What plot dimensions attract retail developers?

Plot dimensions that attract retail developers are based on a combination of frontage, depth, access, visibility, and site layout flexibility. While there’s no one-size-fits-all, developers typically look for dimensions that maximize customer access, parking, circulation, and tenant visibility—all of which are critical to a retail project’s success.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ideal plot dimensions and characteristics that appeal to retail developers:

Frontage Requirements

• Minimum 100 to 200 feet of street frontage is highly desirable for most retail sites
  
• Corner lots with dual street exposure are particularly attractive for visibility and signage
  
• Wide frontage allows for:
  
  • Prominent storefront placement
    
  • High-impact signage opportunities
    
  • Multiple driveways or access points

Depth Considerations

• Ideal depth ranges from 150 to 300 feet, depending on site use and configuration
  
• Sufficient depth allows for:
  
  • Building setbacks (required by zoning)
    
  • Front parking lots, which are preferred by retailers
    
  • Room for service lanes, loading docks, or landscaping buffers

Preferred Lot Shapes

• Rectangular plots with a greater width-to-depth ratio are easiest to design and develop
  
• Square lots are also highly versatile but may require creative layout adjustments
  
• Irregularly shaped or narrow lots are less desirable due to site planning constraints

Minimum Lot Size by Retail Type

Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR) and Drive-Thrus

• Typically need 0.5 to 1 acre
  
• Minimum lot dimensions: ~100’ x 200’
  
• Require wraparound drive-thru lanes, stacking space, and parking
  

Convenience Stores and Gas Stations

• Minimum: 0.75 to 1.5 acres
  
• Prefer corner lots with high visibility and traffic
  
• Need room for pumps, canopy, building, and ingress/egress
  

Strip Centers (Small Multi-Tenant Retail)

• Usually need 1.5 to 3 acres
  
• Typical depth: 250–300 feet
  
• Width: 250 feet or more
  
• Allows for centralized parking and shared signage
  

Large Anchors (Grocery, Department Store)

• Require 3 to 10+ acres
  
• Need deep lots to accommodate large building footprints and significant parking ratios

Parking and Circulation Space

• Developers must consider parking minimums (e.g., 4–6 spaces per 1,000 sq ft of retail space)
  
• Lot dimensions must support:
  
  • One or more rows of parking in front
    
  • Smooth traffic flow around the building
    
  • Accessible delivery and fire lanes

Setbacks and Easements

• Zoning regulations typically require front, rear, and side yard setbacks (e.g., 20–40 feet)
  
• Easements for utilities, drainage, or access reduce usable space and must be planned around
  
• Ideal plots allow for uninterrupted building areas within zoning envelopes

Key Takeaways for Retail-Attractive Dimensions

• 100’+ frontage and 150–300’ depth are minimum thresholds for flexibility
  
• Rectangular and corner lots offer maximum development efficiency
  

1 to 3 acres suits most mid-sized retail projects, while smaller parcels are best for standalone or pad site development