Building codes have become a minefield of regulations, with a complexity rivaling that of filing taxes, especially when applied to greenhouses.
Staying up-to-date on local rules and recent changes in building codes can quickly eat up your time and patience.
But with a team of designers, engineers, and construction experts who specialize in greenhouses, you can avoid those headaches and save time and money. Here’s why.
Hours of Greenhouse-Specific Experience
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to determine what does or doesn’t meet local building codes for your greenhouse project. That’s a heavy burden for anyone who doesn’t deal with code compliance every day.
The repercussions of not meeting building codes can include fines, penalties, and delays. In the worst case, you could find yourself tearing down your greenhouse. Are these risks worth going it alone without some guidance?
Here’s one example of how things can go wrong.
You order a greenhouse online, assuming it meets your local building codes. When you apply for a permit, you’re denied because the structure doesn’t meet local wind or snow load requirements.
Now you face the hassle of returning the greenhouse or spending extra money to bring it up to code.
Is the company liable? No. They sell general-use structures and don’t know your location or purpose for the greenhouse, so it’s up to you to verify it meets local codes.
Qualified designers and engineers who specialize in greenhouses live and breathe greenhouses. They work with building codes and permits every day, on every project. Years of hard-earned experience have taught them what works and what doesn’t.
They know the ins and outs of greenhouse codes that local building departments might overlook or not understand, as those departments often focus more on non-agricultural commercial buildings and residential housing.
Partnering with a greenhouse-specific company like Prospiant takes the guesswork out of code compliance and permits, freeing you to focus on your project and business rather than stress over local building codes.
Qualifying Your Greenhouse for Ag-Exempt
One area where the expertise of greenhouse specialists shines is with agriculture-exempt (ag-exempt) structures, which have unique requirements to qualify for exemption status.
Generally, ag-exempt structures are used solely for agricultural purposes, such as growing plants. This categorization qualifies them for exemptions from certain permits and building code requirements.
For an owner, this can mean avoiding the extra time and expense of providing stamped engineer drawings to obtain a permit. However, don’t assume you’ll automatically get to enjoy this benefit.
Location is key, as ag-exempt eligibility varies a great deal between states, counties, and municipalities. And be aware that some cities within states have adopted their own codes outside of the state.
You may find it difficult to determine which authority has jurisdiction. Typically, the authority that issues the permit determines whether a structure is ag-exempt or not, though not always.
Another challenge may arise when working with a building department unfamiliar with agricultural structures. It may apply residential building codes to your greenhouse, even if exceptions technically exist, leading to delays and extra costs for additional engineering.
Bottom line—make sure you fully understand exactly which structures qualify as ag-exempt in your area, or you could face some unwelcome surprises.
That’s where greenhouse design and engineering professionals come in.
They help you identify the code version your local building department follows, assist in decoding it, and can even join you in meetings to clarify how these regulations apply to your greenhouse. When needed, they also provide valuable education on greenhouses to the building departments and city councils.
Focus on Growing, Not Codes: The Expert Advantage
Handling building codes and permits for greenhouses can feel like solving a puzzle with ever-shifting pieces. You’re more than capable of handling it on your own, but is it worth the added time, cost, and potential headaches?
Your focus is on running your business, not decoding complex building regulations.
Greenhouse specialists act as your GPS, helping you find the best route through the permitting and compliance process while avoiding obstacles. They save you time, money, and stress.
Letting them handle the complexities isn’t just smart—it’s good business.
Don’t Let Codes Hold You Back—Let’s Talk!
Greenhouse codes can be a headache, but they don’t have to be. Our specialists make it easy to get compliant, ag-exempt, and stress-free. Contact us now to get started!
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