Finding a space to open a recording studio can be challenging. Recording studios don’t need a ton of space but owners of multi-tenant properties (with lots of small spaces) tend to have neighboring tenants sharing walls, making it a potential nuisance use at the property. To make matters worse, many cities and counties have limited the use through their zoning codes. For instance, in the City of Chamblee (see attached), there are only 3 zoning categories (out of 13) in which “Film production and recording studio” are permitted. Here are some strategies for locating properties suitable for this use:
- Research off-market properties which are properly zoned (i.e. CC, IT or I) and drive by properties on that list looking for vacant or underutilized properties.
- Contact existing recording studios and film production companies to see if their space might be coming up for lease or if they’re interested in sharing the use of it for a fee.
- Try to rent a former studio that has already closed by calling studios and looking up addresses when you find a disconnected number (there is high turnover in the industry).
- Click here for an example of the zoning research described above.