Tips for Building a Commercial Warehouse in Utah

Building a commercial warehouse is a major investment — one that can power your business operations for decades to come. In Utah, where demand for storage, manufacturing, and distribution space continues to grow, developers face a unique set of conditions that impact design, permitting, and construction timelines.

Whether you're building in Salt Lake, St. George, or a rural industrial zone, these tips will help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

1. Start With a Clear Use Case

Before any plans are drawn up, get specific about how the warehouse will be used. Is it for dry storage? Fulfillment? Light manufacturing? Cold chain logistics?

Your use case will influence everything from ceiling height and floor load capacity to dock door placement and HVAC systems. Getting clarity upfront helps your contractor design a building that performs for your exact operational needs — without costly changes later.

2. Choose the Right Site (And Prep It Thoroughly)

In Utah, site selection is as much about access and zoning as it is about soil and slope.

Consider:

• Proximity to major highways or intermodal hubs

• Local zoning regulations for industrial or commercial use

• Utilities access (power, water, sewer)

• Soil conditions and grading requirements

Many first-time warehouse developers underestimate the cost and time involved in site prep — especially if utilities need to be extended or major earthwork is required. Investing in a geotechnical survey early can prevent surprises later.

3. Plan for Permits and Local Review Timelines

Each Utah municipality has its own process and pace when it comes to plan review and permitting. In fast-growing areas, even minor commercial projects can face delays due to backlogs at planning departments.

To stay on schedule:

• Submit a complete permit set (civil, structural, MEP) up front

• Ensure your plans meet all fire, egress, and energy codes

• Work with a local contractor who knows how to navigate city or county requirements

At A.D. Constructors, we’ve worked with cities and counties throughout Utah and can help streamline the process — saving weeks or even months of idle time.

4. Use a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) for Efficiency

For most warehouse builds, a PEMB is the smart choice. Pre-engineered metal buildings offer large clear spans, fast erection timelines, and flexibility in layout and design.

Benefits include:

• Lower cost per square foot than traditional builds

• Faster delivery and assembly

• Long-term durability with minimal maintenance

• Easy integration of mezzanines, racking systems, and office buildouts

We specialize in PEMB construction for industrial and commercial applications and can help tailor a steel structure that aligns with your business goals.

5. Don’t Forget Dock Logistics and Traffic Flow

Poor layout decisions at the loading dock can cripple daily operations. Make sure to plan your site and interior space for efficient vehicle flow, trailer staging, and loading/unloading.

Key considerations:

• Number and type of dock doors (leveler, pit, or grade-level)

• Turning radius for semis

• Canopy coverage for year-round operations

• Security fencing and controlled access points

Even small changes in site layout can yield big gains in safety and throughput.

6. Prioritize Expandability

If there’s one constant in warehousing, it’s that businesses grow. Design your warehouse with the future in mind. Consider:

• Structural framing that allows for expansion on one or more sides

• Utility connections sized for future load

• Panel profiles and finishes that can be matched later

Planning for expansion now — even if you don’t build it immediately — can save massive costs down the road.

Final Thoughts

Utah’s industrial sector is growing fast, and commercial warehouses are in high demand. But success starts with smart planning. By defining your use case, selecting the right site, choosing the right construction method, and working with an experienced contractor, you’ll position your project for long-term success.

At A.D. Constructors, we specialize in delivering metal buildings and commercial warehouse projects across Utah — on time and on budget.