The Mezzanine Floor Reference Library

For occupiers and decision-makers planning a mezzanine installation: building regulations approval is required in all cases, without exception. There is no size threshold below which approval is not needed. The approval process covers structural safety, fire safety, means of escape, headroom and accessibility. It is separate from planning permission and must be in place before work begins. Proceeding without approval is a criminal offence.

For occupiers and decision-makers assessing a mezzanine installation: a mezzanine floor changes the fire safety profile of the building it sits in. It creates a new level, alters escape routes, affects travel distances and may require fire protection to the supporting steelwork, fire-rated construction to the underside of the deck, and modifications to sprinkler coverage. Requirements are determined by the building’s existing fire strategy, the size of the mezzanine and intended use.

For occupiers and decision-makers assessing a mezzanine installation: planning permission is not normally required. Installing a mezzanine within an existing industrial or commercial building is treated as internal works in most standard cases. Building regulations approval is required in all cases – this is a separate process covering structural safety and fire compliance. The two are frequently confused; both must be addressed before work begins.

For warehouse managers and operations decision-makers assessing a space problem: in most buildings with sufficient internal height a mezzanine floor is faster, less expensive and simpler to consent than a warehouse extension. An extension is the appropriate choice where internal height is insufficient, where the operation specifically needs ground-level floor area, or where the required volume of space cannot be created within the existing envelope.