Birmingham, AL, Officials Tighten Restrictions on Self-Storage Development

The Birmingham, Ala., City Council recently passed new restrictions on self-storage development that’ll make it more difficult for developers who seek to build in the city center and other central commercial districts. Though self-storage will still be allowed in those areas, projects will need to meet a more stringent set of criteria, according to the source.

Among the new stipulations is one requiring that facility exteriors match the aesthetics of the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, 50 percent of first-floor space must be set aside as retail or restaurant use, the source reported. Additional requirements include alley access for loading and unloading, and some specifications for interior units.

“We want to allow these things, but we want to allow them in a way where they fit the context of the area they’re in,” said Tim Gambrell, the city’s chief planner.

The tighter restrictions follow the city’s 2019 temporary moratorium on self-storage projects.

Source:
Birmingham Business Journal, Birmingham Passes Restrictions on Storage Facilities