Industrial Real Estate Lingo: What It All Really Means

Because “triple basin interceptor” shouldn’t sound like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Industrial real estate comes with its own language, one that can feel a little overwhelming if you’re not knee-deep in it every day. Whether you're a business owner searching for your first warehouse or you're expanding into a larger facility, understanding the terms on a flyer or in a lease can make all the difference in how confidently (and quickly) you move forward.

Understanding industrial real estate starts with knowing the lingo - here’s what those terms really mean for your business.

Let’s break down some of the most common, and sometimes confusing, terms in plain English.

NNN (Triple Net Lease)
This means the tenant is responsible for base rent plus the three "nets": property taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance (CAM). In other words, the lease rate you see isn’t the whole story—make sure you ask for the total monthly cost.

Clear Height
This is the distance from the floor to the lowest part of the ceiling structure or beam—not the total height of the building. It determines how high you can stack inventory or racks, so it’s a key factor in operational efficiency.

Truck Court Depth
How much room do your trucks have to maneuver behind the building? A tight truck court can slow down loading and create safety headaches. For 53-foot trailers, you’ll typically want 120 feet or more.

Triple Basin Interceptor
This one sounds intense, but it's really just a fancy grease trap for industrial runoff—commonly required in manufacturing or vehicle-related uses to prevent oils, sludge, or other contaminants from entering the sewer system.

Power Upgrade Pending
You’ll sometimes see this on listings, but what does it really mean? It could be great news—or just wishful thinking. Always confirm: What is the current power capacity? What's approved? Who’s paying for the upgrade? And when will it be complete?

Mezzanine
Not just extra space—it’s a second level (usually partial) within a unit. It could be built for storage, offices, or breakrooms. Just be sure it’s permitted and included in the usable square footage if you're paying for it.

Yard Space (aka: is it actually usable?)
Some listings say “yard space,” but don’t explain whether it’s paved, fenced or even accessible. A dirt lot behind a roll-up door might technically be a yard, but it may not work for your trucks or storage needs. Ask for photos or, better yet, visit the site.

The Bottom Line - Real estate listings and leases can be full of insider terms, and when you’re investing in a space that will directly impact your business, those terms matter. The good news? You don’t have to decode it all alone.

Want a full glossary of industrial terms?

Download our free Industrial Real Estate Glossary and get quick, plain-English definitions of the terms that come up most often in site selection and lease negotiation.