The national Self Storage Association (SSA) has successfully advocated for building-code changes related to fresh-air intake and unit lighting at self-storage facilities. The approved proposals will be included in the 2024 International Mechanical Code and International Building Code, according to June 13 newsletter to SSA members.

One code confirms that a self-storage facility’s occupiable floor area doesn’t include the floor area of units. “This ensures that the minimum fresh air intake rates can be properly calculated and consistently enforced,” SSA officials said.

The other code change exempts lighting inside units in which access is gained from the exterior of the building.

The SSA has added memos from consultant Andrew Klein to its online Legal Resource Center to help members apply the forthcoming codes to current construction projects before state and local governments adopt the measures for enforcement.

The SSA represents about 22,000 U.S. and international member-affiliated self-storage facilities, according to its website. It’s allied with several state and international self-storage associations and has about 6,000 members.

Source: SSA Magazine Weekly 6/13/22, SSA Provides Legislative Updates on Vermont, Building Codes