LEGAL UPDATES - SUMMER 2022
Tenant Insurance. The SSA and IA-SSA pursued legislation again in 2022 that would permit Iowa storage owners to obtain a limited license that permits owners and employees to sell insurance to their tenants to cover loss of or damage to their storage property, if the tenant does not have another policy – such as homeowners’ insurance – that covers their stored goods. Unfortunately, the bill stalled. The SSA and IA-SSA will revisit this legislation in 2023.
Storage Tax Repeal. HSB716 and SSB3156 were introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate, respectively. Both bills would exempt storage from the tax that presently exists. At the legislature’s direction, the SSA and IA-SSA are working with the Iowa Department of Revenue to determine whether an administrative fix is available without the need for a legislative change.
June 2021
Iowa OSHA Fines Storage Operator
The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently conducted in on-site inspection of an Iowa Self Storage Association member, resulting in an initial fine of nearly $40,000. Please review the information below carefully; what may seem to be a fairly routine oversight can lead to a hefty fine. IASSA Members - Click HERE to read the full article and recommendations in the member only library.
Not an IASSA member, join HERE to read more about this issue and for member only access to important news and information to protect your business.
January 2021
BUILDING CODES UPDATE
Changes to the International Building Code Affect Self Storage
With the support of its Code Committee, the Self Storage Association successfully pursued several key changes to the 2021 International Building Code.
- An exception has been added to IBC Section 2902.3.3 to permit an increase in the location (to greater than every other floor) and maximum distance of travel (to greater than 500 ft) for restrooms. The location and travel distance must be approved by the code official.
- The maximum allowable height of sprinklered facilities made of Type IIB materials (unprotected steel) and Type IIIB materials (noncombustible or fire-retardant-treated wood stud exterior walls and any interior construction) has been increased from 3 stories to 4 stories. The Code continues to have total floor and building square footage limits.
- Pursuant to modified IBC Section 903.2.9, storage facilities are exempt from the automatic sprinkler system requirement if: (1) the total fire area is 12,000 sq. ft. or less; (2) the combined total fire areas are 24,000 sq. ft. or less; (3) the facility is no greater than one story above grade plane; and (4) all storage spaces are accessed directly from the exterior.
These changes go into effect as they are adopted by local and state governments over the next several years. Prior to the adoption on the local and state level, storage developers can request that the code official rely on the 2021 changes as acceptable alternative methods of construction pursuant to section 104.11 of the existing International Building Code.
Please email Joe Doherty with any questions or to receive supporting documentation for these changes.