A steel or metal storage building has never carried the reputation of an aesthetically pleasing structure.

However, in a new trend, self-storage steel buildings are seeking to become more neighborhood friendly - not to mention environmentally sustainable.

"More and more, it's becoming the trend for residential as well as for commercial steel building structures to fit into the neighborhood they're built in," said a steel building CEO.

"It's something we've been talking to our customers about, and they've been taking our advice."

Thanks to planning and zoning commissions in U.S. cities and towns, it's become more important than ever for new businesses to maintain the look of the neighborhood they're moving into.

A number of cities have guidelines for potential builders to consider when they're thinking of building in a new neighborhood.

Everything from height and scale compatibility and architecture to the pedestrian environment and landscaping needs to be taken into account as metal building plans are crafted.

"With this trend, you really need to impress the planning and zoning departments of your city," a major steel building manufacturer said.

"You need to show that you won't only blend in with the neighborhood, but that it'll stand out as an impressive facility. You'd be surprised at how much, in this case, fitting in can help you stand out."

Making sure a metal storage building fits in within its neighborhood has more benefits aside from just being pleasing to the observer.

It will make the steel building - and the business it houses - truly a part of the community it's in, and it will keep buying interest strong.

"The visual aspect will enhance current business, but it also keeps up a strong, invisible 'for sale' interest," one builder said.

"Many corporations are looking to add self-storage facilities to their own portfolios, and if yours is the one that looks great and meshes with the neighborhood, it could be you they're looking at."

All this proves that while blending metal and steel buildings within the surroundings may seem challenging, it's far from impossible.