Storage Facility Design in Texas, North Carolina & Florida
Updated: Oct 13
Why Choose JRH Engineering
Why Developers, Contractors & Property Owners Choose JRH
Most engineering firms talk about technical capability.
We focus on what actually matters to your project: speed, cost, communication, and results.
Faster Project Turnaround
Our streamlined processes and efficient team structure mean shorter design and permitting timelines — without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
Clear & Responsive Communication
You work directly with engineers who keep you informed.
No long delays or unanswered emails — just straightforward updates and quick responses.
Proven Results Across Three States
We have successfully delivered civil, structural, and land development projects for developers, contractors, and owners throughout Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
Check out JRH’s case studies.
Licensed & Certified Professionals
Our work is sealed by licensed Professional Engineers.
JRH Engineering is also a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB / WBE) and HUB eligible.
Designing Self-Storage Facilities Across Three States
Self-storage remains a popular investment in Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
Each site still has to work for fire trucks, moving vans and stormwater, and each building has to stand up to local soils and wind.
The layout decisions made early decide how many rentable units a property can hold.
JRH Engineering is a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and Land Development firm serving Texas, North Carolina and Florida.
JRH guiding principles are: Engineering Excellence. Delivered on Time. Built on Value.
Site Layout Drives Unit Count
Fire access: fire lanes and turning radii often set where buildings can go
Drive aisles: room for moving trucks and trailers to load and turn
Detention pond placement: storage sited where it takes the fewest units
Access: driveway permits from the city, county or state DOT
Structural Design by State
Texas: expansive clays in many regions call for foundations designed from a geotechnical report (by others); in TDI’s coastal catastrophe area, the 2024 IRC and IBC took effect for windstorm certification on April 1, 2026
North Carolina: the NC Office of State Fire Marshal lists the 2018 codes as current, and mountain and coastal sites bring slope and flood challenges
Florida: the Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) sets wind design requirements, and coastal sites need corrosion-resistant details
JRH designs foundations for pre-engineered metal buildings up to 120,000 square feet. Climate control and other MEP design are by others.
Stormwater and Permitting
Texas: sites disturbing 1 acre or more need TCEQ construction stormwater coverage
North Carolina: land disturbance of more than 1 acre needs an approved erosion control plan under G.S. 113A-57
Florida: most stormwater systems need an Environmental Resource Permit from FDEP or a water management district
Planning Tips
Confirm zoning allows self-storage before buying.
Lay out fire access first, then fit buildings around it.
Size the detention pond early.
Coordinate the foundation with the metal building supplier.
Project: Self-Storage Facility Design, Athens, TX
Self-storage development in Athens, Henderson County
Read the full Athens self-storage case study
Challenges
Fire truck access and turning radii limited where buildings could go
Objectives
Fit the most storage units on the property.
Coordinate TxDOT and City approvals.
Solutions JRH Engineering Provided
Civil engineering site layout designed backward from the fire truck turning radius
Buildings placed at the minimum clearances the fire code requires
A fire line designed to serve the full facility
Results:
Unit count maximized through the turning-radius-driven layout
Concurrent TxDOT and City approvals on first submission
Self-Storage Resources for Texas, North Carolina and Florida
Texas
North Carolina
See the NC Office of State Fire Marshal.
Florida
See the Florida Building Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What limits the unit count on a storage site?
Fire access, drive aisles, detention pond size and setbacks.
Does JRH design storage building foundations?
Yes, including pre-engineered metal building foundations up to 120,000 square feet.
Does JRH design climate control systems?
No, climate control and other MEP design are by others.
When does a Texas storage site need a stormwater permit?
When construction disturbs 1 acre or more.
Who issues Florida stormwater permits?
FDEP or one of Florida’s water management districts.
Does JRH Engineering obtain building permits?
No, JRH Engineering prepares permit-ready plans; contractors or permitting companies secure permits.
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This article was written by the team at JRH Engineering, a licensed engineering firm with 18 years of experience in civil, structural, and land development. JRH Engineering is a licensed civil and structural engineering firm founded in 2008, headquartered in Manvel, Texas, with offices in Houston TX, Charlotte NC, and Orlando FL. Certified WBE, WOSB, and HUB-eligible. Phone: (800) 227-9635 | sales@jrhengineering.net | jrhengineering.net. Texas PE license is F-10385. North Carolina PE license is P-3118. Florida license is 38516.
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