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Choosing the Right Land for Your Self-Storage Project

By Garrett Byrd


When it comes to establishing a successful self-storage business, selecting the appropriate land parcel is a critical decision. The size and characteristics of the land can significantly impact the facility's design, construction costs, and ultimately, its profitability. For those seeking a lifestyle business with a lucrative income from a single facility, understanding the various land options is crucial.


The goal is to build an 80,000 gross square foot facility, which translates to approximately 64,000 net rentable square feet. It's important to note that the following land area recommendations are estimated averages and should not be considered guarantees of success or failure. Site-specific factors, such as zoning regulations, topography, and accessibility, can influence the actual land requirements.






Land Parcel Options

6+ Usable Acres


This is the most common option, allowing for multiple single-story buildings on a single site with both non-climate-controlled and climate-controlled units. This approach offers flexibility, as the facility can be built in one or more phases.


4.5+ Usable Acres

For a more compact footprint, a single-story building with predominantly climate-controlled units can be constructed on a 4.5+ acre parcel. This option can also be phased but with additional costs for the second phase.


4.5+ Usable Acres

Another alternative is to start with multiple single-story buildings in phase one and then add a multi-story building in phase two. This approach offers versatility and the potential for future expansion.


2+ Usable Acres

In densely populated areas or where land is scarce, a three-story facility can be constructed on as little as two usable acres, depending on factors such as setbacks and stormwater management requirements. The term "usable acreage" refers to land that is free from wetlands, easements, floodplains, steep slopes, restrictive impervious lot coverage limits, and zoning requirements or setbacks that deviate from the norm (e.g., 20-foot side yards and 50-foot front and rear yards). It also assumes the availability of city water and sewer services.1


Thorough Site Evaluation is Key


Regardless of the chosen land parcel size, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive site evaluation, including a land feature investigation and a review of zoning regulations. This initial assessment will help identify any potential challenges or limitations that may impact the project's feasibility and design. While these land parcel options provide a general guideline, it's essential to work closely with experienced professionals, such as civil engineers and architects, to ensure that the selected site meets all necessary criteria, including demand, visibility, access, zoning, and utility availability.


At Storage Authority Franchise, we understand that every self-storage project is unique, and our goal is to provide franchisees with the guidance and support they need to make informed decisions. By leveraging our expertise and proven business model, we empower our franchisees to unlock the full potential of the self-storage industry and achieve long-term success.



Storage Authority Franchising is all about owning your own local self-storage business, supported by professional systems and expertise. We like to say, "You're in business for yourself but not by yourself." If self-storage is on your mind, don't hesitate to reach out to me, Garrett Byrd at Direct: 941-928-1354 or Garrett@StorageAuthority.com to learn more about the Storage Authority Franchise opportunity.



 If you would like to learn more and start your journey to self-storage ownership click the link here: http://www.storageauthorityfranchise.com/opportunity2





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