Distillery Exterior Tank Farm

[kvellenoweth]

Just started working on a project to replace the existing equipment platforms, stairs, ladders and utility racks for an exterior tank farm in Kentucky. There are no buildings within ~25ft and nothing is enclosed or under roof. Kentucky's current code is 2018 KBC (2015 IBC). Also need to adhere to FDA, NFPA, OSHA etc.

First question, is a building permit required if we are replacing the equipment platforms, stairs, ladders, utility racks, etc with like kind and in similar locations? The main platform will be adjacent to the existing in order to maintain access to the tanks for testing as long as possible until the existing platforms will be demolished and the extensions to the tanks will be constructed.

Second question is, do we need to adhere to the 2018 KBC building code as completely exterior tank farm with elevated equipment platforms? Would still have adhere to OSHA requirements.

 

[BN4537]

First question, is a building permit required if we are replacing the equipment platforms, stairs, ladders, utility racks, etc with like kind and in similar locations? The main platform will be adjacent to the existing in order to maintain access to the tanks for testing as long as possible until the existing platforms will be demolished and the extensions to the tanks will be constructed.

The answer to this question will vary by how rural or not the project is. Even if a permit were required by the code, many jurisdictions would punt on the permit. Talk to your local building department.

How big are the platforms and what are they made of?

 

[kvellenoweth]

The answer to this question will vary by how rural or not the project is. Even if a permit were required by the code, many jurisdictions would punt on the permit. Talk to your local building department.

How big are the platforms and what are they made of?

It is fairly rural. With it not being a 'building' I am not sure if or how much of the IBC would actually apply.

The platforms are at about 24'-0" above grade, made of steel. See attached picture.

 

[BN4537]

It is a "structure" according to the definition in the IBC (Structure - that which is built or constructed), and is not listed in 105.2 as being exempt from permit, so if the AHJ wants to, they can require a permit. I would guess it would be a U occupancy per section 312.

If I ran your building department, I would do everything I could to let you build this without a permit, or at least without inspections. I don't think it would be worth our time. Now, if you are running electrical for it, that would be different, we would need to look at that.

Will depend on whoever has jurisdiction for your area on what they want to see. I would definitely ask them before proceeding.

 

[kvellenoweth]

It is a "structure" according to the definition in the IBC (Structure - that which is built or constructed), and is not listed in 105.2 as being exempt from permit, so if the AHJ wants to, they can require a permit. I would guess it would be a U occupancy per section 312.

If I ran your building department, I would do everything I could to let you build this without a permit, or at least without inspections. I don't think it would be worth our time. Now, if you are running electrical for it, that would be different, we would need to look at that.

Will depend on whoever has jurisdiction for your area on what they want to see. I would definitely ask them before proceeding.

Thank you for your input! I have been looking at this as either an F-1 or H-3 and hadn't considered U.

 

[JPohling]

I would consider that to be an F-1. If it is replacement like in kind of the platforms I would see it as maintenance and attempt to avoid a permit.