What to Know About Infrastructure, Zoning, and Market Fit Before You Build
If you’re planning to develop or retrofit a life science lab, you already know this isn’t your average commercial build-out. From navigating strict zoning codes to handling complex lab infrastructure requirements, every decision affects your timeline, budget, and tenant appeal.
The good news? With the right market insights and infrastructure-ready site, you can minimize delays, maximize return, and attract biotech tenants faster—even in competitive biotech real estate markets.
In this guide, you’ll learn what matters most when selecting a life science lab location and how to set your next project up for success.
Why Lab Location Matters More Than Ever
Before even breaking ground, requirements for setting up a laboratory introduce layers of complexity: robust utilities, biosafety needs, and strict compliance standards. Unlike office or retail space, a life science lab demands:
Choosing a site that checks all the boxes can be the difference between a build that leases in months—and one that drags on with cost overruns and tenant delays.
✔️ Advanced HVAC, power, and water systems
✔️Proper commercial lab zoning and permitting
✔️Specialized handling of hazardous materials
✔️Proximity to skilled labor and R&D ecosystems
Understanding What Makes a Life Science Building
To succeed in this sector, it’s essential to understand what is a life science building—and what it isn’t. A life science building is more than just square footage. It’s an engineered environment designed to support biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and medical device research.
Core Lab Infrastructure Requirements
- 24/7 backup power for sensitive experiments
- Floor load capacities to support lab equipment
- Ventilation systems for biohazard control
- Flexible MEP systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
Without these features, you’re not just missing amenities—you’re eliminating entire tenant categories from your pipeline.
The Role Of Zoning And Permitting
If you’re struggling with commercial lab zoning or are stuck in permitting purgatory, you’re not alone. Labs often require different zoning classifications than general commercial spaces. Municipalities vary widely in how they define and regulate these uses.
Questions to Ask Before Committing to a Site
- Is the property zoned for wet lab or animal research?
- Are there restrictions on chemical storage or waste disposal?
- Does the municipality offer expedited permitting for biotech?
Some cities, like Boston and San Diego, have streamlined biotech permitting pipelines. Others can slow development by months if requirements aren’t fully understood upfront.
Choosing a City: Established vs. Emerging Markets
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to biotech lab site selection. Your decision will depend on risk tolerance, funding goals, and how quickly you need tenants in the space.
Established Hubs
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Emerging Markets
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These emerging areas reflect new life science real estate trends—and offer lower upfront costs with long-term potential.
Navigating Infrastructure Gaps
Even in a promising market, your site must be truly lab-ready. That means analyzing utility capacity, internet speeds, structural load limits, and retrofit feasibility.
Markets without lab infrastructure readiness can delay construction and leasing by six months or more. Working with a development partner who understands these nuances is key to avoiding surprises.
Future-Proofing Through Trends and Tenant Expectations
Life science real estate trends show tenants increasingly demand ESG-aligned buildings, access to collaborative spaces, and proximity to talent and public transit.
Designing your building with flexibility in mind—think convertible lab/office zones—ensures long-term value and keeps your asset competitive across tenant shifts.