### What is the drayage distance from the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach? Proximity to the ports directly impacts transportation costs. Ask for the exact mileage to the container terminals. Longer distances increase drayage fees, fuel consumption, and transit times, which can quickly offset a lower monthly rent. ### Which major freight corridors are easily accessible? Inquire about direct access to major freeways such as Interstate 710, Interstate 110, Interstate 5, and Interstate 10. Ask if there are local truck routing restrictions or weight limits on the municipal streets leading from the freeway to the facility. ### Are there peak-hour traffic congestion patterns that affect transit times? Southern California traffic can severely delay shipping schedules. Ask about local traffic bottlenecks during morning and evening rush hours that could impact truck turn times and carrier scheduling. ## Facility Specifications and Infrastructure

A distribution center must physically accommodate your inventory, equipment, and workflow. Asking detailed questions about the building's physical limits prevents operational disruptions. ### What is the clear height of the warehouse? Clear height determines how high you can stack inventory. Modern distribution standards typically require a clear height of 32 to 40 feet. Older buildings in the LA area may only offer 24 feet or less, which limits vertical storage capacity. ### What are the loading dock configurations and yard dimensions? Ask about the number of dock-high doors and grade-level drive-in doors. Additionally, verify the depth of the truck court. A truck court of at least 130 feet is generally required to allow modern 53-foot trailers to maneuver and park safely. ### What is the electrical power capacity? If your operations require automation, conveyor systems, specialized packaging equipment, or cold storage, you need adequate power. Ask for the specific amperage, voltage, and phase of the electrical service, and find out if upgrading the power supply is permissible under the lease.

### What type of fire suppression system is installed? High-pile storage requires robust fire protection. Ask if the facility uses an Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler system. If the system is older, verify what classification of commodities you are permitted to store without upgrading the sprinklers. ## Lease Structure and Total Cost of Occupancy The base rent is only a portion of the total cost of leasing industrial space. Tenants must understand the full financial obligations of the lease agreement. ### Is the lease structured as Triple Net (NNN) or Industrial Gross? In a Triple Net lease, the tenant is responsible for base rent plus a proportionate share of property taxes, building insurance, and common area maintenance (CAM) fees. Clarify exactly which expenses are passed through to the tenant and which remain the responsibility of the landlord.

### How are property tax reassessments handled? In California, commercial properties are often reassessed for property tax purposes upon a change of ownership. Ask if the lease contains protection clauses against sudden tax spikes if the landlord sells the building during your tenancy. ### What are the historical CAM expenses, and are they capped? Request a detailed breakdown of CAM expenses from the past three years. Ask if the landlord is willing to place a cap on annual increases for controllable operating expenses, such as administration fees and landscaping. ## Zoning, Permitting, and Local Regulations Los Angeles County and its individual municipalities have strict zoning laws and environmental regulations that can impact warehouse operations.

### What is the current zoning designation for the property? Ensure the local zoning laws permit your specific use, such as high-volume distribution, manufacturing, or the storage of hazardous materials. Ask if there are municipal restrictions on 24/7 operations, overnight truck parking, or outdoor storage. ### Does the building comply with local environmental mandates? Southern California has stringent air quality and emissions rules. Ask if the facility complies with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations, including any warehouse emissions programs that require tracking truck trips or implementing clean-energy initiatives. ## Yard Space and Security Security and space for trailer staging are vital for maintaining a smooth distribution flow.

### How much dedicated trailer parking is available? Determine if the lease includes designated trailer stalls separate from standard employee parking. If your operation relies on drop trailers, verify that the yard is large enough to accommodate them. ### What security features are already in place? Ask if the perimeter is fully fenced, gated, and secured with guard shacks or surveillance cameras. If you need to install additional security systems, confirm what modifications are allowed under the lease terms.