I. Purpose
The purpose of this Storage Policy is to establish guidelines for the safe, efficient, and equitable use of storage spaces within the interior and exterior of the Art & Architecture building, Liberty Research Annex and classroom 100 in the Modern Languages Building. This policy aims to help maintain an organized environment and to ensure compliance with university safety and accessibility standards.
II. Scope
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors who utilize central storage spaces (including closets, storage rooms, hallways, labs, offices, shared/common areas and exterior areas) within the Art & Architecture, Liberty Research Annex and Modern Language buildings.
III. General Guidelines
The Taubman community should utilize their assigned space (office, closet, studio desk, locker, etc.) for storage of items. If additional space is needed, the guidelines below must be followed. Items cannot be stored in central storage areas for more than 1 year.
- Authorized Use
- Only authorized personnel may use designated storage areas; approval must be obtained from the facilities supervisor.
- Storage of materials is permitted only in approved locations.
- Multiple people may be assigned to the same storage space.
- Personal property should not be stored in building storage areas without written permission.
- Prohibited Materials
- Hazardous materials (flammable, chemical, biological, radioactive) require special approval and must comply with university Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards.
- Perishable items are not allowed unless approved by the facilities supervisor.
- Storage of combustible materials in hallways or mechanical rooms is strictly forbidden.
- Labeling and Organization
- All stored items must be clearly labeled with the owner’s name, department, and date of storage.
- Items should be organized to provide clear access and comply with fire codes (e.g., do not block fire exits, electrical panels, or sprinkler heads).
- Storage in hallways, stairwells, or exit pathways is not permitted.
- Duration of Storage
- All storage will have a time limit assigned; 1 year being the maximum allotted time.
- Short-term storage (less than 1 month) is permitted with facilities supervisor approval.
- Long-term storage (1-12 months) requires facilities supervisor approval and a periodic review process that will be determined between the individual and the facilities supervisor at the time of approval.
- When the storage time limit lapses, a reminder email will be sent and items will be disposed of if not picked up within 1 week of reminder email being sent.
- Maintenance and Access
- Building management reserves the right to inspect all storage areas for compliance, safety, and maintenance.
- Any abandoned or unlabeled items will be disposed of after 1 week’s notice.
- Storage Requests
- Requests for short-term and long-term storage space must be submitted to the facilities supervisor in writing by emailing taubmanfacilities@umich.edu.
- Items cannot be stored without approval.
- All requests will be evaluated based on availability, necessity, and compliance with safety standards.
- If onsite storage requests are denied, off-site storage may be permitted by utilizing your research funds as long as there is a clear business purpose. Please connect with the finance team if you are interested in this option. National Storage is the closest storage facility to the Art & Architecture building.
IV. Compliance
- Failure to comply with this policy may result in revoked storage privileges or disposal of items.
- This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect university policy and safety regulations.
V. Contacts
- For questions or storage access, contact the facilities supervisor by emailing taubmanfacilities@umich.edu.
- For hazardous materials inquiries, contact U-M Environmental Health & Safety: https://ehs.umich.edu
Revision History
| Date | Description | Approved by |
|---|---|---|
| 10/1/2025 | Initial policy | Laura Wilson, Senior Operations Manager |