Getting your warehouse racking compliant shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze. Yet many warehouse managers or even senior Directors are unsure as to what they actually need or how to get it sorted, quickly finding themselves tangled in producer statements, building consent requirements and seismic design standards, let alone Health and Safety.
The resulting confusion costs time and money. Projects stall pending compliance documentation. Council rejections mean delays and potentially worst case starting again. Meanwhile, your warehouse expansion sits idle.
In this article, we provide a straightforward roadmap to racking compliance in New Zealand, covering initial design through to final sign-off.
Understanding the PS1 to PS4 process
Producer statements form the backbone of racking compliance. Think of them as quality stamps at each project stage, confirming your racking meets New Zealand Building Code requirements.
There are four producer statements that apply to racking compliance in NZ, from PS1 through to PS4, as summarised below:
PS1 – Design confirms your proposed racking design complies with relevant standards, particularly AS/NZS 4084:2023 for steel storage racking. A qualified engineer reviews your plans, load ratings and seismic calculations before council submission.
PS2 – Design Review provides independent verification of the PS1. Not always required, but councils increasingly request this extra layer of assurance for complex or high-risk installations.
PS3 – Construction certifies the racking manufacturer is built to specification. This covers materials, installation standards and quality control processes. Storepro handles this as part of our comprehensive compliance facilitation.
PS4 – Construction Review confirms your installed racking matches approved plans. The engineer inspects the completed installation, checking everything from floor fixings to beam connections before council issues Code Compliance Certification.
When building consent is actually required
Not every racking installation needs building consent. Understanding the triggers saves unnecessary applications and delays.
Building consent is required when your racking / or product storage:
- Exceeds 3 metres in height
- Supports mezzanine floors or walkways
- Requires structural modifications to the building
- Creates new fire cells or affects existing ones
Standard selective pallet racking under 3 metres high with low loads can fall under the consent radar. But add a mezzanine floor or push beyond that height threshold, and you’re in consent territory. We suggest checking with your local authority as each council may have different requirements.
Essential documentation for your application
Councils need specific information to process your consent. Missing documents mean costly delays, which sometimes extend into many weeks.
Your application package must include:
Site plans and layouts
Detailed drawings showing racking position, aisle widths and emergency exits. Include forklift routes and pedestrian walkways (WorkSafe NZ requirements matter here). Detail of floor and slab construction is also needed
Load ratings and calculations
Maximum loads per beam level, total bay loads and uniformly distributed loads. Your engineer calculates these based on your intended use.
Seismic design documentation
New Zealand’s seismic requirements are non-negotiable. Your racking needs appropriate bracing for your region’s earthquake zone. Local conditions matter (the conditions in Auckland differ from Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Christchurch for instance).
Fire safety specifications
How your racking affects sprinkler coverage, smoke detection and evacuation routes. High-bay racking can require in-rack sprinklers, which serves as another compliance layer.
Avoiding common consent delays
Speed matters when your warehouse fit-out timeline is tight. These strategies keep your application moving:
Submit complete documentation upfront. Partial applications trigger requests for information (RFIs), adding weeks to processing times.
Engage qualified engineers early. PS1 statements from recognised professionals carry weight with councils. DIY structural calculations rarely pass muster.
Pre-application meetings work. Discussing complex projects with council beforehand identifies potential issues before formal submission.
Consider staged consent. For large projects, consenting in phases can get you operational sooner while final sections await approval.
Making compliance straightforward
Racking compliance doesn’t need to derail your warehouse plans. With proper preparation and the right expertise, you can navigate the process smoothly, avoiding costly delays and rework.
The key is understanding what’s required before you start. Know your PS requirements. Gather documentation early. Work with professionals who understand New Zealand’s unique compliance landscape.
At Storepro, we manage the entire compliance journey. From initial warehouse design through producer statements to final compliance certification, we handle the complexity so you can focus on running your business.
Ready to get your racking project moving?
Let’s turn that maze into a straight path. Our compliance team knows exactly what councils need and how to deliver it efficiently.
Contact us to book in your compliance consultation today.