OSHA, on the other hand, was established in 1971<\/strong> as part of the U.S. Department of Labor to ensure safe and healthy working conditions through regulatory standards and enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While both IBC and OSHA prioritize safety<\/strong>, their focus areas differ. IBC<\/strong> governs the overall structural integrity of buildings, ensuring compliance with building codes related to load-bearing capacity, fire protection, accessibility, and general construction safety. OSHA<\/strong>, in contrast, is specifically concerned with workplace safety, regulating elements such as stairways, ladders, and guardrails to prevent workplace injuries and falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite their different scopes, there are areas where IBC and OSHA regulations overlap\u2014for example, stair construction.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n According to IBC, stairways serving an occupant load of fewer than 50 people must be at least 36 inches wide. Stairways exceeding 12 feet in height<\/strong> require an intermediate landing, which must be at least as wide as the stairway and extend at least three feet in length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, OSHA specifies minimum dimensions for workplace stairs. OSHA-compliant stairways must be at least 22 inches wide<\/strong>, with rise and tread dimensions determined by the stairway\u2019s angle. For example, a 45-degree stairway must have a minimum rise and tread of 8.75 inches each<\/strong>. Unlike IBC, OSHA allows open risers. While handrails and guardrails are required, OSHA permits gaps between rails since these stairways are not intended for use by children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While IBC focuses on overall building safety, OSHA directly addresses worker protection, particularly the risk of falls and workplace injuries. This distinction illustrates how each organization influences mezzanine design differently, depending on whether the primary concern is structural integrity or employee safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To begin with, not all municipalities require permits for warehouse mezzanines<\/a>. However, if your warehouse is located in an area with high seismic activity or the mezzanine impacts overall facility usage, be ready for your municipality to require proof of approval from a licensed engineer. This provides confidence that your facility will maintain a safe environment for workers. Furthermore, some property owners may insist on permit approval, even if the local government does not.<\/p>\n\n\n Unfortunately, navigating the approval process can sometimes be challenging. Why is that? Recall the example of the stairways above. Officials require time to determine whether you are applying for a permit for a permanent mezzanine, which must comply with IBC standards, or if you are installing mezzanine work platforms<\/a>, pallet rack mezzanines<\/a>, shelf-supported mezzanines, and steel mezzanines, which fall under OSHA compliance requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Determine if the city\/county has an online permit application. Some cities require permits online, some are optional, and some require in-person.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Online. <\/strong>If you can submit online, (Hillsboro, Eugene, Portland) create an initial application. Once you submit the initial application, within a day or two, they will give you a permit number and allow you to start uploading the required documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In-person.<\/strong> If you must submit in person, prepare all the documents below and bring them to the permit office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Documents to submit:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Differences and Approaches to Mezzanine Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Key](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Key-Differences-IBC-vs-OSHA-1024x538.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPermits and Approvals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"When](\"https:\/\/www.speedrackwest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/When-a-Permit-Is-Required-3-2-1024x595.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow does the application process look like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Don\u2019t worry about the paperwork \u2014 we\u2019ve got it covered.<\/strong>
Get a free consultation and full end-to-end support.<\/h2>\n \n \n