← Ontario Building Code FAQ
OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.16 — SHELF AND RACK STORAGE SYSTEMS

Do storage racks in Ontario need to be designed for earthquakes?

Yes. Regulated shelf and rack storage systems must be designed for seismic loads based on the site's location, using the earthquake provisions applicable through Part 4 and applicable rack design standards, including anchorage to the floor slab that resists overturning and sliding.

Code reference
The structural design of regulated rack storage systems must account for earthquake effects together with gravity and operational loads, applying the Code's seismic design parameters for the building site. Racks must be anchored and braced so that stored loads and the rack structure remain stable under the design seismic event, with connections and base plates designed accordingly.
OBC Division B, Section 3.16 (Shelf and Rack Storage Systems) and Part 4 (Structural Design)

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Seismic demand in Ontario varies significantly, eastern Ontario, including Ottawa, has notably higher seismic hazard than the southwest, so rack designs cannot simply be copied between sites. Loaded racks carry most of their mass high, making overturning and beam-to-column connection failure the governing concerns; base plate anchorage into an adequate slab is the detail engineers scrutinize. Common pitfalls include reusing second-hand racking without reassessment, removing braces to fit product, and forklift impact damage that quietly erodes seismic capacity. Rack design standards such as CSA A344 guide the engineering.

Plain language

Even in Ontario, tall warehouse racks must be engineered so an earthquake will not topple them, tonnes of product falling from height is deadly. That means proper bracing and bolting the rack legs firmly to a strong concrete floor.

Related questions

When does warehouse racking need a building permit or engineering in Ontario?How does high rack storage affect sprinkler requirements in Ontario?What egress requirements apply around storage racks in warehouses in Ontario?

Get answers like this for any code question

BUILDAiD Assist searches the building code and answers in plain English with exact citations — in seconds.

Try BUILDAiD Beta

This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.