By Ed Clement Finding land: The first 4 steps.
Step 1: Call the Town Planner or Zoning Agent and ask these four questions:
1) Which zones permit self-storage?
2) Are there any self-storage regulations? How can you get a copy? - online.
3) Is the zoning map online? Where? Can you purchase a larger zoning map at the city hall? They are often hard to read online.
4) Does the town have any wetland or topography maps? Where?
Step 2 repeat step 1 for your town and the several towns around you and prepare a list of permitted zones for each town.
Here is a city zoning map where each zone is a different color. Step 3: Obtain a zoning map from the town or city which are often available online. Locate and highlight the zones on the map that permit self-storage.
Step 4: Spend 6 plus hours a week driving the roads where self-storage is permitted. You can drive on the pavement or on google maps. EVERY drive should be followed up with inquiries to see if owners are open to selling their property.
Regrid App Map A great way to utilize the zoning map is to use the Regrid App. You have two choices with Regrid.
You can use it on your phone as your drive the zones that permit self-storage. Based on your location it will show you the properties nearby including boundaries, area, owner's name, and other information to help you determine if you should contact the owner.
The second option is to type in an address on your computer (or phone) in a zone that permits self-storage.
Regrid will allow you to scroll up and down the street to again check out each property to see if you should contact them.
One more tip: Try the ThatsThem App for phone numbers and emails.
The Storage Authority team is excited to guide you on your journey to becoming self-storage owners. Let's build one for you!
Is it time for you to learn more? I would be happy to have a 15-minute call and review the highlights of how Storage Authority can help make your self-storage goal a reality.
Ed 727-946-0745 No appointment needed.
Ed Clement is a franchise director at Storage Authority. One of his passions and responsibilities is helping franchisees find land by sharing how to find land both online and offline. Ed has a strong background in real estate, investment banking, and management consulting. He is available at Ed@StorageAuthority.com or 727 946 0745 to answer your questions and share the Storage Authority Franchise opportunity.