What to Know Before Building a Self-Storage Facility in Minnesota

If you’re building a self-storage facility in Minnesota, there’s never been a better time to start. As communities grow and space becomes more valuable, the demand for clean, secure, and climate-resilient storage continues to rise. Whether you’re an investor exploring new opportunities or a business owner expanding your operations, understanding what it takes to plan, design, and build the right facility is essential.

At APX Construction Group, we’ve helped clients like StoreIt build facilities that are functional, efficient, and built to last. From site selection to materials, permits to profitability, here’s what you need to know before breaking ground on your next self-storage project.

1. Start with Site Selection: Visibility, Accessibility, and Zoning

The right location determines the success of your storage facility. In Minnesota, where communities range from bustling metros to quiet small towns, choosing your site involves more than just available land—it’s about visibility, access, and compliance.

Key Considerations:

• High-traffic corridors: Look for proximity to major highways or retail areas where your signage can be easily seen.
• Zoning requirements: Storage facilities are typically zoned under light industrial or commercial use. Always confirm with local municipalities early.
• Drainage and soil quality: Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles can impact concrete performance and long-term site stability. Work with a general contractor who understands local soil conditions and can design appropriate drainage solutions.

Case Study: StoreIt
StoreIt’s location was strategically chosen along a busy commercial corridor in southern Minnesota. The site offered easy access for both residential users and small business owners, with room for future expansion. APX Construction Group worked closely with city planners to ensure compliance with zoning codes while maximizing the use of available land.

2. Choose the Right Building Type: Climate-Controlled vs. Standard Units

Minnesota’s extreme weather—from humid summers to subzero winters—makes it critical to decide early whether your facility will feature climate-controlled storage.

• Standard units are great for outdoor or vehicle storage and typically cost less to build.
• Climate-controlled units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, ideal for furniture, electronics, and documents.

Construction Tip:

Even if you’re not starting with climate-controlled units, plan your structure and utilities to allow for future conversion or expansion. This foresight can save significant costs later.

StoreIt Example:
StoreIt’s facility incorporated a mix of traditional and climate-controlled units, designed within pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) for flexibility and durability. The PEMB system minimized construction time while offering superior insulation and energy efficiency—ideal for Minnesota’s variable climate.

3. Understand the Costs of Building a Self-Storage Facility: What to Know Before Building a Self-Storage Facility in Minnesota

Costs can vary widely based on size, materials, and amenities, but in general, Minnesota self-storage construction ranges from $55–$95 per square foot, depending on whether the facility is single-story, multi-story, or climate-controlled.

Key Cost Factors:

• Land acquisition and site prep (grading, drainage, paving)
• Materials (metal vs. concrete block structures)
• Insulation and HVAC (especially for climate-controlled designs)
• Security and access control systems
• Permitting and fees
• Design and engineering

APX Construction Insight:
By using pre-engineered metal buildings, APX helps clients reduce framing and erection time, leading to faster ROI. StoreIt benefited from this approach, with a construction timeline optimized to minimize weather delays while maintaining exceptional quality.

4. Design for Efficiency, Security, and Scalability

Your facility should not only meet current demand—it should be built with scalability in mind. Smart design ensures operations are efficient and future expansions are seamless.

Essential Design Features:

• Drive-through or drive-up access for easy loading and unloading
• Wide drive aisles for large vehicles and moving trucks
• LED lighting and motion sensors for security and energy savings
• Digital access control systems for 24/7 customer convenience
• Durable roofing and siding to withstand snow loads and high winds

Case Study Highlight:
StoreIt’s layout emphasizes customer convenience and operational efficiency. Each unit is easily accessible, with optimized traffic flow for large vehicles. APX also integrated LED lighting, motion detection, and high-quality security cameras for added peace of mind.

5. Meet Minnesota’s Building Codes and Permitting Requirements

Before construction begins, you’ll need to navigate state and local regulations, which can vary by county or city.

Common Requirements:

• Site plan review and zoning approval
• Stormwater management plans
• Environmental impact assessments (if applicable)
• Fire safety codes and sprinkler requirements
• ADA accessibility compliance

Because these processes can take several weeks or months, start early. A seasoned general contractor like APX Construction Group can coordinate directly with city officials and inspectors to keep your project moving efficiently.

6. Build for Long-Term Maintenance and ROI

A well-built facility should operate with minimal maintenance while maximizing profitability. That means investing in durable materials and efficient systems from the start.

Long-Term ROI Boosters:

• Metal buildings require minimal upkeep and have long lifespans.
• Energy-efficient insulation and HVAC systems reduce operational costs.
• Smart locks and automated billing systems streamline management.

StoreIt Success Story:
By partnering with APX, StoreIt created a facility that was low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and future-ready. The design included storm-resistant materials, advanced HVAC systems, and LED fixtures to keep long-term costs manageable. The result? A sustainable business model built for growth.

7. Partner with a Contractor Experienced in Self-Storage Construction

Not all general contractors understand the nuances of self-storage design. You need a partner with experience in commercial, industrial, and pre-engineered construction, especially one who can anticipate the challenges of Minnesota’s climate.

At APX Construction Group, our Design-Build approach ensures a seamless process—from concept and permitting to completion. Our team coordinates every aspect, eliminating costly miscommunications and keeping your project on time and on budget.

Why Choose APX Construction Group:

• Experience building self-storage, warehouse, and flex-space facilities across Minnesota and the Midwest
• Expertise in pre-engineered metal systems that maximize efficiency
• In-house project management and design coordination
• A commitment to community, sustainability, and long-term client success

8. Plan for Marketing and Operational Success

Once your facility is built, it’s time to fill it. Effective marketing and management strategies ensure strong occupancy rates and consistent revenue.

Tips for Launch:

• Invest in high-visibility signage and digital advertising
• Offer introductory discounts or referral programs
• Use automated access and payment systems for customer convenience
• Create a clean, well-lit environment to attract and retain tenants

StoreIt’s opening campaign combined strong local branding with a user-friendly website, clear unit pricing, and secure online booking—helping them achieve rapid occupancy within months of launch.

Building for the Future

The self-storage industry continues to grow nationwide, but in Minnesota, success depends on smart planning, durable design, and an experienced construction partner who understands the region.

From early site analysis to final finishes, APX Construction Group delivers facilities that stand the test of time, built with precision, quality, and care.

StoreIt’s story is proof: when you build with APX, you build with a partner committed to innovation, integrity, and impact.

Ready to Start Your Self-Storage Project?

Whether you’re building your first facility or expanding your portfolio, APX Construction Group is ready to help you make it happen. Our Build Blue Process simplifies every step, bringing your vision to life efficiently and affordably. Contact APX Construction Group today to get started on your self-storage project. Explore more Build Blue projects and success stories.