The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the use of storage containers to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and promote positive aesthetics in the City.

(Ord. No. 13-2024, 9-3-2024)

A.

An "accessory storage building" is: A building originally constructed for use as an accessory building for the storage of materials and equipment accessory to a primary use located on the property. For purposes of this section, cargo containers, shipping containers, railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles and similar prefabricated items and structures originally built for purposes other than the extended storage of goods and materials (herein collectively termed as "Storage Containers") are not accessory storage buildings or accessory buildings.

B.

A "Storage container" includes standardized reusable vessels that were:

1.

Originally designed for or used in the packing, shipping, movement or transportation of freight, articles, goods or commodities (commonly called cargo containers or shipping containers); and/or

2.

Originally designed for or capable of being mounted or moved by rail, truck, or ship by means of being mounted on a chassis or similar transport device. This definition includes the terms "transport containers" and "portable site storage containers" having a similar appearance to and similar characteristics of cargo and shipping containers.

(Ord. No. 13-2024, 9-3-2024)

A.

Subject to rules on temporary buildings, storage containers shall not be permitted as accessory storage buildings on property in any residential zone of the city, or on any property within the city the primary use of which is residential. Cargo containers, shipping containers, railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles, and similar prefabricated items and other structures originally built for purposes other than the storage of goods and materials are not permitted to be used as accessory storage buildings on property zoned residential or on property the primary use of which is residential.

B.

Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection A of this section and subject to the rules for temporary buildings, the temporary placement of transport containers and/or portable site storage containers on residentially zoned properties, or on properties the primary use of which are residential, for the limited purpose of loading and unloading household contents shall be permitted for a period of time not exceeding thirty (30) days in any one (1) calendar year.

C.

Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection A of this section and subject to the rules for temporary buildings, licensed and bonded contractors may use cargo or shipping containers for the temporary location of an office, equipment, and/or materials storage structure during construction which is taking place on the property where the cargo or shipping container is located, if the use of the cargo or shipping container is authorized pursuant to a city building permit.

(Ord. No. 13-2024, 9-3-2024)

The placement of storage containers as an accessory storage use is limited to the following zoning districts: Highway Commercial, Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial. The placement of storage containers is further limited to properties in the above-identified zones only if the property upon which the storage container is proposed to be located is not primarily used for residential purposes.

(Ord. No. 13-2024, 9-3-2024)

A.

Placement of a storage container on any allowable zoned property shall be deemed a Conditional Use and a conditional use permit is required prior to placement of any storage container in any allowable area, ensuring proper location and effective anchoring/foundation according to the then most current edition of the International Building Code. The application shall show the proposed storage container is accessory to the permitted use of the property and meets the placement criteria for the zone.

B.

Storage containers shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zone and shall be setback an additional distance so as to not interfere with visibility of traffic on adjoining streets. All storage containers must also be located in the side or rear yard of any existing principal building on the lot or parcel. No storage containers may be placed closer than twenty-five (25) feet from a residential zoned lot or a lot which is being used for residential purposes.

C.

Storage containers shall not be stacked above the height of a single container device. Storage containers shall not be used for any advertising purpose and shall be kept clean of all alpha-numeric signage and writing.

D.

As a condition of placement, storage containers may be required to be fenced or screened from abutting properties and/or rights-of-way pursuant to the provisions of the underlying zoning regulations.

E.

Storage containers shall be located in an approved designated area and on the same property as the principal use and be included in the calculation of overall lot coverage.

F.

Storage containers shall not occupy required off-street parking, loading or landscaping areas.

G.

Materials stored within storage containers are subject to review and inspection by the fire chief or fire marshal, who may prohibit the storage of any item the Fire Chief, or Fire Marshal deem to be hazardous.

(Ord. No. 13-2024, 9-3-2024)

In the event any conflict exists between the provisions of this chapter and other currently existing provisions of the Code or other ordinances of the city, the terms and provisions of this chapter shall take precedence and to the extent of any such conflict, the terms and conditions of any existing provisions of the Code or other ordinances of the city shall be and hereby are amended insofar as necessary to conform to the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 13-2024, 9-3-2024)