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Self Storage development-what is impervious coverage

Updated: Nov 17, 2023

By Garrett Byrd



In the realm of self-storage development, the Storage Authority franchise model offers practical insights into optimizing land use which is a critical aspect of creating a successful and profitable facility. One crucial factor to be mindful of is "impervious coverage." Impervious coverage refers to surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate, such as concrete or asphalt. Understanding and managing impervious coverage is pivotal in both environmental conservation and the efficient use of space.


When planning a self-storage facility, developers must strike a balance between creating enough storage capacity to meet demand and minimizing the environmental impact of increased impervious coverage. Here's a closer look at the key considerations:





1. Environmental Impact: The Storage Authority team encourages our owners to prioritize environmental conformity with their development team when planning impervious coverage. Excessive impervious coverage can lead to issues like water runoff, increased risk of flooding, and decreased groundwater recharge. To mitigate these concerns, developers should incorporate environmentally friendly design features. Implementing permeable surfaces, like pervious concrete or permeable pavers, allows rainwater to seep into the ground, reducing the strain on local drainage systems.


2. Regulatory Compliance: Storage Authority emphasizes the importance of staying abreast of local regulations and environmental compliance. Municipalities often have regulations in place regarding impervious coverage to manage stormwater runoff and maintain the ecological balance of an area. Before embarking on a self-storage development project, it is crucial for developers to familiarize themselves with local zoning laws and environmental regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues. If the impervious lot coverage (max percentage of building and paving lot coverage) is low in the parcel you would like to develop you may need more land.


3. Maximizing Efficiency: Maximizing efficiency is one of the core principles of Storage Authority's philosophy. While environmental considerations are paramount, impervious coverage also directly impacts the economic feasibility of a self-storage facility. Efficient use of space, strategic placement of structures, and thoughtful design can help strike a balance between meeting storage demand and minimizing the environmental footprint. Additionally, can can explore multi-story storage designs to optimize vertical space but is more capital-intensive upfront and you lose the ability to phase a project vs the flexibility of ground-level layouts.


4. Innovative Design Solutions: Storage Authority encourages a collaborative approach to development for our owners, embracing innovative design solutions that incorporate green spaces, rain gardens, and sustainable materials to offset the environmental impact of impervious surfaces. These approaches not only adhere to regulatory requirements but also enhance the overall appeal of the self-storage facility.


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Storage Authority's guidance in self-storage development underscores the intricate balance between meeting storage demands and environmental sustainability. By aligning with Storage Authority's principles and leveraging our team's expertise, along with your engineer, architect, and general contractor we can navigate the complexities of impervious coverage with confidence, ensuring the creation of self-storage facilities that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.


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 Garrett Byrd at Direct: 941-928-1354 or Garrett@StorageAuthority.com to learn more about the Storage Authority Franchise opportunity. Your self-storage journey awaits!


If you would like to learn more and start your journey to self-storage ownership click the link here:



Your success story begins with Storage Authority!




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