Sonoma State University

Campus Shed/Storage Container Program

All campus space is owned and managed by the University and must be used in a manner that supports the University’s Strategic Plan. Before requesting additional storage space, departments should evaluate their current space allocation and determine whether reorganization, purging outdated records or materials, or consolidation can meet the need.

If additional storage space is still required, the requesting department must submit a work order to Facilities Management that includes the following information:

  • Requested storage period, including start and end dates
  • A description of the item(s) to be stored
  • The current location of the item(s)
  • Confirmation that the department has considered reorganizing or consolidating its existing assigned space
  • Identification of any existing campus space that may be available for the requested use
  • The approximate amount of space needed (square feet)
  • Whether the stored items must be locked or otherwise secured
  • Whether shelving or cabinets will be needed
  • Vice President approval of the requesting division

All stored items must be maintained in accordance with California State Fire Marshal (SFM) requirements, including applicable provisions of Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations.

Additional Building Storage Space

Requests for additional building storage space are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Because providing additional space may require reassigning space from another campus department or user group, approval is required from the Vice Presidents of both the requesting and relinquishing divisions.

 

Once the reassignment is approved, the campus Space Facilities Database (SFDB) must be updated and the revised information forwarded to the Chancellor's Office Capital Planning, Design, and Construction department. Facilities Management will coordinate the reassignment process.

 

Exterior Sheds

Requests for exterior sheds or cargo containers must be reviewed by the Campus Planning and University Space Advisory Committee (CPUSAC). Exterior storage units will be considered only after all other feasible storage options have been exhausted.

 

Exterior sheds and cargo containers may be approved only on a temporary basis for up to one year. At the end of the approved period, the unit must be inspected. If continued use is needed, the requesting department must submit an extension request. Extensions may be approved for one year at a time.

 

Continued use must meet campus requirements, support the University's strategic mission, and receive approval from the Deputy Campus Building Official. The requesting department is responsible for all ongoing maintenance, repairs, and associated costs.

 

Sheds or cargo containers may be purchased only after CPUSAC approval and must be procured through the campus' requisition process.

 

Building Code & CA State Fire Marshal Code Requirements:

 

  • Sheds and cargo containers are considered structures and must comply with all the applicable building code regulations.
  • Any unit considered permanent is subject to building code requirements.
  • Units with power or lighting are considered building structures and are subject to applicable building and electrical code requirements.
  • Extension cords may not be used to supply power to sheds or cargo containers.
  • Sheds and containers are for storage only and may only be occupied for the time needed to load and unload contents.
  • Units must be properly anchored to meet wind and seismic requirements.
  • Facilities Management will retain the engineering and design documentation for the structure and its installation
  • When installed near an existing building, all fire lanes, emergency access routes, and egress paths must remain clear.
  • Fuels, chemicals, fertilizers, fume-producing materials batteries, golf carts, and other hazardous materials requires EH&S approval.
  • All sheds and cargo containers must be adequately ventilated.
  • Facilities Management and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will inspect all units annually.
  • All units are subject to ongoing Title 19 inspections by the State Fire Marshal or its authorized delegate.

 

Approved Campus Shed Standards:

  • Material: Tuff Shed or a Facilities Management-approved equivalent
  • Color: Determined by Facilities Management
  • Maximum Size:120 sq/ft 
  • Security and Lock: Campus master key system
  • Maintenance: Determined by Facilities Management and funded by requesting/assigned department
  • Any Sheds and/or Cargo Containers that fail to meet campus standards and/or CA SFM regulations will be subject to fines to correct conditions restrictions to access, and/ or complete removal from the campus.

Reference: Space Allocation and Management Policy