Title 24 Requirements for Self-Storage Facilities in California

Drive-up and conditioned units are different buildings

Section 100.0(e)2C lists the sections that apply to a newly constructed unconditioned building: 110.9, 110.10, 120.6, 130.0 through 130.5, 140.3(c), 140.6, 140.7 and 140.8. Lighting, controls, outdoor lighting and the solar zone therefore reach a wholly unconditioned storage building, while envelope and mechanical rules do not. Section 140.10 sizes PV from conditioned floor area and is not on that list. Conditioned units, such as a climate-controlled block, bring in envelope and mechanical requirements for those spaces.

Roll-up doors

The Section 100.1 definition of a door includes roll-up doors. Where a door separates conditioned space from outside, Section 140.3(a)7 sets a maximum U-factor in Table 140.3-B. The nonresidential manual gives the non-swinging maximum as 1.45 in climate zones 2 through 15 and 0.50 in zones 1 and 16, and says 1.45 corresponds to uninsulated single-layer metal roll-up doors. Check the zone before specifying.

Corridors are not aisle ways

The code defines an aisle way as the walkway between storage racks anchored to the floor, and a corridor area as a passageway into which rooms open. Corridors need occupant sensing that cuts their lighting by at least 50 per cent when unoccupied (Section 130.1(c)6C). Our reading is that unit corridors are corridor areas; a rack warehouse is the case the aisle rule was written for, covered on warehouses. Shut-off controls also need separate control per floor and per 5,000 square feet of enclosed space, and the 20,000 square foot relief does not list storage. Exception 2 to Section 140.3(c), for unfinished interiors, may not be used for S-1 or S-2 storage; see daylighting in large spaces.

The yard and the doors

Hardscape includes storage or service yards, and a building entrance way includes overhead doors. Motion sensing is required for general hardscape luminaires mounted at 24 feet or lower, and Table 140.7-B has separate allowances for guard stations and security cameras. Whether each unit door counts as an entrance, and whether a keypad gate is a guard station, are questions for the plan checker. See outdoor lighting.

Conversions

A retail box converted to storage follows the rules for the new occupancy, and spaces whose lighting is installed for the first time are treated as new. See change of use, tenant improvements and commercial solar and battery.

Common Title 24 Questions

1. Title 24 requirements for office buildings
2. Title 24 requirements for retail stores
3. Title 24 requirements for restaurants
4. Title 24 requirements for commercial kitchens
5. Title 24 requirements for warehouses
6. Title 24 requirements for grocery stores

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a self-storage building need a Title 24 report?

Are self-storage units a warehouse under the Energy Code?

Do drive-up units need insulation?

Explore Building Types

1. Title 24 Requirements for Theaters and Cinemas
2. Title 24 Requirements for Veterinary Clinics
3. Title 24 Requirements for Warehouses in California
4. Title 24 Requirements for Wineries and Breweries
5. Coffee Shop Title 24 Requirements

View all Building Types guides → · Commercial Title 24 · Title 24 guide