If you’ve been considering replacing your greenhouses or adding to your commercial growing enterprise with new structures, you may be wondering just how much you need to know about building codes. Is there a standard minimum building code that you can start with, and then tack on the codes specific to your region?

As we work to build greenhouses for growers across the country, Stuppy encounters a wide range of building code variations, and can provide some guidance to help you think through planning your structure. Here are some common questions that come up:

In What Part of the Building Process Are Building Codes Researched?

Building codes come into play early in the process. Once your contract is signed, your greenhouse builder will work with an engineer to determine which building codes your structure will need to meet. Before the proposal is even offered by your builder, they will ask you whether building permits need to be pulled for your greenhouse.

What Causes the Variations in Building Codes?

Building codes may be different based on county or municipality, but your region will have building codes designed to handle the specific risks in your area. For instance, in California, greenhouses are highly regulated because of the risk of earthquakes and mudslides. In other regions, high winds or flooding is the concern.

In Utah and other states affected by heavy winter precipitation, snow load must be considered for the roofs of greenhouses. There is a weight per-square-foot that builders must accommodate for when creating the plans.

You will also see variations in building codes based on the organization building the greenhouse. A commercial grower may see different requirements for a greenhouse compared to a university or secondary school.

What Kinds of Building Code Challenges Might Delay my Build?

There are times when an unforeseen building code violation may cause a delay. For instance, if your project moves forward according to a code for the wrong municipality, you may require major changes to your materials and build. In one project that Stuppy completed, a community college wanted glass for their greenhouse, but because the structure bumped up against an existing building, the building code was more complex.

What Do I Need to Know About Electrical Codes for Greenhouses?

In short, there’s no specific building code for electrical systems in greenhouses. You need to ensure that the system can handle the environment as well as provide the electrical draw that the greenhouse equipment requires.

Who is Ultimately Responsible for Building Code Concerns?

When you partner with a greenhouse builder like us, we will be working with a third-party engineer certified in all 50 states to determine that your plans meet building code for your region and municipality.

Stuppy offers five models for greenhouses, all of which can be customized or modified to meet building code. It’s important to know when and to what degree building codes will affect your greenhouse building project, and Stuppy guides you through that process. Contact us to talk about your upcoming greenhouse project!