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. 610, 9-16-2024)

"Storage containers" include, but are not limited to, 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.

"Storage containers" include 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. 610, 9-16-2024)

A.

Storage containers to be placed on properties zoned residential, or properties that are zoned commercial, agricultural, or industrial that are primarily used for residential purposes, shall be deemed a special exception subject to the requirements of Section 17.64.040 prior to placement, ensuring proper location and effective anchoring/foundation according to the then most current edition of the International Building Code. The application shall show that the proposed storage container is accessory to the permitted use of the property and meets the placement criteria for the zone.

B.

Storage containers may be used for short-term storage in areas zoned residential, or properties zoned commercial, agricultural, or industrial that are primarily used for residential purposes, without meeting the requirements of section A above, as follows:

1.

Storage containers may be permitted for the sole purpose of loading and unloading household contents, subject to the following conditions:

a.

The container must sit entirely on private property and shall not be located on the boulevard or in an alley right-of-way.

b.

The container shall not be parked where it will block the visibility at a street or alley intersection or in a driveway or sidewalk safety zone.

c.

The container may be parked for a maximum of thirty (30) days per event with a total of two events or a maximum of sixty (60) days per year.

2.

Licensed and bonded contractors may use storage containers for the temporary location of an office, equipment, and/or materials storage during construction which is taking place on the property where the storage container is located, if the use of the storage container is authorized pursuant to a city building permit.

(Ord. No. 610, 9-16-2024)

Storage containers to be placed on properties zoned commercial shall be deemed a special exception subject to the requirements of Section 17.64.040 prior to placement, 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. Storage containers may not be placed on properties zoned commercial that are primarily used for residential purposes except as otherwise allowed by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 610, 9-16-2024)

The placement of storage containers shall be allowed on properties zoned agricultural or industrial. Within the aforementioned zones, storage containers may not be placed on properties that are primarily used for residential purposes except as otherwise allowed by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 610, 9-16-2024)

All storage containers, other than those allowed pursuant to Section 17.55.030(B), shall be subject to the following standards:

A.

A maximum of two storage containers may be permitted on any property.

B.

Storage containers shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zone and shall be set back an additional distance, as necessary, to not interfere with visibility of traffic on adjoining streets.

C.

Storage containers must be located in the side or rear yard of any existing principal building on the lot or parcel and may not be sited in front of any commercial, agricultural, or industrial building.

D.

Storage containers must be rodent proof and have weatherproof roof, sides, and doors.

E.

Storage containers must be placed on concrete pads of at least four-inch thickness and appropriately anchored to the ground.

F.

Storage containers shall not be stacked above the height of a single container device.

G.

Storage containers must have the entire container painted in a neutral color (white, tan, beige, light gray, or similar color) such that any logos on the container do not show through. No signage or advertising shall be allowed on storage containers, except that storage containers allowed pursuant to Section 17.55.030B.1. may have signage or advertising that identifies the company that owns the storage container.

H.

Storage containers shall be maintained at all times from all types of visible deterioration such as rusting, peeling paint, graffiti, etc. The owner of the storage container shall be responsible for its maintenance.

I.

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

J.

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

K.

Materials stored within storage containers are subject to review and inspection by the fire chief or fire marshal.

L.

Stacking of materials on top of storage containers is prohibited.

M.

Storage containers may not be used for human or animal habitation.

(Ord. No. 610, 9-16-2024)

Any storage containers located within the city which are prohibited by this chapter shall be deemed to be nuisances in the city.

(Ord. No. 610, 9-16-2024)

Enforcement procedures and penalties resulting from violations of this chapter shall be administered pursuant to Chapter 8.12 Public Nuisances.

(Ord. No. 610, 9-16-2024)

In the event any conflict exists between the provisions of this chapter and other currently existing 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 ordinances of the city shall be and hereby are amended insofar as necessary to conform to the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 610, 9-16-2024)