areas > 500 sq ft and lays out required submittals. Read more at: Arlington HPS guide.
• Plano: defines HPS per IFC (12 ft/6 ft) and lists submittal requirements. Plano HPS requirements.
• McKinney: explicitly requires PE-sealed engineered rack plans/specs in HPS packages. McKinney HPS guide.
• Grand Prairie: ties HPS projects to IFC Chapter 32 and referenced standards. Grand Prairie HPS regulations.
• Fort Worth: access/hydrant guidance that affects HPS buildings and layouts. Fort Worth fire lane & hydrant guide.
• Irving: uses the MyGovernmentOnline portal for permits/inspections. Irving permit instructions and MGO portal.
• Frisco: centralized fire permit submittal guidelines and electronic plan review standards. Frisco fire permit e-submittal.
• Carrollton: Fire Marshal page outlines fire permit submittal/review/inspection policies. Carrollton fire permits.
• Rockwall: bulletin clarifies 12 ft/6 ft thresholds and requires a rack storage plan prior to sprinkler plan approval. Rockwall high-rack storage.

Actionable submittal checklist

• Site & floor plan: show HPS areas with dimensions, aisles, exits, FD access, hose valves, and equipment. Example checklist: McKinney HPS guide.
• rack engineering (Texas PE): Elevations, base plates/anchors, load data, and marked max top of storage. Dallas notes engineered plans are required for racks: Dallas CO checklist.
• Code matrix for HPS: commodity classes, storage heights, flue spaces, smoke/heat removal (if required), sprinkler criteria. See IFC Chapter 32.
• Fire protection narrative: ceiling and/or in-rack sprinkler design (K-factors, density/area) and alarms/detection per code. See NFPA 13 overview.
• Process & portals: Dallas uses DallasNow/Accela for building/CO; many cities publish HPS checklists on their fire prevention pages. See DallasNow and city links above.