Storage Development Site Data

Purpose

This document outlines the process used to gather, verify, and align data from multiple construction information sources to ensure accurate tracking of self-storage developments across the U.S.

Gathering storage development data

We combine and cross-reference data from three primary sources:

1. Data Vendors
   1. We work with partners to scrape city permit records including permits filed, status updates, and meeting minutes to identify every time a project has been started or updated. They also have connections with developers and periodically request/get updates on active and new projects.
   2. Our two development data vendors are
      1. BCI (BuildCentral Inc.) / Hubexpo
      2. ConstructConnect (CC)
2. Listing sites 
   1. We include land that’s for sale for the purpose of building storage in our analysis as long as it’s clear the project is at least conceptual. When added, we include any additional information from the listing to help users understand the legitimacy.
3. Internal Database of Construction Sites (current TractIQ developments)
4. Data submitted by users
   1. This requires verification through a secondary source (or reasonable evidence from the provider) or the individual must be the owner of the site itself. 
5. Aerial and street imagery
   1. Manual reviews of the latest available satellite or street imagery from multiple sources including google maps and google earth.

Data Collection Process

1. Cross-Matching Sites: Each BCI and CC site is checked against our internal database. Matching pins are coded to show overlap or discrepancies between sources. Unmatched sites are flagged for review or potential addition.
2. Data Verification: Key project details (address, stories, square footage, start date) are compared across sources. Missing or unclear data in one source is supplemented by verified information from another. Non–self-storage or irrelevant projects (e.g., RV parks, warehouses without storage) are excluded.
3. Quality Assurance (QA): A numeric code system is used to classify the status and accuracy of each match. Each site undergoes a QA review to confirm that it represents a valid self-storage project.
   
   

Construction Site Data Update Overview

Objective

We conduct periodic reviews of all our storage development sites to ensure we have the latest stages. Sometimes when projects get near to completion, the updates from our partners slow down or stop so we must continuously check projects for progress. This is conducted quarterly.

Methodology for Data Update

Data verification is primarily conducted using Google Maps and Google Earth. The coordinates or address of each construction site are checked to confirm the existence and status of a self-storage facility at that location.

Status Classification

Facilities are categorized based on their verified status:

• Operating Facility: The site is updated to "operating." Comprehensive details, including name, address, coordinates, phone, website, square footage, and owner data, are recorded.
• Cancelled: The status is updated to "cancelled" if construction has ceased. These entries are retained within the application for historical purposes.
• Different Name/Description: Outdated facility records are either updated with the correct details or deleted and replaced by a new, accurate facility record.

Reasons for marking development data as cancelled

1. We verify via imagery that something else was built there more recently than the last update date
2. We have imagery showing construction hasn’t started that is more recent (X months+) than the last update which indicates construction has started (i.e. images conflict with the provided status)
   1. 18+ months for “approved” or later stages
   2. 24+ months for earlier stages
3. Customer tells us it’s their project and is cancelled

Deleting development data

1. If we believe it’s a duplicate project based on the description and other information
2. If we have no exact location and the data is > 2 years since last update, we can’t make any verification of legitimacy and delete

Development site stages

What developments are included or not included

1. Must meet our criteria for “Self Storage Definition” and this is generally derived from the definition of the development sites
   1. Examples of exclusions
      1. Storage as part of a residential building
         1. Storage included in Plans call for the conversion of an existing three-story, 76,122-square-foot building into a 65-unit residential building with lower-ground level storage, amenities, and parking spaces.
      2. Warehouse
         1. Demolition, site work, paving and new construction of a mixed-use development in Cranston, Rhode Island. Completed plans call for the construction of a 13,625-square-foot warehouse / distribution facility; for paving for a sidewalk / parking lot; and for site work for a water / sewer project. Construction is underway.
      3. Determined to be RV
         1. Original description was included but in the project notes, we found the developer and were able to identify the site on their website and it was clearly meant as garage space/vehicle storage.
            1. Description: Plans call for the construction of five (5) sprinkled shell buildings, totaling 131,357 square feet, with climate control, plumbing, electrical, and phone/data/internet service.
            2. Project notes: [2025-07-29] Stage updated to Starts In 1-3 Months. [2025-03-24] On 3/19/2025, plans were registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Cornerstone Development Corporation is doing business as Garages of America, LLC.
   2. Examples of inclusions
      1. Storage as part of independent buildings in a larger project: 
         1. Plans call for the construction of a new business park development consisting of an approximately 4,000-square-foot convenience store and fuel station, an approximately 4,650-square-foot retail and drive-through restaurant, 18 small business buildings totaling 81,000 square feet, 4 structures for storing personal vehicles totaling 76,800 square feet, 17 self-storage buildings totaling 128,600 square feet, and 6 large warehouse structures totaling approximately 233,100 square feet. The total project size is approximately 624,500 square feet. The project will provide a total of 668 parking spaces.
         2. Plans call for the construction of a 150,541-square-foot Ranch Self-Storage facility as part of Phase I of the McCall Square shopping center.