Drive-Up vs Climate-Controlled
Drive-up units speed access and reduce corridors. Climate-controlled shells add wall/roof insulation, air sealing, and interior hallways for premium units.
Drive-UpClimateInterior Halls
Metal Buildings Guide
Self Storage
Steel self-storage with drive-up access or climate-controlled corridors. Optimize unit mix, door sizes, hallway widths, and lighting around your market demand and site constraints.
Unit Mix & Doors
Blend 5×5 to 10×30 units plus RV/boat bays as needed. Roll-up doors (often 8–10′ wide) with cylinder locks and hallway swing doors inside.
5×5–10×30Roll-Up DoorsRV/Boat
Corridors & Layout
Interior hallways typically 5–8′ wide for two-way traffic and dollies. Use clear wayfinding, lighting, and cameras for safety.
5–8′ HallsWayfindingLighting
Security & Systems
Plan site fencing, access control, cameras, and lighting. For climate shells add HVAC, dehumidification, and vestibules.
Access ControlCCTVHVAC
Popular Footprints
Modules & Bays
30–40′ building widths with double-loaded corridors; drive-up rows 20–40′ deep. Expand length in 10′ bays for phased build-out.
Heights & Doors
Clearances
Eave height 10–16′. Roll-up doors 8×7, 8×8, 9×8, 10×10 typical. Verify vehicle turning and fire access drives.
Codes & Loads
Engineer It Right
Wind/snow/seismic design, corridor egress, and fire separations where required. Insulation/air-sealing for climate-controlled buildings.
Next Steps
- 1. Run CodeSmart™ to note wind, snow, and seismic for your site.
- 2. Choose drive-up vs climate shell and set target footprint/module.
- 3. Build unit mix (5×5–10×30 + RV/boat as needed) and corridor widths.
- 4. Plan security, lighting, HVAC/dehumidification, and slab/apron details.
- 5. Verify with your local building department, then request a quote from the supplier recommended by CodeSmart™.
Confirm local codes for egress, fire separation, and accessibility. Door wind ratings, insulation levels, and hallway hardware vary by jurisdiction and climate.