There was a time when building a self-storage facility didn’t require so much hoop-jumping. Land was plentiful. Zoning boards were more amenable to self-storage, mainly because they were restricted to light-industrial areas. And there wasn’t a facility every five miles so competition was at a minimum. Now, land is scarce. Zoning boards are demanding more. And I’m sure you can name at least five facilities within a 10-minute drive of your facility. So it’s interesting what some land owners are willing to do to get a green light for their self-storage projects.

Take John Slagboom of Kentwood, Mich. Slagboom owns 9 acres bordering two municipalities: 6 acres in the city and three in Cascade Township. In order to gain approval from both zoning boards, Slagboom has agreed to a zoning stipulation on the property, according to an article in the Grand Rapids Press.

If approved by the boards, the land will be rezoned from single-family residential to light-industrial use. And Slagboom said he will agree that it may be used only for the self-storage facility. If that use is discontinued, the property would revert to residential use.

Slagboom even outlined his plans to nearby residents. He also said he would provide a buffer along the property line with a fence and landscaping. One reason the property is ideal for self-storage and not residential is its location—Interstate 96 runs along the northern property line.

Board members quoted in the article are not convinced this is an ideal site for self-storage. The board is set to vote on the issue tomorrow night.

What do you think about the story? As an owner, would you commit to a zoning stipulation? Click on the “Post a Comment” button to share your thoughts.