11 - Storage Containers As Accessory Structures

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Item No. 11 TO: Mayor & City Council Gene Anderson, Interim City Manager FROM: Carla Easton, Engineering & Community Development Director SUBJECT: STORAGE CONTAINERS AS ACCESSORY STRUCTURES DATE: October 29, 2019 BACKGROUND: The use of shipping containers or similar portable storage units have become a popular trend over the last 10+ years. While these types of units were first used for temporary, movable storage solutions, there are many locations where businesses and homeowners have chosen to utilize them for permanent outdoor storage for their business or personal needs. These types of units have an industrial metal exterior, and can potentially affect the look and feel of an area if allowed to be placed just anywhere on a lot. As such, it is important for the city to set expectations for where these units are appropriate within the community. The need for such regulation is identified in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan Update as recommendation 15.16, and in August 2019 the city council supported staff's plan to update the zoning ordinance to include regulations for container structures with the city. STATUS OF ISSUE: Containers are not defined or regulated by the International Building Code, and they are currently permitted for temporary use only, typically in conjunction with a building remodel project or on construction sites. A draft ordinance was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission in October that would allow containers to be used as for permanent storage in both residential and commercial districts. At the October 281h city council meeting, staff was directed to revise the draft ordinance to prohibit containers being used for permanent storage or any other accessory use in all residential areas, to allow them in business districts if placed in the rear of the property and not visible from the street, and to continue to allow them for temporary use in all districts for up to a reasonable amount of time when associated with a remodel or other temporary situation. A revised draft is attached for consideration. The black text is existing ordinance language, blue text is proposed language as presented in October, and recent revisions per council direction are in red. BUDGET: NA.