Self Storage: 20 Questions for the First Meeting with the Town Planner & Staff

By Garrett Byrd

Storage Authority Franchise

When scheduling an appointment with the Town Planner and staff, inform them that you are interested in developing a 50,000-square-foot, single-story self-storage facility. Request a meeting to discuss the development process and any relevant town requirements.

Purpose of the Meeting

During your meeting, explain that you are looking for five or more acres of land to develop self-storage in the town. Emphasize that you want to initiate discussions early in the process to save time for both parties.

Preparing for the Meeting

• Purchase a zoning map of the city to identify districts that permit self-storage.

• If you have a specific property in mind, bring maps and documentation to focus your questions on that location.

  
  

Key Questions to Ask:

Zoning & Regulations

1. What zones permit self-storage?

2. Are zoning maps and regulations available online? If so, what are the URLs?

3. Are there specific zoning regulations related to self-storage? If so, what sections cover them?

   
   

Approval Process

4. What is the general process for obtaining site plan approvals?

5. What plans and applications are required?

6. How many commissions or boards review or approve the project?

7. What is the typical timeline for each approval step and the entire approval process?

   
   

Existing & Proposed Self-Storage Projects

8. Have any self-storage facilities been recently approved or proposed? How were they received by the commission?

9. Are there any approved self-storage projects that haven’t been built? Can you provide the address, owner’s name, and contact information?

   
   

Site-Specific Considerations

10. Is there a maximum impervious coverage limitation (building and pavement coverage)?

11. Are there stormwater detention and water quality requirements? Are these town or state regulations?

12. What are the wetland-regulated areas and setbacks? Can a detention pond be placed within these setbacks?

13. Does the town have wetland maps available, or will a soil scientist need to delineate wetlands in the field?

14. Are topography maps of the property available through the town?

15. Can you confirm whether a particular property is within a floodplain?

    
    

Traffic & Infrastructure

16. Is a traffic report required for a minimal-traffic generator like self-storage? Would a one-page traffic generation letter suffice?

17. Are town or state traffic counts available for main streets?

    
    

Local Expertise & Recommendations

18. Can the town recommend a local civil engineer experienced in self-storage site planning?

19. If no recommendations are provided, what is the best way to identify engineers familiar with town regulations (e.g., reviewing past commission agendas)?

20. Are there any known parcels of land that might be suitable for self-storage development?

    
    

Next Steps

• Work with at least one civil engineer to understand self-storage site design, approval costs, and timeframes.

• Bring a zoning worksheet to the meeting and complete it with the help of the town staff.(*Email me if you need a Zoning worksheet)

  
  

By addressing these questions early, you can streamline the approval process and ensure a smooth development experience.

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 Schedule a call with me 

You can also email me at  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: Click Link to Begin Your Journey