Legal Requirements for Steel Buildings

Like any other type of building, steel buildings must meet many legal requirements for the structure. These requirements may include meeting local standards for weather and climate conditions, safety and zoning. In addition, you may need to meet specific licensing requirements for your building, including licensing for building contractors, electricians and plumbing. These tips and facts can help you stay on the right side of the law when buying and erecting steel buildings.

Gather Your Information

Before you visit your local building codes office, put together your basic information, including the planned location of your building, the general size and height of the structure you’re planning, and its function. The more information you can provide to the clerks at the building office, the more accurate the information you get from them will be.

Visit Your Local Zoning and Building Codes Office

Armed with your information, pay a visit to the local zoning and building codes office. Be prepared for just about anything – some communities don’t allow steel buildings in some zones, for example. In addition to getting a copy of the local building standards – which will include information like the minimum wind load and minimum standing load the building must be able to withstand – you should also find out the requirements for erecting a structure on your property. Most communities specify how many feet your structure must be from the edges of your property and from other structures. Depending on the amount of square footage you have available, that information may restrict the size of the metal building you can erect at your chosen site.

Licensing Restrictions

If you’re planning to erect the structure on the site yourself, ask your local registrar about the process for getting approval for building and about any restrictions on licensing for those who work on your building. In many cases, private buildings on private property are exempt from some of those licensing restrictions, but that’s not the case in all communities. If you’re putting up a commercial property of any kind, chances are that you’ll have to use licensed contractors for all parts of your steel building construction.

Process

Finally, be sure that you’re aware of the process for having your building plans and your building approved by your local building authorities. If you use a general contractor, you can count on his expertise, but keep in mind that the ultimate responsibility – and fault for any wrongdoing – will lie with you.

Steel buildings are easier to erect than any other type of structure, but there are still laws and regulations you must follow. Know them and follow them to ensure that you’ll get full use out of your building when it’s erected.