Self-Storage and Warehousing Regulations in the City of Charlotte
In the City of Charlotte, self-storage facilities are permitted primarily in the CG General Commercial Zoning District, CR Regional Commercial Zoning District, and the TOD-TR Transit Transition Zoning District, subject to prescribed conditions. Warehousing and distribution centers are permitted by-right specifically within the ML-1 and ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning Districts. Both use categories are governed by strict standards regarding building design, ground-floor "wrapping" in transit areas, and minimum separation distances from residential neighborhoods [Table 15-1, Section 15.4.ZZZ].
Permitted Districts and Usage Categories
The City of Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance distinguishes between three primary types of storage and distribution uses. Each has a specific set of allowed districts and approval requirements.
| Use Type | Permitted Districts | Approval Type |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Storage Facility: Climate-Controlled | CG, CR, TOD-TR | PC (Prescribed Conditions) |
| Self-Storage Facility: Outdoor | CR | PC (Prescribed Conditions) |
| Warehouse and Distribution Center | ML-1, ML-2 | X (Permitted By-Right) |
[Table 15-1]
Prescribed Conditions for Self-Storage Facilities
Climate-Controlled Facilities
In the City of Charlotte, climate-controlled self-storage refers to indoor facilities where renters access individual units. These facilities are subject to the following regulations:
- Prohibited Uses: Units cannot be used as a residence, office, or principal place of business [Section 15.6.ZZZ.1].
- Plumbing: No plumbing connections are allowed in individual storage units, except those required for fire safety systems [Section 15.6.ZZZ.2].
- Ground Floor "Wrapping": In the TOD-TR Transit Transition Zoning District, any ground-floor facade abutting a street must be "wrapped" with active uses. These active use spaces must be at least 20 feet deep and 20 feet wide. This wrapping requirement does not apply to the CG or CR districts [Section 15.6.ZZZ.4].
- Loading Access: Access to loading areas must be located at the side or rear of the building [Section 15.6.ZZZ.5].
Outdoor Self-Storage Facilities
Outdoor self-storage in the City of Charlotte allows for units accessible from the outside and often includes space for vehicles or boats.
- Location: Storage unit access doors must not face a public right-of-way [Section 15.6.AAAA.3].
- Setbacks: Storage areas must be set back a minimum of 30 feet from any lot line [Section 15.6.AAAA.4].
- Screening: If the facility provides area for vehicle or marine storage, it must be screened with a Class C landscape yard along all lot lines [Section 15.6.AAAA.5].
Warehousing and Distribution
Warehousing and distribution centers are designated for the ML-1 and ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning Districts. These are defined as enclosed facilities for the storage and distribution of manufactured products, supplies, and equipment [Section 15.3]. Because they are permitted by-right in these industrial districts, they do not have the same "prescribed conditions" found in residential or commercial districts, though they must still comply with standard industrial performance requirements.
Parking and Loading Requirements
The City of Charlotte utilizes a tier system to determine parking requirements. The districts allowing storage and warehouse uses generally fall into Tiers 1 and 2.
Vehicle Parking Standards
| Use Category | Tier 1 (ML-1, ML-2) | Tier 2 (CG, CR) | Tier 3 (TOD-TR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Storage (All Types) | 1 space per 25 units | 1 space per 40 units | 1 space per 10 units |
| Warehouse & Distribution | 1 per 750sf office + 1 per 15,000sf warehouse GFA | 1 per 1,000sf office + 1 per 15,000sf warehouse GFA | 1 per 250sf office + 1 per 7,500sf warehouse GFA |
[Table 19-1]
Off-Street Loading Requirements
Loading spaces are required for new construction and must be a minimum of 10 feet by 25 feet.
- Warehouse/Industrial: 1 loading space is required for any development of 10,000 square feet or more [Table 21-1].
- Commercial/Self-Storage: 1 space is required for facilities between 20,000sf and 150,000sf GFA. An additional space is required for every 100,000sf thereafter, up to a maximum of five spaces [Table 21-1].
Sections Cited
- Article 15, Global Use Matrix (Table 15-1)
- Section 15.3, Use Definitions
- Section 15.6.ZZZ, Self-Storage Facility: Climate-Controlled
- Section 15.6.AAAA, Self-Storage Facility: Outdoor
- Table 19-1, Vehicle Parking Requirements
- Table 21-1, Minimum Required Off-Street Loading Spaces